Page 2 of Scorpion (Riders of Retribution #4)

Lilah

It’s probably too early to tell if this ridiculous fake dating plan my brother and I schemed up actually worked, but somehow I’ve gotten through the rest of my day without any intrusions from Dan.

Normally, he’s at my desk once every hour, sometimes more than that.

He’s always got something to say, even though usually it just creeps me out.

I think that it helps that Scorpion played his part so well.

When he showed up with flowers, I couldn’t stop myself from seamlessly falling into the role of girlfriend.

That kiss was pure instinct. What else are you supposed to do when the hottest man you’ve ever seen shows up and gives you a dozen roses?

Although, the more I think about it, the more I realize that it shouldn’t have been so easy to get Dan off my back.

He’s overbearing, and he’s never taken no for an answer before.

I figured he’d come back to me at least once to interrogate me about Scorpion and insist that he’s the better option. Instead, he’s stayed far away.

I’m not complaining by any means. This is definitely the best day of work I’ve had in a long time.

But, as I start packing up my things, I begin to feel a little silly about asking Scorpion to come meet me after work.

Dan might be a creep, but I highly doubt he’s going to accost me in the parking lot hours after meeting my boyfriend.

Selfishly though, I’m looking forward to seeing Scorpion again.

When I’m nearly done logging out of my computer and shoving my water bottle into my backpack, someone approaches the desk.

I turn around, wondering if a last minute client has wandered in.

I groan internally; some idiot who doesn’t know the meaning of “Hours: 9:00-5:00” is the last thing I want to deal with right now.

Actually, I take that back. A last minute client would be preferable to Dan, who’s standing right in front of me with an ugly look of determination on his face. The customer service smile I was wearing immediately drops, and I stare at him, waiting for him to say whatever nonsense he’s thought up.

“Who the hell was that guy?” he asks, puffing his chest up and staring at the roses on my desk as though they’ve personally wronged him.

“Scorpion?” I ask, unable to keep the annoyance out of my tone. “I told you, he’s my boyfriend.”

“Bullshit!” Dan cries, throwing his hands in the air. I slink back, reaching into my bag for my phone. “How did you even meet?”

“My brother introduced us,” I say, managing to keep my voice from wavering with fear. “He’s a member of one of the local motorcycle clubs.”

“You and I both know you deserve better than some meathead,” he spits. Before I’m able to counter, to come to Scorpion’s defense, Dan continues. “When did you start dating? And why the hell didn’t you tell me?”

“I didn’t tell you because I didn’t think it was appropriate to bring personal business into the office,” I say, straightening up. “And, we’ve been dating for a few–”

“You know I’d treat you so much better than that thug does,” he says, a scary sort of fire in his eyes.

I glance around the office, wondering how the two of us ended up here alone.

Was I really so lost in my thoughts that I didn’t notice?

“I could take you out on nice dates, give you flowers nicer than those. They look like he got them at the goddamn grocery store.”

“It doesn’t matter where he got them,” I say defensively. “He saw them and bought them for me. It’s the thought that counts. Not how much money he spent or where he got them. I don’t care about things like that.”

“Of course you do,” Dan says, pointing an accusatory finger my way. “All women do! And I can show you a whole fucking world that he can’t.”

“Dan, I’ve already told you I’m not interested,” I say, forcing myself to remain civil. He’s completely unhinged and if I say one wrong thing, he might unleash whatever messed up energy he’s got bouncing around inside him on me. “I shouldn’t have to tell you multiple times.”

“Dump him,” he says, slamming his hands down on my desk like a child throwing a tantrum. “Dump that asshole and let me take you out.”

“I’m not going to dump my boy–”

“Then don’t dump him, but let me take you out anyway,” Dan cuts me off. That nasty smirk is back on his face, his patchy mustache curling around it in a way that makes my stomach turn. “I promise you’ll be ready to get rid of him by the end of the night.”

“I’m not a cheater, thanks,” I say, my hands digging into my bag with even more force. God, where is my phone? I have to get out of here. I need someone. I need Scorpion. “Seriously, Dan. I’m fl–flattered, but I’m not interested. I’m sure there’s someone out there–”

“You,” he says, interrupting me again. It’s like he doesn’t want me to get a single word out. “ You are the person for me, Lilah.”

“I promise, I’m not.”

“And I’ve been nice,” he continues, completely ignoring me.

He takes a step like he’s about to come behind my desk. God, is there pepper spray in my backpack? I can’t remember.

“I’ve been patient, thinking you just didn’t realize how good I’d be for you,” he says, the look in his eyes accusatory and predatory.

“But obviously, you haven’t figured that out.

It’s okay. You’re still young. You just don’t know what you want or what’s good for you.

So, you’re dumb enough to fool around with a guy like that. ”

Those words shouldn’t sting, but they do. Having my intelligence insulted feels like the worst kind of dagger. I open my mouth to respond, the trepidation I felt earlier morphing into rage. Before I can get any words out, someone clears their throat.

“Is this guy bothering you?” a deep voice that I’m coming to associate with warmth and safety asks.

Scorpion.

For a beat, I consider saying that Dan is bothering me. But, I think better of it. I can tell by the look in Scorpion’s eyes that he won’t hesitate to beat the crap out of this guy. The thought is hot, I won’t lie, but I’m going to be the bigger person.

So, I say, “No. We were just talking.”

Still, I give Dan a pointed look to convey that he needs to drop everything. I hope he realizes that I just saved him from himself.

“Could have fooled me,” Scorpion says, leveling Dan with a glare.

Dan stands there, simmering in his anger.

He doesn’t make any sort of moves to get closer to me, though.

I take the opportunity to gather my things and come out from behind the desk.

In an attempt to prove that I’m off limits, I hook my arm with Scorpion’s.

The way Dan’s face contorts with disgust is delicious.

Then, before I even know what’s happening, Scorpion’s strong hand is on my jaw, tilting my head up. I have a second to admire his chiseled face and soft brown eyes before he’s leaning in. The last thing I see before his lips crash into mine is that shock of short brown hair.

This kiss isn’t anything like the one I initiated earlier. Scorpion’s mouth is insistent, passionate. I struggle to keep up, a surprised noise escaping my mouth. On instinct, I bring my hands up, throwing one around his neck and tangling the other in his surprisingly soft hair.

We part far too soon, my chest heaving and every nerve in my body screaming for more. I’m leaning in, intent on kissing him again when I remember where we are. Suddenly, my face goes red, and I hide it in Scorpion’s muscular chest.

I can practically hear the steam coming out of Dan’s ears, and Scorpion’s posture takes on a self-satisfied air.

I feel giggly, like a schoolgirl with a crush.

Then, when Scorpion’s lips graze the top of my head, I realize I might as well be.

Because I definitely have a crush on this handsome hunk of man that swooped in and saved me.

The quiet settles over us, and eventually my face starts to come down to a normal temperature.

I pull away slowly, glancing up at Scorpion first. He’s glaring at Dan, and I think that if that hateful look was aimed at me, I’d melt into the floor.

When I turn my attention to Dan, he looks like he’s about thirty seconds from doing so.

“Come on, babe,” Scorpion says, pulling my backpack from my shoulders. “Let’s go get dinner.”