Prodigal Son(67)

Luke laughed with me before he set down his coffee and leaned over to take my hand. “Krystal, I want you to know that I meant everything I said yesterday. This isn’t just about the sex — although there’s gonna be a lot more of that. I really like you, and I want to be with you. You’re mine now, and whatever we have to do to sort that out with the Sons and with Bug, that’s what we’ll do. You belong to me, and I don’t share.”

Well, I’d wanted Luke to be more assertive, and it looked like I’d gotten that … in spades. I squeezed his hand. “I’m all yours, Luke, and not just because you’re protecting me. I’m yours because you’re a good man, and I want to be with you.”

“Fair enough,” he said, returning to his coffee. “So what’s the game plan for today?”

“I looked in the mirror, and I’m definitely not going to be able to go to work for a few days. I’ve already texted my manager, and I’m waiting to hear back from him. Really, the only other thing I need to do is find some way to get my stuff out of Bug’s house.”

“I’ll call Joker and see what we can do about getting Bug out of the house so you can get what you need.”

Despite my aching jaw, and the fact that I had one set of clothing in my possession, and I wasn’t sure where I would live, I felt warm and safe, and like a very fortunate girl.

“Do you have things set up?” I asked an hour or so later, after I’d had a chance to shower and get dressed.

“All set,” Luke answered. “Joker talked to Bug, and he’s left town for a couple of days — going to visit Jimmy in Fort Collins.”

I breathed a sigh of relief. “Does he know I’m going to get my stuff?”

“Joker told him, and he told him that he’s not to come anywhere near you.”

“Does he know about you and me?” I asked, worried about what would happen when Bug got back into town.

“Don’t know. Don’t care,” Luke said, jaw set in a determined line. “I’ll deal with Bug if I need to, but he’ll realize soon enough that he’s better off just staying the fuck outta my way.”

Wow. It was like Luke had gone to Arizona a boy and come back a man. “Maybe we’ll get lucky and he’ll move to the Fort Collins chapter,” I said, hoping that somehow, I’d never have to see Bug again.

“He can do whatever he likes, except for touching you again,” Luke said, in a tone of voice that said he’d entertain no arguments to the contrary.

“Ready?” he asked, holding his hand out for mine.

“Absolutely,” I answered, looking forward to leaving Bug behind and moving on to the next chapter of my life.

On the way to Bug’s, Luke and I talked about the future. Luke knew that he couldn’t live at the Ritz forever, and I was surprised to hear that he’d looked into a few houses for rent.

“I want to buy or build something eventually, but renting will give me a chance to figure out exactly where I want to live in the area.”

“Are you going to sell your condo in Arizona?”

“Ever been to Flagstaff?” he asked.

“No. I hear Arizona’s hot.”

“Parts of it are, and Flagstaff gets hot during the day in the summer, but because of the elevation, it cools down at night. It’s a gorgeous city, and I think I’ll keep the condo. I can take you there and introduce you to my old friends — before my MC days.”

We both laughed, and I realized how much his life had changed in a relatively short period of time.

“Aren’t you worried about money?” I couldn’t imagine having enough money to be able to pay for more than one place to live.

“I told you that my parents left me some money. If I’m smart — and I am — I won’t have to worry about money ever again. And if you’re smart — and I’m sure you are — neither will you.” He reached out and took my hand, and we were quiet for the rest of the drive to Bug’s neighborhood.

Luke pulled into the driveway, and I realized that all of my muscles were tense. I wanted to get my shit and get out of there.

He put the Jeep into park. “I’m going to stay out here and keep an eye out for Bug. I don’t trust that he won’t come back and try to catch you here.”

I nodded.

“When you have everything packed up, let me know, and I’ll help you carry it out.”

“Will do.” I stood on my tiptoes and kissed Luke. “Thanks again.”

“No thanks necessary, gorgeous,” he said, getting out of the car and leaning against it. “I’ll be right here when you’re ready.”