Page 16 of Bear

“You shouldn’t be alone right now, Tink. I don’t know why they’re hitting up your shop but seeing as yours was the only place in town they targeted, I’m assuming this has nothing to do with the club.”

She pushes to her feet and stumbles. I reach out a hand to steady her and Tink’s features crumple. Tears well in her eyes. I grasp her chin with my thumb and forefinger and tilt her face up to mine, but she yanks free of me.

“Don’t.”

“Why not?”

She shakes her head. “I’m too tired to fight with you.”

“It’s okay, Tink. Even enemies deserve a night off every once in a while.” I slam another shot and place the glass on the counter, then I decide it’s time for me to leave before I do something I might regret. “I’ll be back tomorrow to harass you about my bike, and you’ll still be telling me off and hate fucking me in your dirty little mind.”

“You wish.”

“Maybe I do.”

“Are you drunk? Because you shouldn’t be driving if you are.”

“Aww, you really do care.” I give her a sad smile. “I walked here, and for the record, I’m sober as a fuckin’ judge, but every second I spend in your company, I feel a little more intoxicated.”

She turns her head, her lips so close that it hurts to physically restrain myself from taking her right here. Her gaze meets mine and there’s both fear and desire in her eyes as if she’s afraid to want me, afraid to fall.

She’s an angel, but I need a fucking warrior. I can’t handle being the only one to give my heart again, so I step back, and I walk away from Jupiter before I do something really fucking stupid like lose my heart.