Jigsaw (Hell's Handlers MC 3)

He cleared his throat, and she jumped, snapping her head in his direction.

“Oh, hey,” she said, voice almost at full capacity, just an octave lower than usual, huskier. Sexier. Heels on, she walked toward him, those hips swaying in that unconscious sensual way she had. Strong, sure, and confident, yet now he knew some softness lie beneath her armor. He’d glimpsed it in her un-made-up face at the diner.

“What’s up, Izzy? What are you doing here?” He poured himself another drink. It was the least he’d need to survive this encounter without tossing her on the bar, messing up that flawless hair, and fucking her hard. Good thing Copper was still in the building and could emerge from his office at any moment, or Jig might not have the willpower to keep himself in check.

Izzy reached the bar and held up a manila envelope. “Have something to give to Steph. She was supposed to meet me here, but just texted to say she’s running about twenty minutes late, so she told me to come in, hang with the guys, and have a drink.” She made a dramatic point of looking around. “No guys.”

“Nope, just guy. Bourbon?” he asked. What she’d had the two times he’d seen her drink.

“Yeah, thanks,” she said as she slid onto a stool and dropped her packet on the bar top. Her face took on a teasing glint. “Hmm, kinda like this. You fixing me drinks. A girl could get used to this kind of service.”

With a snort, Jig slid her tumbler across the bar. “Don’t get used to it. I graduated from bartender as soon as I was done prospecting. With how much liquor our guys can put away, it fucking sucks to work the bar at our parties.”

She let out a soft hum. “I imagine it does.”

“How you feeling?” Jig shoved the bottles aside but didn’t return them to the shelf. Chances were, they’d be back for more. “You’re moving better.”

“Not bad. Much better, actually. A little stiff and achy when I first get going in the morning and by the end of the day, but that’s the worst of it right now.” She gave him a smile that had his jeans shrinking.

Jig held up his glass. “To kicking ass,” he said.

Izzy’s eyes sparkled. “I’ll gladly drink to that,” she replied as she clicked her glass against his.

They both drained their drinks in seconds, then Jig grabbed the bottle of bourbon and raised an eyebrow.

“Remember what I told you about that bird?” She’d pulled the tail of her braid over her shoulder and was twirling it around her fingers. It was cute, and there was an innocence about it he knew she didn’t possess. But it made her look younger, with a hint of vulnerability.

He chuckled and poured her a healthy drink. “Yep. Can’t fly with only one wing.”

“Exactly. So, Jig,” she said, gaze on the tip of her braid as she fingered it. “I’m not sure I ever properly thanked you for meeting me at the hospital and taking me home.” Unspoken was the thanks for the orgasm, but it was there in the slight flush that rose on her cheeks.

Izzy was blushing. Jig wouldn’t have believed it if he hadn’t seen it with his own eyes, but there it was. An adorable pink flush she’d probably unman him over if he called attention to it.

“Ain’t a thing, sweetheart.”

“No, it was a thing.” She lifted her gaze to his face. “Everyone in your club has been so incredibly kind. The girls have been bringing me food and forcing me to rest. Copper’s checked in a few times. Even guys watching my house are quick to jump in and help. LJ even carried in my UPS packages the other day.”

Jig frowned. Those assholes were supposed to be guarding her, not strolling through her house and getting all chummy. Fucking LJ, still slobbering after her. He’d be having a chat with LJ later. “Seriously, Izzy. It’s no big deal.” He’d practically had to cuff himself to his office chair to keep from checking in on her all week. Toni and Shell had a blast filling him in on every detail. It was enough to satisfy his curiosity about her wellbeing.

That left him with no reason to visit but to fuck her. And he’d promised himself that wouldn’t happen, so somehow, he’d found the strength to stay away.

And now here she was, looking like a delicious treat made just for him.

“Well, thanks all the same. You’ve got a great family.” There was something almost sad about the way she said family.

The word sent a sharp, stabbing pang straight to his heart. He’d had a great family once upon a time, and while she was talking about his MC family, and they were great, the word family made him recall what he’d lost. The girls must have filled her in on some information about his past. While he supposed it was natural for her to be as curious about him as he was of her, being the subject of her chats with the ol’ ladies didn’t sit well. The past wasn’t something he discussed, and hopefully she wouldn’t ask.