Page 14 of Craved By Gray

“It’s dangerous,” I argue, my heart aching at the thought of this man getting hurt. “If he finds out…”

Gray crosses the distance between us and slides his hand to my nape before pulling me in for a kiss, and in turn, scrambling all thoughts from my mind. I close my eyes at the soft brush of lips. This is not the time or place, and I know Ishould push him away, and I lift my hand to do exactly that but find myself pulling him closer, breathing in the smell of leather clinging to him.

My heart is racing when he finally pulls back, those blue eyes searching mine. “You don’t have to worry about me, princess,” he promises, placing another kiss on my lips. “I can take care of myself. You’ll get me all those files, and I’ll bring him and the rest of the Vipers down.”

“Okay,” I breathe, feeling lightheaded from the kiss.

“Good girl. I’m going to leave, but I’ll see you later.”

“Later?”

“Your father asked me to give you a ride home,” he says with a smirk, pulling back, and I immediately miss his warmth. “We can finish this later.”

I’m blushing fiercely when he finally leaves, closing the door softly behind him. He’s seducing me, I realize. I’m not blind to what is happening, but I am helpless to stop it. I’m being seduced into betraying my father.

There’s hardly anything I can do but let it happen. I just have to hope we both survive the fallout.

Chapter Six

Gray

She doesn’t know?

Hard to believe that Scarlett, the girl who handles the club’s finances doesn’t know where most of the money was coming from. The man was making big bucks before we shut down his gentlemen’s club.

Or maybe she just doesn’t want to believe that for all his faults, her father is more of a monster than most people realize. Whether or not I like it, the man is her father, but her unwillingness to believe that he is capable of heinous acts could be a roadblock in my mission.

Scarlett is the key. I didn’t come in expecting to get to the man through her, but she holds the key. She is the only person he trusts. Despite all the threats he’s made to her, the man still trusts her. I guess blood might be thicker after all.

I try to quell my frustrations as I take a step at a time, heading downstairs to where most of the members are. Unlike the Rebels who are always on the move, the Vipers spend most of the day drinking, watching games, and playing pool. This place is more like a frat house than a biker club, but it works to my favor since I can easily access the members.

I can’t afford to be irritated with how slow everything’s going, so I fix my expression as I walk toward the group playing pool. There is a smile on my face as I slowly approach toward the group, trying to blend in and not make it obvious that I am there to eavesdrop.

“Yo, Pete, do you play?”

The voice belongs to a heavily bearded guy called Hill. The man is built like one, so I figure that’s how he got the nickname. “Some,” I respond even though I could outplay every single one of them, but a prospect isn’t supposed to be good at anything. Eager, sure. Show off? Now that would draw more attention to me, and not the good kind if I show up the older members.

“Why don’t you join us for a game?” he asks, and I can tell he’s not doing it with the intention of including a prospect. I’m great at reading people, and with Hill, I can tell there’s a catch. “It’ll be fun.”

I try to appear nonchalant as he invites me to play. I’m a decent player, but there is no way I’ll let it show, so I play it cool, acting like I’m excited just to be included.

“What are the stakes?” I ask, picking up the cue stick, my fingers instinctively finding their familiar grip.

“We’ve all got a little bet going,” Hill says with a smirk, and by the sneers I spot on some faces, I figure it’s something stupid. “If you win, I will let you take my bike for a spin. A prospect like you should see that as an honor.”

I wouldn’t get on his bike if he paid me a million bucks. I sigh at the memory of my new Harley filled with the Rebels insignia, locked in my garage, awaiting my return. I’ve had to settle for a Honda Rebel 3000 I got from Axel, our club’s mechanic. The old girl is a darling on the road, but it’s nothing compared to the Harley Davidson Road King I have locked away.Whatever Hill rides is not impressive enough for me to consider it a reward.

“What happens if I lose?” I ask, stepping up to the pool table.

The men laugh, elbowing each other, and I stand patiently until they’re done. “You bring us the little princess’s bra.”

I tap my cue stick on the table, contemplating their words. “How would I even get that? Besides, Stone would kill me—”

“Stone is gone all afternoon for a meeting. He won’t know if you don’t tell him,” Hill says, eyes hardening. “And as to how you get it, that’s for you to figure out when—I mean, if you lose the game. Besides, I heard Stone instruct you to give the girl a ride home. I’m sure you can work out a way to get it.”

I fight back the urge to sigh. There is no winning this game. Not playing is not an option either. Here, I’m supposed to be a prospect. One that doesn’t challenge the members if I don’t want to start shit.

“Fine,” I say, and immediately someone jumps up to organize the balls. “I’ll go first.” With a low sigh, I aim for a casual, almost careless stance and do a great job of acting surprised when I miss the first ball, letting out a mock groan of disappointment.

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