Enough(66)

* * *

The following Wednesday I stood in the kitchen of the club with MJ on one side of me and Dare on the other, both frowning at me. My bruises had faded to a purplish green and were mostly hidden by my makeup. It had been a tense week at work with testosterone skyrocketing every time the guys in the shop focused on my bruised face. But it beat hiding.

“What?” I huffed, hands on hips. “Am I or am I not welcome to cook?”

“Of course, but don’t you need a break?” MJ asked again, wringing her hands.

We’d repeated this conversation twice on the phone. The first time she’d called, tiptoeing around the issue, wondering if she should replace me. Confused by her mixed messages I tracked Dare down, made him stop mid-tattoo and explain. He’d been shocked I was considering cooking, but finally admitted MJ wanted me but felt guilty asking.

I’d called her back and said I’d be there Wednesday and she’d babbled on about whether it might be too soon plus I could avoid Thorn by waiting another week. But I held firm because I didn’t want to fear when I’d see him again. I needed to face him now.

In the end, I got my way.

Now they filled the kitchen with worry and enough testosterone to make me crazy. Turning to Dare, I pointed to the door. “You. Out there doing biker shit.”

He scowled at me.

“Now.” And I glared right back at him.

He left my kitchen, finally. The man would curdle the batter with all his bad attitude.

“You.” I jerked my chin at MJ. “Cook or leave. No fucking talking.”

She smirked at me. “You got some fire in you.” She headed to the counter where I’d set out the bacon and baking sheets.

“Blame the hair.” I fiddled with the radio, blasting out a rock station. Two hours later, MJ and I carried out the first round of meats and cakes. She’d stocked the bar with all the condiments while I flipped countless pancakes.

“I’ll help,” Dare commanded. “He’s not here.”

After we set it up, Dare and MJ dragged me to a table to eat, messing up my morning routine. Only my sixth Wednesday, but I’d found a routine. Mix, cook, serve, clean up, restock, eat and if there was time, bake.

I washed up a few dishes before refilling the platters. I pushed through the swinging door, turned toward the counter, and found myself facing Thorn’s chest. I ducked my head, emptying the pancakes into the serving pan before I dropped them. My hands shook and pulse pounded. I squared my shoulders and met his eyes. I was done cowering.

“Sorry, Lila. I fucked up so bad, hitting you. I...”

Dare headed toward us, but slowed, having heard Thorn’s words.

“Apology accepted. I, uh, didn’t know the rules. Or I’d have said I was Dare’s property.” I walked a fine line here. I refused to apologize for being put on the floor, but I didn’t have to be a bitch about it.

“Food’s best I’ve had,” he rumbled. “You ever make pies when I’m around, lemon meringue is my favorite.” He dipped his head. “Not that you need to do me any favors.”

“Dare said you leave tomorrow?”

He nodded and crunched the edges of the disposable plate. The crumpling edges made the center bow, and I thought it might break any second, just like my nerve.

Dare stepped forward but I gave him a look, hoping he’d understand I could handle this.

“Come by around two and there’ll be some lemon meringue in the kitchen for you.”

His gaze leapt up to mine. “Th-thanks, Mama.”

“You’re welcome.” I walked slowly away into the kitchen with my hands shaking, needing a few minutes to collect myself. I heard Dare talking to Thorn and breathed easier. Thorn scared me, but not in a panicked way anymore. No doubt he was dangerous, but if I were careful and kept my distance, I’d be okay. I wanted to be part of Dare’s world, which meant finding peace with Thorn. And baking was my language of comfort, so I’d bake him a pie, and remember the lesson I’d learned.

I headed for the dishes since hands in warm water always calmed me. The door swung open minutes later, and Dare stalked toward me with a soft smile, then he crushed my wet hands and the bowl between us when he kissed me, possessed me. The bowl clattered to the floor and the space between us disappeared.

Even when the kiss ended, he caressed my cheek with such tenderness. “You didn’t have to, but it was fucking perfect. To show such class and respect, no one expected it, but it touched me. Touched Thorn—kindness isn’t something he gets a lot of.”

As he hugged me to him, I melted into his big chest. I’d followed my instincts, doing what I always wished someone had done for me.