Tanner:A Black Widow MC Romance(17)

I fell into her eyes as she told me her story. I couldn't believe she was opening up to me so much. She was so attractive and her deep cleavage was so captivating that it was hard to look away. Randy came over and set a beer in front of me, breaking my concentration.



Grace continued, “When I became a doctor, I thought I'd finally get the recognition I deserved. But my parents only pushed me harder. I cut off all contact with them and they left me with a huge load of student debt to pay off. That was a couple years ago.”



“Damn that sounds rough.”



Grace faked a smile. “Enough about my family. Tell me about yours.”



I was afraid she was going to say that. “I don't want to make tonight anymore depressing than it already is.”



“It's only fair. I told you everything about me. Your turn now.” Grace crossed her arms and gave me a smug look.



I took a long sip of beer. “I grew up in a trailer home with my mom and dad. I had a really good childhood. Randy could attest to that. But when I was eight, I came home early and found my dad...” Don't get choked up, Tanner! You're over it now. It's all in the past. I took a breath and continued, “My father committed suicide with a gun.”



“Holy fuck,” Grace whispered, her hand reaching out to mine on the bar.



“My mom couldn't handle it and sent me away to live with my grandparents. They lived a few blocks down from the Black Widow MC and the rest is history.”



“I'm so sorry, Tanner. That is so terrible. I can't believe I was complaining about my family when you went through all that.”



“Don't worry about it. It was a long time ago. Let's move on.” I waved Randy over. “More drinks, bartender!”



Grace looked around the room. “Do you know where the bathroom is?”



I pointed to the back of the bar. She smiled and left with her purse. I downed my beer and thought the night was going pretty well. Just don't fuck it up, Tanner.



“Mr. King, what a pleasure to see you here.” That voice was like nails on a chalkboard. I turned around to see the one face I hoped wouldn't be here tonight—my ex-girl Skylar. She was my only girlfriend that ended years ago but she was obsessed with me. A tattoo of my name was permanently marked across her chest. Skylar loved walking around thinking she was my property.



“Not now Skylar, not tonight,” I said through clenched teeth, the anger in my belly already rising.



She pouted those big red lips that I thought used to be so sexy. Skylar draped an arm around me and kissed me on the cheek. I tried to shove her away but she was persistent. She blew in my ear and whispered, “Take me home tonight, Tanner. I want you to fuck me until I scream.” Skylar grabbed my arm and placed it down her shirt.



I instantly pushed her away and then I saw her—Grace was standing ten feet away. She saw the entire thing. Tears were filling her eyes. I stood up to defend myself but she turned and ran off. I chased after her calling her name over and over again.



I caught up to her outside in the parking lot and grabbed her hand. “Don't go, Grace,” I yelled.



She tossed my hand away. “I'm only gone for five minutes and you already found a whore to keep you warm for the night.” She began to cry softly, the tears choking her throat.



“It wasn't like that, Grace. Let me explain. She means nothing to me. Skylar is just an ex-girlfriend.”



Shit! Maybe I said too much.



“I knew it was a bad idea to go on a date with you.” I went for her hand again but she slapped me right across the face. “Don't touch me. I never want to see you again.” Her words hurt more than my stinging cheek.



Grace rushed away and left me alone in the parking lot. I really fucked up this time. I went back into the bar with my head lowered. Randy better keep the place open late because I'm going to need to drink for a long while.





Chapter Twelve





Grace





I thought Tanner was different. But he was exactly like every other damn biker that I fixed up over the years. I couldn't believe I was so naive. How could I be so stupid? All men are the same—stupid boys that only think with their dicks.



I could barely see the sidewalk through my water-filled eyes as I tried to search for a ride home. It was late and they're weren't many cars on the road. It would be hard to find a taxi this late. My fingernails dug into my palms as I remembered that slut with her hands all over Tanner. I'd like to wring her neck out if I got the chance. The rage inside surprised me. How could I be so angry when I barely knew Tanner?



My hand still hurt from the slap I gave Tanner. Was that too harsh? I didn't usually let my emotions control me like that. But it felt so damn good giving him hell. I'd slap him again if I ever saw him again.