Unwilling Protector (Steel Vipers MC)

“Maybe you should tell us exactly what the problem is?” Ride nudges.

Train is standing behind me. He’s not saying much, but when I bend my neck back and look up at him, he’s looking straight down at me. His hands are braced on each side of my chair. The look on his face tells me that none of this bodes well for me.

“Maybe I shouldn’t.”

“You….” G takes a breath and coughs. My heart squeezes in my chest. “You haven’t told them anything?”

“G, look at you. Do you really think I wanted to risk people you care about getting hurt? Besides, this is my problem. Lenny won’t hurt me.”

I notice at the mention of Lenny’s name Train shifts behind me, and there’s this heat coming off him. It’s a dangerous energy. I shiver because I know without a doubt that Train isn’t the kind of man who controls his anger when it gets to this point. He wouldn’t hurt me. I’ve spent enough time around a man who would do that. No, Train is dangerous for another reason. I think if he ever cared deeply for a woman…he would die for her.

“And we both know that’s a lie, Drew.”

“He wouldn’t kill me,” I mumble, and he wouldn’t—at least not right away.

“Bullshit.”

“Don’t make me wish you were still sleeping and unable to talk, G.”

I look at him, begging him to let this go. I do it without words, but I know G understands. I can also see the resignation on his face. He’s not going to fall into line. He’s going to get Train involved. My eyes close from embarrassment and frustration as this cold wave of nausea hits me. It threatens to swamp me, but Train moves one of his hands to my shoulder, giving it a squeeze. The heat from his caress chases the darkness away. For a second, I let myself enjoy his touch. Then, I realize what I’m doing and bat his hand away.

“Who is Lenny?” Train’s voice rumbles out above me.

“A mistake,” I answer before G can. “A mistake that is mine and mine alone. We don’t need to be having this discussion. I’m handling it and that’s all there is to it,” I snap. I stand up, hoping that makes me seem more intimidating—although with these guys, I doubt they ever get intimidated. Train’s hand comes back. This time it’s at the base of my spine, splayed across my skin and branding me. I look beside me in shock, realizing he’s moved from behind my chair to my side. I didn’t even hear him move and he’s not exactly small, so I’m not sure how he pulled that off.

“Tell us what you know, Ghost,” Ride says.

“Stop,” I hiss between clenched teeth at Train. I say it in a quiet hiss, hoping only he can hear me, while Ride and Brambles are busy talking to G. I need to pay attention to what they’re saying, but that’s kind of hard with Train so close, distracting me.

“No,” he murmurs, and as if to prove his words, his hand glides down to my ass. He squeezes one of my cheeks firmly in his grip, and I bite down to keep from moaning. It feels really good… damn it. Then, he swats my ass. It’s a light tap and probably quiet. The problem is I gasp—loudly.

“You okay, Drew?” G asks, watching me closely.

“Peachy,” I exhale, stepping away from Train. I clear my throat and try to get control of this situation again. “Listen, this is pointless. I’m the only one who knows how to contact Lenny and I’m not going to tell any of you. This is my problem, and I won’t have anyone else hurt because of it.”

“You’re cute, but you’re full of shit,” Ride says. My eyes go wide right before they narrow on him.

“I can handle myself,” I announce, hands on my hips.

Train steps closer to me. His hand moves up under the back of my shirt. He’s only touching my back, but I swear that one touch feels like it spreads through my entire body. I feel myself growing wet… Right here! With my brother and other people in the room!

“Calm down, Drew. We’ve got this,” Train whispers, his lips close to my ear. I can feel the heat of his breath, and that combined with the heat from his touch, I feel my entire body tremble. For a minute, I give into the urge to lean back into him. Feeling his body pressed against mine fills me with this peace that I’ve never felt before, but I can’t allow myself to give in. This is too important. I almost lost G. I can’t let him get involved again. The thought of Train being hurt nearly destroys me.

“Will you stop?” I hiss. I make my legs move away from him, ignoring how shaky they are. I’m surprised they can hold me up at this point.