“Later.” I wave him off and answer the call. “What’s up?”
“Calling to let you know I got Hazel with me, dropping her at your place. Need me to hang out till you get back?”
“I’ll meet you there. Just finishing up.”
Fuck. We still have the mess Joanie made of the place to contend with. Now isn’t the time to bring a bunch of strangers around Hazel. Not that any of my brothers would do shit to make her uncomfortable but them not knowing she’s in a delicate state right now they could do something that could put her in a spiral.
I pull up to my rental. Hazel is sitting on the steps next to Slick appearing deep in conversation. Things must not have gone well with Lily. At least she’s talking to someone. I light up a cigarette and let my vehicle idle a moment not wanting to intrude. I’ve been pushing her too hard. I gotta tread carefully.
One wrong word or move could send her running. I can’t chance it. Not in the frame of mind she’s in.
Hazel stares at me through the windshield and I take that as my signal to get out.
Slick stands as I stalk toward them. “Take care of yourself, doll.”
“Go on in.” I hand my woman
the keys to unlock the front door.
Slick shoots me a weak smile. “She’s okay,” he mouths.
“Thanks for giving her a lift.”
“Anytime, brother. Either of you need anything, I’m a call away.” He gives me a nod and takes off.
I finish my cigarette before I enter the house behind Hazel. She’s standing in front of the couch staring at the mess with her arms wrapped around her center. “Hey,” I announce my presence as I come up behind her, being mindful not to startle her.
“We should get started on this.” She turns to face me, putting on a fake smile. I don’t know if it’s for her benefit or mine, but I don’t call her on it.
I’m at war with myself. All I want to do is wrap her up in my arms and kiss her like crazy. I’m scared to do or say the wrong thing. To send her running. It breaks my god damn heart to not be able to touch her without fear of sending her to a dark place.
That grim side of my heart screams to blur the lines and take what I want. To remind her that she’s mine. That we share a bond no one can break. Only I need to undo the damage that’s been done, not add to it.
“What’s going through that head of yours?”
“If I tell you, you might think me a monster.”
“You’ve never been bad a day in your life.”
“Don’t lie to make me feel better.” I thread my fingers through hers. “This okay?”
“Holding my hand?” She holds my gaze. “You don’t have to handle me like a precious doll. I’m not so easy to break. Is that what you’re worried about? That I won’t want you to touch me now?”
“I don’t want to fuck this up. I’m scared of what I’ll do if I can’t have you.”
“I’m not going anywhere.” She slides a palm up my neck. “I’m here. I’m with you.” She brings my hand to her bare throat reminding me that there’s something missing.
“Have something for you. Believe I promised I’d put diamonds around your neck.” I reach inside my cut and take out the diamond choker I picked up before I stopped by the clubhouse. “Had my eye on this a while. Guy who made my cross also made this. Think it was made for you. Your choice if you want to wear it or not.”
“I’d never reject you. Never deny you. I’ve never had a choice but to be strong, but I love that you want to give me the space and support not be, but I’ve got this. I’ve got you in my corner. It’s all I need.”
“Hope what I got is enough, babe. I don’t have much to offer. I’m an asshole. Selfish prick. Kinky bastard. I like what I like when I like it. Want what I want when I want it.”
“You’ve already given me plenty and long as I have you it’s all I need. Put this on me.”
I secure the diamond choker around the slender column of her throat and my dick goes hard as fucking steel at the gorgeous sight. There’s a small hook to chain her when I have the desire to do so, but right now I sense she needs to be the one in control.
“Now it’s official.” I smirk.