Joy (Hell's Handlers MC 7)

“Yeah, it’s all good,” Sarge said, eyes shifting between Viper and Cassie. “Place burned fast. The body burned too, but not enough to be unrecognizable. Should buy us enough time to get across the country before the coroner IDs the guy.”

“Where are you going?” Cassie asked.

“Tennessee,” Viper answered.

“Oh, wow, that’s far.”

“That’s the point,” Sarge said. He scratched at the back of his neck then met Viper’s gaze. After prospecting together for a year, they’d developed a sort of non-verbal communication. It’d come in handy, saving their asses a few times. Tonight, though, Sarge didn’t seem to be picking up what Viper was putting down. And that was to keep his ass in the motel room.

“Okay, kids, I’m all amped up. Need to find a place to have a drink. Wanna join?”

Damnit, could he be more obvious? Leaving Viper and Cassie alone was a bad fucking idea. He could only resist so much temptation.

“Oh, um, I don’t think I’m up for it now,” Cassie said, twisting the ends of her hair. She gave a little chuckle. “Especially in this outfit. Plus, I need to shower.” She stepped out of Vipers hold. “But you guys go.”

She was crazy if she thought they’d leave her alone and unprotected. Viper scowled at his brother. “I’m staying.”

“Okay,” Sarge said with a shrug. “Don’t wait up, I’ll be a few hours.” He winked at Cassie then started for the door.

Viper clenched his teeth. With his luck, Cassie would be terrified he was gonna be on her like a starving mutt on a steak the second Sarge closed the door. “Here. Take this.” Viper tossed the oversized keychain to Sarge who caught it with a downward swipe of his hand.

“What the fuck?”

Cassie giggled. “Think of it as an accessory.”

“Whatever. Be good, kids.” The door snicked shut, leaving Viper and Cassie in charged silence.

“Well, um, I guess I’m going to take a shower.” She seemed to be looking everywhere but at him.

“All right. Take your time.”

Without another word, she scurried into the bathroom. He didn’t miss the distinct click as the lock engaged. Guess that was that. She didn’t want his company.

With a sigh, Viper dropped onto one of the beds. After kicking off his boots, he hefted his feet on the bed and flopped back. Damn, as shitty as the bed was, it felt good to be horizontal.

The shower rushed to life, a comforting sound that lulled him into a pensive state. Just one day had changed everything. Instead of rising to the top of a club he’d always felt was part of his soul, he was on the run with only one friend and a girl who was worming her way deep under his skin.

He didn’t regret leaving. It had to be done. Even at just twenty-one, Viper knew himself. He couldn’t take part in what was going to happen to Cassie. Not with his history. He’d never be able to look in the mirror again. The only potential regret was leaving without speaking to his old man first. Fox would grieve the loss of his only son fiercely. It’d be a wound that would never heal. Although, Fox would probably prefer Viper’s death to his abandonment of the club. What he and Sarge had done would be seen as the ultimate betrayal. The greatest act of disloyalty.

If he was honest, Viper was starting to feel disloyal. When he’d patched in, just two nights ago, he’d sworn to do anything and everything asked of him by the club. He’d sworn in blood, to shed more blood to protect his brothers if necessary. He’d vowed nothing would ever come before the club. He’d keep no secrets from the club. He’d love nothing or no one above his brothers.

And at the first test of that commitment? He’d bailed like the boat was fucking sinking.

A soft throat clearing jolted him out of his head.

Cassie stood next to the bed wrapped in the thin hotel towel. Jesus, it barely covered her from tits to snatch. Both hands clutched the terrycloth where it was tucked to hold closed. Her damn hair hung even longer with the weight of the water. God, he loved long hair. Then there were those innocent green eyes, peering down at him, uncertainty clear as day.

“You okay?” he asked when he found his voice.

Her chin dipped in a nod. “W-Will you have sex with me?”

If she’d asked him to slit Sarge’s throat in his sleep, Viper wouldn’t have been more shocked.

“What?” He said, struggling to sit up.

Her throat worked as she swallowed. Viper could practically see her shoring up her courage. “We’re on the run. I may have been sheltered for much of my life, but I’m not stupid. If we’re caught, I know exactly what will happen to me,” she whispered.

He frowned. “You don’t think we can protect you? You don’t think I can protect you?”