Page 12 of Abel

There was no way for me to know she was all alone, but clearly the signs were there. The biting of her lip, the worried expression when she thinks she’s done something wrong, how I never see her talk to anyone, and nobody ever comes to visit her… Fuckingallof it. I’m gonna make it my business to find out all that I can. Even if that means tracking down her family.

It fucking blew my mind when she said she was all alone. After today, she’ll never be alone again. All the guys, especiallyCapone, will soon become a part of her life. Brothers she never knew she needed, with the exception of Capone.

I know she has a crush on him from the few times he’s popped up to the job with motorcycle club business. She never once questioned me, just had those googly eyes most girls get around Capone, and asked how we knew each other. “Gimme your phone, Em.” I say, holding out my hand while she fetches her phone from her pocket. Capone would definitely appreciate her outfit even though it’s a uniform. He has a thing for women in uniform.

“Here you go. The code is one-zero-two-five.” She says, and I recognize the date.

Capone’s birthday? How or when did she find that out? Instead of asking her, I silently punch it in, waiting for the phone to unlock before I save my number. I give myself a call from her phone so I can save her number. “There, I’ll text you the address. Call me if you get lost or anything.”

Her hand wraps around the phone, almost scared to take it back like I put a virus on it. “Thanks. Abel, are you sure about this?”

“Emily, don’t. I’m very upset with myself because it took this long to do this. It just doesn’t sit right with me and I’m gonna fix that.” I promise, surprising my own damn self.

I can tell by the smile on her face that she’s a little happier. “Okay, Abel, if you insist.” She answers, pocketing her phone. “What time should I be ready or whatever?” Her shyness is so adorable, but I want to know how fierce she can really get when the Phoenix inside is awakened.

“Be ready for seven o’clock. The party doesn't really get started until much later, but I want to introduce you to everyone.” She perks a little.

“Cool. Okay, well, I’m gonna go home and get a little studying done before then.”

“Studying, are you in school?”

“Yeah, I’m actually in nursing school.” She smiles, hugging herself.

“Yeah?” She shakes her head yes. “That's amazing. How long do you have left? What kind of nurse do you want to be?”

I’m not sure how long we talked, but I learned some things about her favorite food, which is Chinese. She absolutely loves to dance and is in her second year of nursing school. At the rate she’s going, she’ll graduate at the top of her class.

“There’s so much more to tell, but I’m not trying to bore you to death with my life story.” She laughs, but it doesn’t reach her eyes. I’ve decided I won’t dig unless she tells me otherwise. “I’m sorry if I come off as shy and sheepish around you, but I’ve been… Hurt, badly before, and I keep my guard up.” So much for wondering what happened to her.

“I completely understand that. No need to go into detail. All in due time, right?” She simply nods, stands up and pushes the chair back under my desk.

“Well, I’d better get out of here.” I take a moment to admire her simple beauty. Caramel-colored, long brown hair with striking, honey-tinted eyes, threatening to pull you into their endless sea of warmth on a fine summer day. High, rosie cheeks that look so good when they flush a deep shade of red. Thick-framed, black glasses that perch on top of a cute, button nose.

She’s any man with a working set of eyes, dream come true.

I love all women, but there’s just something about a brown-skinned beauty that calls to my inner wolf.

And I’ve been answering whenever the call comes through.

“Yeah, we both better put a move on, but Em, I must warn you.” She stops, mid-stride towards the door.

Turning around to face me with a worried look on her face she asks, “Warn me?” her body begins to shake and I immediately recant what I said.

“Let me rephrase that, who I am at work versus who I am outside are two totally different people. Here, I have to be professional and keep things cordial with members of the staff. But when I’m with my crew… I’m a ruthless man.”

I watch her face twitch, the hint of a smile mixed with laughter on the horizon right before it bubbles up and out past her lips. Glad for the sudden change in atmosphere. “You, a ruthless man… I had no idea.” She says, rolling her eyes. “Your inked hands and skin under those scrubs didn’t give nothing away, Abel.” She says in a mocking tone. She really surprised the shit out of me by coming around my desk and placing a kiss on top of my head. “I’ll call you when I’m en route.”

“Yeah, yeah, get outta here.” Just by opening up a little bit, I feel better about her. I don’t think she was ever a threat, but I can never be too sure.

Grabbing my things, I hit the light switch and leave.

I’m ready for some fun.

Chapter Six

Abel

The only thing that will soothe my body after a long day is a hot shower.

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