Page 9 of Property of Scythe (Kings of Anarchy MC: Ohio #1)

T he sky is a bright blue this afternoon with a handful of fluffy white clouds.

It rained overnight, but the ground is dry with only sporadic puddles on the asphalt where some of the children are playing hopscotch.

Most are out on the lawn, climbing on the jungle gym, swinging, or taking their turn on the slide or monkey bars.

I like to use this time to get some exercise, walking around the perimeter of the playground while I keep an eye on the kids. Mark has joined me a few times, but mostly I’m alone. Like today.

Recess is almost over when I hear a tiny thud and then a screech. I’m already running toward the monkey bars when I see Mila on the ground. She’s clutching her knee as a tiny cry leaves her lips.

Oh, no. She’s hurt.

I reach her just as the first tear slips down her cheek. “Mila, are you okay?”

“I scraped my knee.” She sniffles. “It’s bleeding . ”

Aw, poor thing. “I can help with that. Come on inside.”

I guide her back to the classroom and over to my desk. I’ve got a first aid kit I keep on hand just for this type of situation. I don’t show her what’s inside yet, but I’ve got Frozen-themed bandages.

“Is it okay if I clean your knee?”

She nibbles on her bottom lip with her teeth. “Will it hurt?”

I won’t lie to her. “It might sting a little bit, but that’s how you know the medicine is working.”

“If I’m a good girl and I don’t cry, can I have a sucker?”

I’ve got a plastic jar that sits on my desk.

It’s for prizes and rewarding the kids for good behavior, being helpful, or assisting a classmate in need.

They love looking at it each day to see if I’ve added anything new.

I bought suckers from Mystic Emporium and dumped some of them inside this morning. Mila must have noticed.

“You sure can. Sit still for me. Okay?”

She’s been swinging her legs as I kneel in front of her, but now she stops. “Okay.”

I wipe away the excess blood first and then use an alcohol pad to clean the area.

Mila winces. “Ouch.”

“Sorry, sweetie. I’m almost done.”

The injury isn’t bad. It’s just a minor abrasion and will heal quickly. I apply antibacterial ointment and cover the wound with a bandage.

Mila gasps. “It’s Elsa!”

“It is! I thought you’d like it.”

Mila jumps off her chair and throws her arms around my neck. “I love you, Ms. Bishop.”

Gah. My heart. “Me too.” I really do care about her. It’s only the second week of school, but she’s my favorite kid in the class. I try not to make that obvious, but since no one else is around, I’m not worried anyone will overhear.

“I wish you were my Mommy.”

I freeze.

“I don’t have one. She left when I was a baby.”

Oh, God. This poor little girl. Who would abandon her like that?

“I’m sorry, Mila. She’s the one who’s missing out because you’re a special girl.”

Mila steps back, blinking at me. “You think I’m special?”

“Yes. And smart, pretty, and a big helper.”

Her smile is wide as Mila swipes under her eyes, removing any trace of her tears. “Can I have a sucker now?”

“Of course.” I open the lid and let her pick.

Mila chooses a red one and walks to her desk, sitting down as she unwraps it. I organize papers on my desk and act busy, but my thoughts are replaying our conversation, wondering what happened and why Mila’s mother left.

My heart aches for her. She’s so young. A little girl needs a mother. I can’t imagine growing up without mine.

Once the rest of the kids return from recess, I get them started on a new project, watching as they use scissors, glue, and crayons to ensure no one has any accidents. At seven and eight years old, most of them don’t have issues since they practiced in Kindergarten and first grade.

The afternoon flies by, and soon parents begin arriving to pick up their kids.

The Vice Principal, Mr. Hatfield, takes the bus riders so the teachers can remain in the classrooms. I like this arrangement since it makes me available to parents in case there are any questions or issues. So far, I’ve had none.

But I do have to talk to Scythe. I know the instant he arrives. There’s just something about his presence. It’s commanding, powerful, and immediately pulls my attention from whatever I’m doing. I’m attuned to him in a way I don’t understand. It’s more than attraction, but I’ve yet to figure it out.

He nods in greeting and walks toward Mila, watching her play. I need to get his attention, so I finish my conversation with another parent and then join him.

“Hi, Scythe.”

“Hey, Lottie. Did Mila have a good day?”

“She scraped her knee at recess, but I cleaned it and gave her an Elsa band-aid. She’ll probably tell you about it.”

“Shit,” he curses low enough no one hears but me. “Thanks for taking care of her.”

“Of course.” I clear my throat, knowing the conversation I need to have is sensitive. “Mila mentioned something today. I want to talk to you about it.”

Scythe pulls his gaze from his daughter and locks it onto me. It’s almost unnerving. “What did she say?”

“That she doesn’t have a mom, and she left her.”

Scythe spears a hand through his hair and is clearly distressed by the news. “She did. Sarah left when Mila was a baby.”

“I’m sorry.”

“I’m not. I’d rather her gone before she could mess up my daughter.” I sense bitterness there and can understand how he feels.

“She said something else. I think you should know.”

He frowns. “Okay.”

“She said she wishes I were her Mommy.”

Scythe tries to hide his surprise, but I notice it.

“I’ve not done anything to encourage that,” I assure him, “but I think she might want to talk about it with you.”

He nods. “I’d like to know how you responded.”

“I told her that her mom is the one missing out because she’s a special girl. I hope that’s okay.”

