The Outlaw's Obsession(28)

“Not long. Just until my shoulder heals.”

DeDe looked at the shoulder that Sonya pointed to. She wasn’t about to go into the details, and fortunately DeDe didn’t press her.

“That’s good. We are kind of full on club whores right now.” There was a cattiness to the way DeDe said those words, but it didn’t take a detective to figure out this woman saw Sonya as a threat. Clearly she had a thing for Jagger and was trying to make it known that he was off limits.

“I’m not a club whore.” Sonya eyed DeDe’s apparel, one that was nothing but strips of material across her tits and ass. “Nor would I ever want to cheapen myself to that.” DeDe’s belly button ring glinted in the morning light, and when Sonya brought her eyes back to the overly painted face of the woman currently narrowing her eyes at her, all she could do was smile. Sonya didn’t need to point out that club whores—DeDe included—were a dime a dozen. They couldn’t have any self-respect to just sleep with one member after the other. And for what, to become the revered old lady of one of them? No, thanks. “Thanks for the juice, but I’ll just finish it in my room.” She lifted her glass and got off the stool. Making her way back to her room, Sonya was so focused on the ground in front of her and her thoughts racing through her head concerning what her life would be like once she was on her own that she didn’t realize anyone was coming toward her until she slammed right into their chest. The juice splashed down the front of her shirt in a frigid spray, and a shocked gasp left her. Hands gripped her arms to keep her from falling over, and she knew it was Jagger before she even looked into his face. The broad chest right in front of her face was etched in her memory, and even with his black t-shirt and cut on it was still impressive.

“You good?” There was a little bit of humor in his voice.

She looked into his face and felt her cheeks heat. Yeah, she was standing here with juice all down the front of her shirt, and here was Jagger all but laughing at her. He looked good in the morning light, even with the darker, more pronounced stubble on his face.

“Just a little embarrassed.”

Jagger full out chuckled now.

Sonya couldn’t help but laugh as well. “Sorry about that.”

“Nothing to be sorry about.” His grin was all straight white teeth, and looked so good at him.

“You should smile more.” God, why had she said that out loud? She felt her cheeks heat even further and watched his smile disappear. Yeah, she just needed to bury her head in the sand right now.

He cleared his throat, let go of her arms, and took a step back. “You hungry?” Sonya wasn’t really, but it was still early.

She looked over her shoulder and saw DeDe watching them with this peculiar look on her face. It was a mixture of jealousy and anger, and directed right at Sonya.

“I have to run some papers to Dallas over at the bike shop, but there is a little diner about five minutes from the shop. The food is greasy, but their southwest omelets are pretty fucking good.” He smiled, but it was softer this time, and she wondered if he was forcing it or if it came naturally. This man wasn’t a soft type in any way, shape, or form.

“Yeah, okay, but,” she picked at her clothes, “I don’t have anything to wear aside from a soggy shirt, too tight sweats, and some dirty jeans from yesterday.”

“I’ll let you wear another shirt, and then take you to a shop owned by one of the club … one of the females that hang out at the club.” Yeah he was about to say whore.

Instinctively she looked over at DeDe again. Yup, she was still glaring daggers at her. “Yeah. Okay. I would actually really like that.”

“I figured you’d probably want to get out of here, if only for a couple of hours.”

“But—” She looked down and heard him inhale.

“You don’t have to be scared to leave the clubhouse as long as me or any of the Grizzly members are with you. Believe me, if Trick is stupid enough to try anything with us while you’re in our care, then…”

She glanced up at him when he didn’t finish, and she saw the play of emotions on his face. But the main one was anger.

“He won’t hurt you. Plain and simple.” He shook his head and kept his eyes trained on hers. “But I won’t force you to go anywhere if you feel it’s too soon or you’re too frightened. I know it hasn’t even been a day since you left Trick’s place, but you’ll be out on your own soon enough.” He said the last part more gently, and she nodded.

“No, I want to go. I have to find my own way, and I know you wouldn’t let Trick hurt me. You helped me when you didn’t have to, mended me, gave me food, water, and shelter, and are going out of your way to watch over me until my shoulder heals.” She smiled and found herself reaching out to touch him on the forearm. He grew taut, and she felt the muscles in his arms harden. “Thank you. I won’t ever be able to tell you that enough, and that if you hadn’t helped me I would be dead right now.” Emotion suddenly clogged Sonya’s throat as she really let all of her words sink in. Jagger would never know what he had done for her, what he was doing for her, and she hoped one day she could repay him in some way.