wrist. “Hang back.”
My muscles tense as Texas, being the last to leave, closes the door of the chapel behind him. I slump back in my seat preparing for another earful which I more than likely deserve.
Zero folds his arms over his chest. “I shouldn’t have come at you like that.”
I jerk my head back in shock.
I wasn’t expecting that.
“I don’t know what the fuck is going on, or has gone on with you and Prinie, and I don’t want to. But honestly, man, you’ve been part of this club for a long-ass time. I’ve watched you grow. I’ve watched you fall apart. I’ve been there to put you back together. Hell, you’ve been there for me more times than I care to recall. We’re brothers, so the code means something to me. What I don’t understand… is this some sort of a game to you?”
“Prinie was never a game. Ever.”
“I know what you’re capable of if you lose control, and it scares me, Wraith.”
Memories of my hands around Prinie’s neck flood my mind. “I understand all too well, but I don’t want to hurt her.”
“Then you need to stay the hell away from her!” Zero exhales, running his hand over his bearded chin. “I love you, man, like you’re my own flesh and blood, but you scare the hell out of me when it comes to Prinie. She means everything to me. If I have to choose between her safety and you…”
“I understand… I don’t want to be that man with her.”
Zero reaches out gripping my forearm. “I don’t know that you have it in you to change, brother.”
A sledgehammer smacks straight in my chest, so intensely I can’t breathe. I sit as he stands, then walks for the door. “I love you, brother, but I love her more. That’s all I’m saying.” He walks out the chapel leaving me reeling.
Zero was always the first to believe in me, hearing he doesn’t now has me questioning it myself.
My predilections are too far fucking gone for her.
Maybe Zero is one hundred percent right.
I need to steer clear at all costs.
Standing, I walk out of the chapel, feeling all kinds of fucked-up in the head right now. Heading for the rear door to outside, I spot Prinie observing me. I should clear the air with her, but after my talk with Zero and him warning me off, I can’t be anywhere near her. So, I continue walking as Mack waddles alongside me. I need a damn cigarette, something to quiet my raging thoughts. I make my way to the unlit fire pit, slumping down on the seat, then lighting up.
The hit of nicotine fills my lungs, soothing the ache in my chest as I try to calm my nerves. The pebbles on the ground start to shift with someone’s footsteps, so I spin around noticing Prinie making her way out to me. All calm evaporates in an instant as she slides into a seat next to me.
I sit up taller, my eyes going wide as I scan around to check if anyone’s watching. “I can’t be seen talking to you—”
“That’s bullshit! Zero can’t dictate who we can and can’t talk to.”
Exhaling, I slump back down into the seat taking another drag. “Prinie, I’m bad for you. You know why.”
She subtly clenches her thighs together like she’s turned on, and that movement confuses me.
“Surely, we can talk and be civil.”
“I can’t, Prinie. I can’t be around you. All I want to do is pin you against a wall and kiss you to high hell… but I can’t. And I won’t.”
Her eyes widen in shock. “Wow! Honesty from you… that’s a refreshing change.”
“You need to leave.”
Defiantly taking a stand, she folds her arms over her chest.
She’s not budging, the beautiful, stubborn woman, so I stand to leave.
Prinie reaches out gripping my arm. A tingle shoots straight to my chest making me turn back, and when I do, she’s right up in my space. Her smell invades my senses, the scent she’s wearing is amazing, just like I remember.
It’s intoxicating.
Drowning me in regret.
I’m losing my willpower as I inch closer. The air around us begins to charge and sizzle with electricity as I stare into her gorgeous autumn leaf colored eyes. She’s luring me in like a siren to a sailor.
My breath hitches, my heart rapid-firing when all I see is her.
“I’m not angry about what happened that night, Wraith. It’s about what came after.” Her tone is soft, delicate, and she’s almost pleading with