Page 24 of Wick
My eyes follow the lump in her throat as she swallows. Our eyes stay locked on each other, both in a challenge. We are facing off in a silent battle. When Vayda blinks first then looks away, I know she has omitted defeat on the subject.
Vayda closes her eyes, and her body sways as she takes a deep breath. She's fucking exhausted, and I need to get her to bed. "Come on, baby. Let's get you upstairs." Her eyes snap open when the word 'baby' escapes past my lips. I don't miss the confusion at my using the endearment, but I also don't miss the way her eyes heat every time I use it. The first time I called her that, it was a slip of the tongue. Now, it's because I like the way it sounds rolling off my tongue and most of all, I love the way she looks at me when I say it.
I'm also confusing her by sending mixed signals. Hell, I'm confusing myself. No matter how much I tell myself, I need to stay away, I can't fucking do it. Everything about this situation is fucked up. I have been telling myself for years, to stay away from this woman, that I am no good for her, but God help me, I no longer have the strength. Almost losing Vayda awakened a part of me I have kept buried for so long. The part of me that has been fighting the pull we have for each other. Vayda has no qualms about showing me how she feels. It's time I do the same. The only question is, can I get out of my own head to be the man she deserves. Because I can't help but wonder if she knew the truth about the day Damien died, could she forgive me?
With my focus on the woman in front of me, the one who looks dead on her feet and about two seconds away from passing out, I move toward her. In two strides, I come to stand in front of Vayda. I don't ask permission, and there is no warning before I scoop her into my arms, careful not to hurt her ribs.
Vayda gasps. "Malik, what are you doing?"
"I'm taking you upstairs to rest before you faceplant on my kitchen floor." I begin to make my way out of the kitchen and up the stairs. Vayda tries to wiggle her way out of my arms.
"Malik put me down. I can walk."
I stop at my bedroom door and level her with a look that has her halting her movements. "I know you're a tough woman, Vayda. Hell, anyone who knows you, knows you're badass. That's not something you let people forget, either."
Her lip twitches.
"But right now, you're going to give me this. You're going to pocket your tough exterior and your independence and let me take care of you." I swallow the lump in my throat. "I could have fuckin' lost you." The last part comes out harsher than intended. Vayda is a bit taken aback by my tone, but relaxes in my arms and nods.
When I walk into my bedroom, I carry her straight to my king size bed and lay her down. Her exhaustion shows when her body melts into the blanket, and she lets out a heavy sigh as her head hits the pillow. I don't miss the way she turns her head and inhales my scent that lingers where she lays. When her eyes open they lock on mine. Vayda's eyes leave mine, traveling south, and there is no hiding the hard-on currently pressed against the zipper of my jeans. When she sees my noticeable erection, her gaze lingers a moment before sliding back up to my face. This time I am the first to break the silence. "I got to meet the guys at the clubhouse. There is some shit we need to sort out, one being that woman we brought with us and her kid."
Vayda nods, her eyes getting heavier.
"I'll be back in a while. Josie will be stopping by with your medicine, some clothes and food. She is going to stay with you until I get back. She has a key to the house and the alarm code, so you don't have to get up."
At my last statement, Vayda's posture goes rigid, and her eyes flare. "I don't need one of your club girls to take care of me," she snaps.
It's stupid of me to do so, yet I can't help but grin at Vayda's jealousy. My grin turns into a full-fledged smile when she continues.
"On second thought, I don't think I want to stay here if you're going to have women coming and going all day."
"Josie is not my woman. Her job is to tend to the brothers and help out any way we ask. She also doesn't have access to my home twenty-four-seven. Today is an exception. When Josie heard about what happened she insisted on helping out."
Vayda clenches her teeth. "Whatever."
Losing my smile, my face goes soft. "Get some rest, baby."
Just before I walk out of the room, I stop at the door and look over my shoulder. "Just so you know, I haven't been with any woman in months." I don't wait for a reply. I walk out of the bedroom, down the stairs and to the foyer where I set the alarm. Before climbing on my bike, I fire off a quick text to Josie letting her know Vayda is resting and to let her sleep when she gets here. Josie texts back immediately saying she's leaving the grocery store now and will be here in ten minutes. Payton and Josie are great girls and they are easy to get along with. They are also not catty or territorial over us brothers. They know their place with the club and have no problems with the dynamics of how things work. I wasn't lying when I told Vayda I haven't touched a woman in months. Vayda will see for herself neither Josie nor Payton are a threat. I have no doubt the girls' charm will shine through, and they will all become friends. Hell, Luna was stand-offish at first when she first arrived at the club and met the girls, but now they are the best of friends. Josie and Payton are as loyal to the Old Ladies as they are us men.
Entering the clubhouse,I find my brothers scattered throughout the room. Riggs nods from where he's rooted on a stool at the bar. "You get Tequila squared away?"
"Yeah, brother. She's settled."
"She still givin' you a hard time?"
I sidle up to the bar next to Riggs. "Naw. She was too tired. We'll see how things go once she's had some rest."
"I talked with Josie earlier. She said she was runnin' some errands for you, and then she was going to sit with Tequila while you are gone." Riggs gives me an 'are you crazy' look. "You tell Tequila she was comin'?"
I take a cigarette from the inside of my cut and light it. "Yep."
Riggs chuckles. "I don't imagine that went over well. Not with the death glares thrown your way anytime you so much as stand within arm's reach of one of the girls." Riggs claps me on the back and chuckles. "Good luck with Tequila not ripping your balls off."
"Thanks," I say dryly. "I'm going to need it." I take one final drag of my cigarette before snubbing it out.
"Alright!" Riggs bellows standing from his seat. "I'm callin' church."
One by one my brothers and I follow our Prez into church. The moment the door slams shut; he slams the gavel. "First things first. I know you all have been clued in on what happened in Mexico with Tequila. Her mission was compromised, and she along with her team were captured by Cortez. You also know, that son of a bitch got away. It fuckin' sucks, but our main concern was getting Tequila and her team out, which is exactly what we did."
