Unwilling Protector (Steel Vipers MC)

“Yeah. Is there something wrong with the name Jack, babe?”

“Nope. I just would have figured you for an Archibald or something like that.”

“I’m going to have to tan your ass.”

“That’s really not the way to get in my pants, Jack.”

“I’m betting you’re wrong.”

“You are.”

“Why don’t we test that theory since you know my name now?”

She takes a step back. Her face gets serious, almost resigned.

“I can’t risk you getting hurt, Jack. It’s not worth it. Maybe once I find Lenny and end this…”

“If you think I’m worried about the stupid ass following you, you’re crazy, Drew.”

“I know you’re not and that means you’re the one that’s crazy.”

“Drew—”

“I’ve got one crazy ex-boyfriend. I don’t need a new one. I’m going to protect you even if you won’t protect yourself.”

“Are you going to be my bodyguard, baby?”

“More like an unwilling protector,” she admits. “I won’t have you getting hurt because of me.”

“Shut up and kiss me, Drew,” I demand, taking her mouth.

God she’s perfect.

Chapter 16

Train

“We need to slow down,” she whispers when we pull apart.

“That’s not what you want, and it’s sure as hell not what I want,” I respond, looking her straight in the eye.

“We barely know one another, Jack. You know, now that I say your name out loud, it doesn’t sound right. I’ll just keep calling you Train,” she chatters.

I shake my head no, reach out and take her hand, bringing it to my chest, letting her feel my heart beat against her palm.

“Do you feel that, Drew?”

She licks her lips and swallows nervously. “I do. I’d like to keep it beating.”

“Baby, I’ve been waiting for someone like you my whole life. Do you think I’m going to let some shit-for-brains asshole rob me of that?”

“Jack—”

“I get, especially with the history you’ve had with that idiot, it’s hard, Drew.”

“Do you think I’m stupid?” she asks, a faint color blooming on her cheeks.

“Fuck, no. He’s the idiot. But I’m telling you right now, you can trust me. You can believe in what I tell you.”

“I already know that, Jack. I just don’t want you—”

“Let me worry about everything else. That fucking asshole has taken up enough of our time tonight. Now, what I need from you, Drew, is to start undressing.”

“That doesn’t seem very romantic. I mean, it’s our first time and you practically proposed to me. Shouldn’t you be undressing me?”

“Do you like that outfit you’re wearing?” I ask.

“Uh… yeah?”

“Then, you better because if I do, I’m ripping it off you. Got it?”

She grins and steps backward, creating distance between us. Her face relaxes as she starts to lift her shirt over her head. Her eyes sparkle as she throws her shirt at me, and it hits me in the face. I grab it and bunch it up in my hand.

“Shouldn’t you take yours off now?” she teases.

I bring her shirt to my face again, breathing in the scent of her like a damn animal—because that’s what she turns me into. I let it fall to the floor and take my shirt off. She wants to play, we’ll play. She doesn’t understand how much I like it, but she will.

“Wow, you really like ink, don’t you, Jack?”

I smirk and make a nudging motion with my head, and she rolls her eyes. She undoes the buttons on her jeans but hesitates once she slides the zipper down.

“Changing your mind, Drew?” I ask, wondering if I’m going to have to talk her down from panic again.

“Well, I’m not sure my brother would appreciate you seeing me naked.”

“Ask me if I care.”

“That bulge in your pants tells me that you don’t, big guy—and I do mean, big.”

“God, you’re going to be a handful, aren’t you?” I laugh.

“Probably,” she admits. “The thing is, I’m kind of torn here.”

I frown. “Why?”

“It’s winter and almost Christmas.”

“Midnight, if you try to convince me to wait until Christmas, we’re going to have problems.”

She giggles like crazy, shaking her head. “You really do call me Midnight when you’re irritated.” I let out an annoyed breath. “Geez, stop with the look. I just meant I had boots on.”

“So? Jesus, fuck, woman. Are you trying to get rid of my hard-on?”

“You really think that’s possible, Jack?”

“You keep talking about stupid shit, it might. I don’t care what kind of shoes you were wearing. You took them off at the door. Why they’re an issue now I don’t know.”

“Wow. Mental note, if I ever decide to take you up on your offer and let you claim me, you are bitchy when you’re horny.”

“Drew—” I growl.

“I have on my funky socks, and I love them, but I’m not looking forward to standing here naked trying to drive you wild when I’m wearing black socks with bright yellow chicken legs emblazoned on them.”

I blink. I look down at her feet, and they’re mostly hidden by her pants, but I can clearly see what looks like bright yellow chicken toes colored on the tops of her socks—three of them to be exact—with long ass, claw-like nails. I pinch the bridge of my nose and don’t bother to fight my smile. I was right. Drew is going to be a handful. Ghost might be the silent type, but his sister is definitely not. I walk toward her, and she backs up before she catches herself and stops.