The Skulls(13)

She was quiet, and he glanced over in her direction in time to see her frowning. He knew he was moving too fast for her, but it was something he needed to do. If he didn’t bombard her with attention, Angel would find some way to stay away from him. He wasn’t going to let that happen. They drove away from town, through the forest toward his secluded home. Lash had bought the plot two years ago and spent most of his spare time doing up the house on it. He’d always wanted something what his parents shared. Before they’d been killed his parents had given him and Nash a perfect home. Their father had been part of The Skulls, but he’d made sure they had a normal family life. Lash couldn’t recall if his mother hated the lifestyle.

“This is your house?” Angel asked.

“Yeah, this is my baby.” He turned the engine off and climbed out of the car.

He went to the trunk of the car, opened it up, and started gathering the bags she’d bought.

“I look forward to seeing you in these,” Lash said.

He saw her blush, but she nodded.

Lash made his way to the front door. He pulled out his key, unlocked the three locks before the door opened. Safety was a key issue for him, and he’d designed all three locks only to be open by his one key. Fort Wills was a safe place, but the club wasn’t. He could be the target for others at any time.

Angel didn’t say anything, and for that he was thankful. He couldn’t handle lying to her right now. After the fear of learning the Lions were close to her, Lash had been ready to murder.

The sun was setting, but it provided enough light for him to dump the packages on the table and floor and go straight for the fridge.

“Okay, wow, did you decorate your home with someone in mind?” Angel asked, looking around her.

“What do you mean?”

“Why do you even stay in the club? This place is amazing.” She folded her arms smiling all around her.

He’d decorated his kitchen without any expense to be spared.

“Do you like it?” he asked.

“Like it, I love it. You’ve got a keen eye, Lash.”

It was the most she’d ever spoken, and she seemed to stop and take a breath. He hated the sight of watching her deflate.

She took a seat and stared at her linked hands.

“Why are you withdrawing from me?” He pulled out a beer and a bottle of orange juice. Popping the lids off the top he walked over to the table. Pushing the clothes out of the way, he handed her the orange before taking a sip of his drink.

“What is this? I mean, up until last night I didn’t even know you knew my name, and now I’m wearing your shirt, sitting in your dining room, and I don’t understand.” She wouldn’t look at him. “And last night, you …”

She didn’t finish. Her checks were a wonderful shade of pink from her blush. Reaching out, he stroked the pads of his fingers along her cheek.

“Last night I touched your sweet pussy and made you come. I’ve staked my claim on you, Angel. As far as the club is concerned you’re my woman, and there’s nothing else to it. You’re mine, you’ll always be mine, and I’ll do everything in my power to protect you.”

Angel shook her head. “No, this is not right. I’m the daughter of a guy who can’t pay you back. I was taken as payment.”

She placed the bottle on the counter and didn’t reach out to touch it again.

“And you’re still there as payment, Angel. Nothing has changed other than the fact the guys know to stay away.”

Her mouth opened and then closed. “What?”

“Your father is never going to pay back the money, baby. He’s in too deep, and we think he’s into something deeper. The longer we go without being paid, the higher the risk of you being one of the members’ plaything, rises.” The look of disgust made him feel like a pig. Angel was far too innocent. Why couldn’t he want a woman who knew how things went with him?

“You’re telling me they’d treat me like some kind of whore?”

“No. You’re a challenge to the men.”

“My virginity is a challenge to them?” She let out a gross sound. “Well I’m sorry, okay. I’m sorry that my Dad had to borrow money, and I’m sorry my Mom died sending him to do it. I’ve got nothing to do with it. Why can’t you just leave me alone?” She stood up and made toward the door.

Lash fought with himself. He should just let her go and help her get far away from The Skulls and him. She’d be safer without him being close by. Instead, he found himself getting to his feet and charging in her direction. She was stood in front of the door leading to her escape.