Page 43 of Creep (Vulture Hollow MC #2)

I’m giddy thinking about a future with Creep and that tells me more than logic ever could.

When I see him from afar, talking to Prophet next to the growing bonfire, I’m buzzing to do something nice for him.

The first and simplest choice is getting him some snacks, so I turn and walk toward the food trucks with a spring to my step.

Emi meant to discourage me from staying with Creep, but talking to her has only strengthened my conviction about our budding relationship.

He makes me feel safe and seen in ways I’ve never felt with a lover.

I want to make him happy, not because it would improve his mood, but because he deserves it.

He’s always there when I need him. He listens as if every word coming from my mouth is a drop of nectar, and when he’s next to me, tickling me with his breath, I know there’s nothing to fear. I want to do the same for him and be the safe haven where he doesn’t need to fear judgment nor rejection.

I speed up at the sight of a hot dog stand, because my man likes soft things that don’t make too much noise when eaten, and the sight of a bottle of sauce that might just be sweet chili puts a smile on my face.

I’m about to walk past the two trucks that brought the wooden tables when a hand tightens around my wrist and pulls me into the shadows in a tug so hard I couldn’t have resisted even if I put all of my strength into it.

A dull ache radiates from my shoulder, but before I can voice my protest, a big hand shoves me at the side of the truck, and I end up hitting the back of my head.

It’s only then that my thoughts catch up with events, and I shrink at the sight of the familiar checkerboard tattoo covering Domino’s features. I can’t breathe, and as I shrink, my soul flees my body, leaving the rest of me to face the inevitable.

His dark eyes are devoid of emotion, and it’s strange how I instantly think back to Creep’s.

They’re just as black, yet full of so much inner turmoil.

When he looks at me, I feel seen. When Domino does it, I’m a bug pinned to his wall, and he’s the sadistic kid who’s planning to rip off each of my limbs, then leave me to bleed out, just for the fun of it.

“Where the fuck have you been, huh? Moved out. Blocking my calls. How do you think that’s gonna work out for you?”

Again, he pushes my chest, and how can he expect an answer when I can’t breathe? When I’m so terrified of dying that staying still and quiet seems like a valid course of action?

I’m shaking as my heart sinks deeper into my flesh with each beat.

“I—”

He doesn’t wait for an answer and grabs me by the throat instead.

I know that move all too well and dread those massive hands.

“You think that freak can protect you? Are you really that stupid ? He’s literally called Creep .

I can only imagine what you let him do to you.

” Domino stands even closer, breathing hard and blocking the light around us.

“We made a deal, pussy boy, and I held up my side of the bargain. You’ll regret disappearing on me.

I’m gonna wreck you, and you better still have those pink heels I got you. ”

I grab at his hands, attempting to pry away his fingers, but this only makes him tighten his hold around my neck, and the edges of my vision soften as I kick at his shins. This makes him snarl, and one of his hands unwinds from around my neck to collide with the side of my face.

I swear I feel my brain tumbling inside my skull as the dark world around me spins, about to suck me in for good, and my last conscious thought is the worry that Creep might think I’ve left him.

Creep . I only now realize Domino mocked his nickname.

I’ve been using it so much it’s lost any connotation to its origin.

I should know his name. His real name. He’s not a creep.

He’s sweet, and loving, and I will die not even knowing his name.

I swallow a sob and cover my head from another blow… but it doesn’t come.

Domino’s grip on my neck eases and I hear a familiar voice. Soft, and dark, a little louder than a whisper.

“You touch him one more time, and this blade goes between your ribs.”

Domino snarls, but I notice him stiffen as he pulls his hands away from me. “You gonna stab the road captain of the Hell’s Butchers over some bullshit and put your friends’ lives on the line?”

Creep is standing behind him, so all I see beyond Domino’s massive forms is an arm. “That’s my boyfriend you’re talking about, so you should be glad I’ve not gutted you yet.”

Domino chuckles darkly and turns around so I get to see the threatening patches on his back—two massive cleavers under a horned skull on fire. It makes me sick. I’m shaking.

“Oh, so that’s what it’s about? Is this some jealousy thing, Creep ? You do know I’m all about pussy, right? The little shit stole my beer. I couldn’t just let that slide.”

Creep pushes the knife into the pocket of his jacket, so I think it’s over, but then he kicks Domino right in the shin, and the giant in front of me topples with a furious yelp.