Page 17 of Phantom
“What do you mean?”
He shrugged. “Aren’t all women only worried about themselves?”
It took everything in me not to deck him. “I’m sure there are countless selfless women.”
Bullet looked at me out of the corner of his eyes. “I’ve never met one. I don’t trust women, and I really think it’s in your best interest to be of the same mindset.”
“Maybe you shouldn’t worry about what I do.”
Bullet scoffed. “Fine. Don’t say I never tried to help you.” Just like that, he was up and gone from the seat. Whatever had happened with him and women had left a wide gash that was still bleeding profusely.
The Steel Knights were rather dented.
Tess came back to the table to collect Lockjaw, and then we left the bar without saying goodbye to anyone. It wasn’t until we were in her car and already traveling down the road back toward her house that she said anything else.
“What did Bullet want?” she asked.
“He was warning me not to trust you.”
She laughed. “Fucking asshole. I’d probably have an easier time working the rest of them over if it wasn’t for him.”
“Mommy issues?” I asked.
She shrugged. “Who fucking knows. I just wish my dad would stop keeping me from knocking his lights out.” I didn’t respond. I honestly didn’t know how to. I couldn’t imagine what it must be like, trying to lead a group of people who hated you. “Anyway, if it wasn’t clear before, you can have my guest room for as long as you’re here. It’s rarely used, only when friends get too drunk and have to crash.”
“Do you have a lot of friends outside of the club?”
She laughed. “I have to, don’t I? They all hate me.”
“Yeah, I could tell.” I shook my head. “I promise I’ll never do that.”
Tess pulled her car into the driveway of her house and then turned it off. She looked over at me, and all of her haughtiness was gone, leaving only a gentleness behind. “Thanks.”
As much as I knew I shouldn’t sit and stare, I couldn’t help myself. She was just too beautiful. “You’re welcome.”
I wasn’t unaware of the way Tess lingered in the doorway of the guest bedroom as we both prepared to go to bed that night, but I bit the inside of my cheek and kept my temptations in check. I was happy to be around Tess again, but I needed to be sure not to complicate things by getting so attached that I lost sight of my end goal. Get my bike fixed, get some money, and get out. The sooner, the better.
“Well, I guess I’ll see you in the morning,” Tess said with a sultry rasp to her voice.
I nodded, smiling. “I guess you will.”
Chapter Seven
Phantom
I stirred to the feeling of a heavy weight settled on top of me and warm breaths on my face. I groaned as I shifted—my still partially burned stomach didn’t appreciate the extra pounds—but the weight only moved with me. Finally, I forced my eyes open and saw that Lockjaw was lying on top of me, his mouth wide open and huffing on me as he snored while he slept.
I heard a snicker from the doorway and looked over to see Tess leaning against the frame, watching us with a smile. “I swear, he’s not usually like that with people.”
She looked next to none in a pair of short jean shorts that strangled her thick thighs and a neon green tank top with a healthy swooping neckline. Her hair was up in a bun, allowing her intoxicating gray eyes to be the star of her face, and she had a cup of coffee held between her hands.
I tapped Lockjaw on his head. “He’s a good boy.”
“He is.”
I tried my best to sit up in a way that wouldn’t disturb the sleeping pit bull on my stomach. “Didn’t you say you stole him?”
Tess smiled. “I did.”
