Page 35 of Sinful Lies
Reed swallows hard and rests his forehead to mine. “It’s not safe for them to be here. We’re taking them ourselves. Chainz thinks the man Ben works for knows where they are.”
“And me?” I choke out.
“You’re not going anywhere. A few of my brothers will stay behind to keep you safe. I’ll be back as soon as I can.”
“What am I supposed to do while you’re gone?”
“Anything you want but stay here and if they tell you to do something, just do it.” He presses a kiss to my forehead. “Walk out with us and say goodbye. You won’t see them again.”
The thought of that saddens me, but there’s no use in dwelling on it. They deserve to go home. They deserve to be safe. “Ok.”
I plaster a fake smile on my face and head back to say my goodbyes to Celina, Andrea, and Maddie.
****
Reed helps Celina intothe passenger side of a black Ford Ranger and closes the door. Circling the back of the truck to where I’m waiting, dreading saying goodbye, he draws me in close to his body. I can feel every rippling muscle beneath his cut, and I want to hold on to him longer, but I know he needs to go. I lift my face up towards his and place a soft kiss on his lips. When I pull away, he’s fighting a hint of a smile tugging at the corners of his lips. I guess tough guys don’t smile.
“Take care of her.” I tell Tank.
“Remember what I said. Stay here.” He winks at me and squeezes my ass, sending shades of red shooting up my neck and across my face. I watch as he slides into the cab of the truck and pulls off toward the gate. Maddie and Andrea are riding in separate trucks, following behind him along with a row of bikes bringing up the back. The gate slides open automatically as the first truck approaches. The trucks take off in different directions, with two riders following behind each one. When the last caravan clears the gate, it closes behind him. The clinging of the metal sends chills through me. For a moment, I’m behind that cage door again.
“Inside.” Reaper orders.
“Can we stay out here a little longer?” His eyes are like charcoal staring down at me. “I need to work off this nervous energy.”
“And do what?” He asks, as we both glance around at the parking lot that’s now mostly empty except for a few bikes. The van and my car contorted at an odd angle from the flat tire.
I let out a frustrated sigh. “Maybe change the tire on my car?”
He raises his brow and cocks his head to the side, “Change your flat for what? You’re not leaving.”
“I know, but it’ll help me work through this shit in my head. Please? I’ll do it myself.”
Reaper lets out a roaring laugh, only to be silenced when Raven punches him on the arm.
“When a woman asks for help, you help her, you big lug.” Reaper pretends to rub his muscular arm and growls under his breath. “Don’t mind him. He’s more Teddy Bear than Grizzly once you get to know him.”
“Good to know.” I laugh at the playful banter between them. I can see why Reed likes it here.
“Reaper will find you what you need. I’m going to help Cat inside.” She nudges him again until he moves from his spot. I follow him around back of the clubhouse to an unattached garage.
“There.” He lifts his head to the side, pointing out a row of used tires. Crossing his arms over his broad chest, he watches me to see how far I’ll take this.
“Thanks.” I step around him and search for one that would fit. My stubbornness gives me an advantage in this standoff. If he thinks I’m some debutant princess that can’t handle her own shit. He’s dead wrong. A girl can’t always rely on a man. My father drilled this lesson into me from a young age. Despite his faults, he loved me and did his best to prepare me for anything. What my father hadn’t already taught me by fifteen, Reed did.
When I find the right size tire, I give it a tug to dislodge it from the rack. The weight makes me stumble backwards, but I steady myself before I land on my ass. Shifting myself behind the tire, I roll it across the parking lot. It’s a lot further now than it was on the walk back here, but I’m determined.
By the time I reach my car, my pace slackens and I’m panting. Beads of sweat drip down between my cleavage and my muscles already burn from the effort. Yet, the pain is exhilarating. I drop the tire to the ground and glance up at Reaper. He’s still standing guard over me and taking in my hysterical act with a crooked smile plastered on his face. He remains quiet and reaches into the front of the car to pop the trunk. I let out a heavy sigh and get back to work.
I can’t fix this fucked up situation I find myself in or rid myself of the guilt I feel, but I can fix this damn tire. I place the jack under the frame of the car, pump the lift just enough to secure it, and get to work on the lug nuts. The lug wrench is awkward in my small hands. I twist at the bolt and my fingers slip, eliciting a curse as my knuckles crack against the metal. I hold tighter and push down with all my force, hoping and praying that the stupid nut nudges. I can hear Reaper holding back his laughter as I fight the damn thing.
With each bloody tug and twist, the emotions I’m holding close to my chest break free. My heart is thumbing so hard it pulses in my ears. Word vomit spews from my mouth as it all comes retching out with frustration, fear, and, worse of all anger.
“Fuck you Reed, for leaving me.”
“Fuck me, for loving you anyway.”
“Fuck you Ben, for taking the best years of my life.”
