Page 24 of Tortured Souls
“I can handle?—”
“I know you can handle yourself, Sky. However, as much as you think you’ve kept your identity secret, people know who you are and where you come from. Who your family is.” She breaks eye contact with me for a split second. “You are to stay by me the whole night, no exceptions. This isn’t just a rule foryou. All thegirls are not to leave our sides. It’s for your safety. We take care of our own.”
“What if I have to pee?” I knew she would have a sassy ass remark, but I would be more shocked if she didn’t.
“Tell me, and I’ll take you. My sister and her friends will be here, like I said. So, there is no reason to be off on your own at any time.”
“But—”
“No buts, Sky.” I drop my tone, my frustration with her rebellious nature getting to me. “I’m trying to keep you safe. You know as much as I do the dangers of the worlds we’ve grown up in. We stay in the group, yeah?” I brush my thumb down her cheek, cupping her chin between my fingers and looking into her caramel-brown eyes.
She nods her understanding.
“Good girl.”
SKYLAR
I like to think I’m a strong, independent, and stubborn woman; however, Saxon Wilder has me under hypnosis or something. Never have I conformed to demands as quickly as I just have, and what was that? Did he just say “Good girl?” And why is my heart racing?Pull yourself together, Sky.
We both get out of his car, but before I can even reach for my door, he’s there. Opening the door for me, he offers me his hand, which I take instinctively. I smile inwardly, trying to imagine what this scene would look like to others. Two people, full of tattoos—Saxon looking the part of the motorcycle club leader,and a misfit who’s holding the hand of the most dangerous person in town. It doesn’t matter the outward appearance of someone. Being a gentleman is a trait that Saxon is very much accustomed to. Never has a man treated me this way in all my life.I like it.
“That smile looks good on you.” The deep timbre of his voice draws me out of my mental circus that’s fogging my mind. I turn to look at him, and lock eyes with his dark orbs, locking me in my place. Standing together with his hand on my lower back, I study this man in front of me. Saxon, a long-time enemy of my family, taking me out for an evening of normalcy. Should I even be here right now? Is this a trap or a setup?
“Whatever’s racing through your head right now, tesoro, forget about it. This is just you and me. You know me, and I know you. Let’s have some fun.” He doesn’t let me answer. Grabbing the black door, he pulls it open and ushers me inside.
Loud booming music vibrates through my body the moment I step across the threshold of the door. The lights are dim and ominous as Saxon leads me down a narrow hallway. Before we reach the end, Saxon brings me to a small room off the hall. Instantly, we are bombarded by Sage, Ophelia, Bristol, Freida, Brooks, Owen, Saint, and Finn—who is currently shadow boxing his brother, who’s holding pads for him.
“Yay! You made it!” Sage’s sweet voice fills my ears as she wraps me in a huge hug. The other girls follow suit, and I have never been greeted in such a way; I push back the sting in my eyes. I look over at Saxon, who gives me a soft smile and a wink. I embrace the girls as we all hug one another. This is an experience I’ve always dreamed of having. A close-knit group of girls who except me for who I am. A clique that welcomes me with open arms regardless of my background. I’m instantly flooded with a calmness a warmth in my chest. My heart rate picks up with an overwhelming sense of happiness.
“I’m so happy you came!” Ophelia screams over the loud music, just before Owen closes the door behind us, successfully dimming the music enough to hear properly. I smile at the girls, not sure how to react. I’ve been with these girls before, of course, in the club, but never have we been out where I’m not working.
“Damn, girl, look at you! Fucking hot!” Bristol says, grabbing my wrists and pulling my arms to the side so she can look at me better.
“Right? She’s fucking gorgeous!” Sage squeals. And now I’m officially blushing.
“Thank you, guys. It’s nice to finally hangout without being at work.” They all agree with nods and continue complimenting me and pulling me closer to their group. I follow as the girls talk about the upcoming fight and so on. My eyes wander to Saxon, his strong muscular frame standing beside Saint, the pair talking and gesturing to Finn. I imagine they’re talking about his fight, but then he must sense me staring because his eyes find mine, and I can’t help the smile pulling at my cheeks.
“Earth to Sky.” I quickly turn back to the girls, not hearing what they’d said.
“What? Sorry, what did you say?” I ask Sage as Ophelia gives me a knowing smile.
“Oh, girl, you got it bad, huh?” Frieda says, making crimson heat spread across my chest and neck.
“Got what?” I feign ignorance.
“It’s okay, girl. He’s pretty freaking obsessed with you too,” Sage says, nudging my elbow.
“What do you mean?” I grab a piece of my long hair and fiddle with it, needing something to do with my hands.
“Sky.” She tilts her head to the side as if she knows I’m playing dumb. “My annoying as hell brother. He’s never brought a girl to ‘hangout’ with the group since I was old enough to tag along.” I look over towards Saxon, who is now holding the padsfor Finn. Saxon yells out combos for Finn as the pair dance around the small room.
I feel Sage come up close beside me, locking her arm around my elbow as she whispers in my ear.
“I’ve never seen him with a woman before, Sky. He looks at you differently. A good different.” I drag my gaze away from Saxon and look over at her beautiful face. “I’m glad he brought you.”
“I’m glad I came.” I give her a soft smile, my shoulders relaxing just a bit more. I am glad I came. This feels right—in so many ways. This feels right because this is what I’ve always wanted. A group of close girlfriends, a group of friends in general. A sense of belonging. And at this moment, I feel like this is exactly where I should be.
The door bursts open and a tall bald man with a white tank top barges through the door, making his presence known.