Page 6 of Zeus's Ruin

CHAPTER FOUR

Zeus

The shotgun next dooris quiet as I lead Sugar up the porch steps and into my house.She stands on the threshold, as if she’s afraid to walk through.

“I ain’t gonna hurt you darlin’.”

“It’s not that.I’m just ...what if Jimmy comes back ...with friends?”

I chuckle darkly and then cut that shit out when I see she’s serious.“You’re safer here in this house than you were next door with him.”

“I’m not worried about me.Hell, I’m used to being beaten.”She comes in and turns to lock the door behind her, but then she seems to pause as she studies the number of deadbolts on my front door.“I just don’t want to bring any more trouble to your door.”

“Darlin’, Jimmy could bring one hundred of his pissant friends, I’d still find a way to keep you safe.”

“Why are you doing this?”she asks, and then her eyes bug out because she’s clearly worried that I’ll be offended.“Not that I’m not grateful, really, I am.But ...I’m just not sure why you’re helping me.”

“Can’t leave my bestie hanging now, can I?”

She laughs, but it quickly morphs into agony.I gather my first-aid kit and some liquor, along with some ice as she softly cries and sits heavily on my couch.“I’m sorry.”

“Got nothing to be sorry for, Sugar.He should be the one apologizing but since he’s not, I’ll say it for him.I’m sorry for every hit, sorry for all the times you felt small and used and full of fear, and I’m sorry he wasted your time, your love, and your youth.Not all men use their fists.”

A strangled sob escapes her.“You’re a biker.”

I swallow hard, because she has me there.I’ve been a fully patched member of the Raiders MC since I was nineteen.I’m a fucking legacy patch, the Prez’s son.Violence is in my nature, it’s in my blood.I’ve killed for less disrespect than Jimmy showed me tonight, but I don’t hurt women.I can’t stomach that shit.Not after watching what my mother went through.Not after knowing that the man we call Prez is responsible for killing my mother, and that’s why he has to die.

“I’m sorry.”Sugar looks down at her clasped fingers and sniffles.“I didn’t mean ...Jesus, way to put your foot in it, Sugar.”

“You’re right.I am an outlaw biker.I’ve done fucked up things, stuff you’d never be able to forgive, but I don’t hurt women.”

She exhales loudly, and I gently reach out and hold the ice pack to her cheek.Her hand comes up and covers mine.It’s bruised and busted from beating the shit out of Jimmy, but she doesn’t pull away, and I don’t flinch.I actually kind of like the pain.

“Thank you,” Sugar whispers, searching my gaze.

Fuck.Those big blue eyes make me want to kiss her.I want to push her back on the sofa and show her how good I can make her feel with my head between her legs, but another guy shoving his needs down her throat is not whatsheneeds right now.Instead, I get up and lock all seven deadbolts on my front door.I grab her a blanket and pillow from the linen cupboard, and an old T-shirt from my drawer for her to sleep in, and I set them down beside her.

“Anytime, bestie.”

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