“It is.” He reaches into his leather vest and pulls out his phone. “I’d like to exchange numbers in case something like this happens again. If Mila gets hurt or upset, I want to know.”

“That’s fine.” I type my information into his phone, and he dials my number.

“There. Now you’ve got mine. Text or call whenever you want.”

The offer doesn’t seem to only include information about Mila. I don’t say that aloud, but I think it.

“I saw the bikers outside my apartment the last few nights.”

“For your protection.”

“I don’t want to cause any problems for your club.”

Scythe glances around the room, noting that the three of us are all that’s left. All the other parents and children have gone home. “Lottie, I’m concerned for your safety. Until I know there’s no longer any threat, I’ll have someone outside your building at night.”

“Why?” I boldly ask. “I’m just a teacher and new in town.”

“Because this is my town, sweetheart.”

Fine.

“And also, because keeping you safe is a priority for me.”

“Because of Mila?” I ask, afraid he’ll say yes.

“Not only because of Mila.”

I blink, processing what he means. “Scythe.”

“We take this slow, Lottie. But make no mistake,” he clarifies in that gritty, sexy timbre, “we’re figuring this out. In case that’s too cryptic, I’m sayin’ you and me, baby.”

Oh, wow. “Okay,” I manage to answer beyond the sudden pounding of my heart.

He moves closer, glancing at his daughter and noticing she’s still playing with several dolls, too busy to watch us. “Come out with me tonight. It’s Friday and I want to show you off.”

“What time?”

“I’ll pick you up at eight. Wear something warm. It’ll be chilly on my bike.”

“I can do that.”

“Leave those sexy skirts at home for me. I don’t wanna kick anyone’s ass later.”

Huh?

He winks. “Wear the purple thong.”

OMG! He saw my underwear the other day! “Scythe!”

A dark chuckle tumbles from his lips. “Lottie, darlin’, you need to get used to my dirty mouth. It’s gonna be all over you soon.”

I can’t form a coherent response, fumbling as I flush so red I must look like a tomato.

“See ya at eight,” he announces before he scoops up his daughter and leaves me alone, blinking at his audacity.

I don’t know what to expect tonight, but I’m looking forward to it.

I CAN’T FIGURE OUT what to wear. It seems silly. I doubt Scythe’s going to care, but I fuss in front of the mirror, changing outfits almost a dozen times. It’s like I’ve never been on a date or kissed a man before now.

It’s been a long time, but I’m no virgin. My last serious relationship ended in college because Jace couldn’t keep his dick in his pants. I get that people want to explore and have fun during that time, but don’t make a commitment to someone if you don’t intend to keep it.

I finally choose a pair of jeans that fit snug but have plenty of stretch.

I’m wearing a deep green tank top and paired it with a cardigan that fades from top to bottom in multiple shades of green that match.

I’ve paired it with a comfortable pair of well-worn black boots, so my feet won’t hurt.

Once I add a few pieces of gold jewelry, I glance in the mirror.

I look good. My makeup is perfect, and I braided my hair, knowing the wind will only tangle it during my ride with Scythe. It’s also easier to have the long strands out of my face while we’re doing whatever it is that he has planned.

Once I’m ready, I grab a small cross-body bag and stuff the essentials into it, including lip gloss, a compact with a mirror, my keys, and wallet. I leave my room when I hear my doorbell and rush to answer it.

When I look through the peephole, I see Scythe. He grins when I open the door, whistling as he boldly checks me out.

“Goddamn, Lottie. You look good enough to eat, baby.”

I know just how he plans to do it. The idea of him diving between my legs nearly makes me clench my thighs together. “Lookin’ good yourself, biker man.”

He laughs. “Grab a coat. We’re gonna be outdoors most of the night.”

I walk to the closet and pull out my leather jacket, shrugging it on and zipping it up as we walk toward the door. Scythe is staring at me as I reach him. “What?”

“Fuck. You look smokin’ hot in leather.”

“Good to know,” I tease.

“But you’d look even better with my property patch on it.”

I have no idea what that means. “I’m sure that’s significant to you.”

“It is, darlin’. When the time is right, I’ll explain it to you. ”

“I’ll hold you to it.”

Outside, I see his bike. It’s parked in front of the building, in direct sight of the door. “I’ve never ridden a motorcycle,” I admit as he helps me with a helmet, strapping it under my chin.

“It’s easy. Hold onto me and lean into the turns.” Scythe hops on first and then gestures for me to join him.

I hike a leg over the seat and drop onto the leather, placing my hands on his shoulders. “Like this?”

“No, baby. You’ve got to get a lot closer. I should feel the heat between your thighs and those perfect tits smashed against my back.”

“Scythe!”

He’s scandalous. Who describes things that way?

A dirty biker, that’s who.

I do as I’m told, realizing this isn’t only enjoyable for him. I’m wrapping my arms around his waist, snuggling a man who radiates power, warmth, and protection. It’s an aphrodisiac on its own. “Is that good?”

He squeezes my thigh. “Yeah.”

When the Harley rumbles to life beneath me, I’m shocked as the vibrations travel up my body and settle in my core. It’s surprisingly erotic and thrilling at the same time.

“Hold on, darlin’. It’s gonna be a wild ride.”

I have a feeling that’s going to be true on and off a motorcycle with a man like Scythe.