Embarrassed, I quickly pulled back and broke our embrace. Clearly amused by my reaction, Rafe chuckled as he said, “I think that’s my cue.”
“What?”
“Time for me to go.” He leaned down, kissed me briefly, then turned and started down the steps. “I’ll see you in the morning.”
“Rafe, you don’t have to come—”
“I’ll see you in the morning, Marlowe.”
Once he had gotten settled on his bike, he motioned his hand towards my door, signaling me to go on inside. I gave him a quick wave, then did as he’d asked and went into my apartment. As I closed the door behind me, I took one last glance at Rafe, and it was at that moment I realized I was wasting my time dwelling on the past. My future was suddenly looking brighter than ever, and it was time to leave my disappointments and hurt where they belonged—in the past.
Chapter 7
Rafe
Over the years, I’d come across hundreds of beautiful women—thousands even. I’d been attracted to more than a few, but after I’d fucked them a couple of times, whatever attraction was there would fade, and we’d part ways. Maybe it was my fault. Maybe it was theirs. I honestly didn’t care. I wasn’t invested enough to bother figuring it out. Besides, it wasn’t like I was looking to settle down. I had my brothers. I had my club. I didn’t need anything else, or so I thought. Now, I wasn’t so sure.
Marlowe had me so tangled up I didn’t know what to think. Everything was different with her. Sure, she was a knockout. Hell, I was physically attracted to her from the first time I laid eyes on her, but it was more that. I actually wanted to get to know her, and that shit just didn’t happen—not with any woman. I didn’t know what it was about Marlowe that had me so twisted up, but as I pulled away from her apartment, I found myself feeling disappointed our night together had come to an end. It didn’t help matters that I couldn’t stop thinking about how fucking good her mouth felt on mine. Damn, I’d never felt anything so incredible.
I spent the entire night picturing all the wicked things I wanted to do to Marlowe. Hell, I was still thinking about her the following morning but was quickly pulled from my thoughts when I got the call from Widow. It was just after sunrise, so I knew something was up when he told me to get to the clubhouse. I just had no idea what until I actually got there and found all the guys gathered outside one of Shotgun’s holding rooms. As I walked up to the one-way mirrored glass, I could see Shotgun standing over a bald guy wearing a white button-down shirt and khakis. His hands were bound behind his back and sweat trickled down his brow, but he didn’t look worried. Instead, he was glaring at Shotgun through his horn-rimmed glasses like he was superior—much like a professor might look at a defiant student.
A smile crossed my face as I looked over to Axel, the club’s VP, and asked, “Schommer?”
“The one and only.”
“Is it just me or does this guy seem—”
“Like an indignant prick with a corncob up his ass?”
“Yeah. Doesn’t seem rattled at all.”
“Not yet.” A knowing smirk crossed Axel’s face as he continued, “But he will be.”
The hallway fell silent when Viper stepped into view. We all watched our president walk over to Schommer and cross his arms as he looked down at him with disgust. Viper’s voice was low and threatening as he said, “You have a very impressive bio, Dr. Schommer. Multiple degrees. You’ve taught all over the country. Earned numerous awards. Makes me wonder why a man with so many profound attributes would find himself in this kind of situation.”
“I guess we’re both perplexed, because I’m wondering how a man who covers his body in tattoos and leather has such an astute vocabulary.”
The words had barely left Schommer’s mouth when Viper reared back his fist and slammed it into the professor’s jaw. “How’s that for an astute vocabulary?”
“Hmmm.” Schommer groaned, then shook off the hit. “Now, that was much more expected. Using brawn instead of brains. Rather pathetic, if you ask me.”
“Do you have any idea who you’re talking to?”
“No, but I feel quite certain you’re going tell me.”
His pompous tone made me want to punch him in the face myself. I could only imagine how Viper was feeling even though he did his best to remain cool and collected. “The name’s Viper. I’m the president of the Ruthless Sinners.”
“The president? I guess that makes you the leader of this fine establishment.” His eyes skirted around the room as he asked, “So, Mr. President, are you going to tell me why you’ve brought me here?”