all he would give me, and I used Franny and nothing else.”
“Woo-hoo. Mysterious. Makes the sex hotter. What happened with the fire? Didn’t you talk to the police?”
I dropped my head, ashamed at my behavior. “That’s just it. I made him drive me away from there before any emergency crew arrived.”
“Whew. You can never tell anyone that. Ever. As a matter of fact, I’d keep the entire night confidential.”
“Yeah, I know.”
“Maybe you don’t. You know Mitchell is still out for blood after the divorce.”
Mitchell Montgomery, a well-respected, high-powered attorney who doubled as an abusive asshole. Our marriage had been a farce from the beginning, the jerk only wanting his own version of intelligent eye candy on his arm while fucking every blonde he could get his hands on. “Fuck him.”
“I’m not kidding, Franny. If something like that got out, he’d use it if for no other reason than to smear your name through the press.”
“I don’t plan on telling anyone because I’m not going to see Vader again.”
My bestie was right. I’d fucked up, ignoring the possible consequences. The shirt was going into the trash before tomorrow.
“I’m not telling you not to enjoy this hot man. I’m just suggesting that you keep your relationship private but live a little. Life is too short.”
She was right, but at this point, I was content with work. I certainly didn’t need another dominating man in my life under any circumstances. I’d experienced enough bruises to last a lifetime.
Chapter 5
Vader
“I thought I’d find you in here.”
I didn’t bother turning in Hawk’s direction. I already felt like a third wheel, although both he and Bryce had been nothing but kind. I continued brushing the horse, taking comfort in the large animals as well as the odors in the barn. The reminder of a past I’d tried to push away not nearly as painful as I’d thought it would be. “I thought I should pull my weight. I don’t like taking handouts.”
“Jesus, Vader. You’re my friend, or don’t you remember?”
“Yeah, I remember.” It had been even more awkward between us since the incident with the photograph and I wasn’t certain why.
“Anyway, I brought you the keys to one of my other trucks. Though you might want some freedom.”
The dangling of keys as well as his boisterous laugh finally caught my attention. I swaggered closer, staring at them before accepting, giving him a respectful nod. “You didn’t have to do that.”
“I know you want to get settled and I doubt you like having a child running around you all day long.”
As I accepted the keys, I chuckled. “Actually, Ashley has been wonderful. Just an amazing little girl.”
“Who knows. Maybe you can have one of your own someday.” He sighed after I grimaced. “Look, it’s none of my business but I know a couple of houses you might want to consider renting. I can loan you some money if you need to get set up.”
“I don’t need money, Hawk. I got plenty.”
His eyes opened wide. “O-kay.”
“I might need a ride to the local Harley shop tomorrow. Gonna purchase a bike.”
Hawk shook his head, grinning from ear to ear. “Happy to take you, buddy. Oh, and tomorrow night, the rest of the unit are getting together at Raunchy Ride. Thought you might like to come.”
“Raunchy Ride?” The thought actually gave me a real smile.
“It still exists even better than ever. That’s Scorpion’s place now.”
“You’re shittin’ me.”
“Nope. He’s turned out to be one hell of a barkeep. So you’re in?”
I shrugged. “I dunno. Maybe.” We both heard the sound of a vehicle’s approach.
“You know where to find it if you want to show up.”
“Thanks.” A strange sense of electricity powered through me and for some crazy reason, I headed for the barn’s entrance, recognizing the truck almost immediately. “What the hell?”
“A friend of yours?” Hawk asked as he flanked my side.
“Not in the least.”
When the truck slowed, finally pulling directly in front of the barn, I clamped my fingers around the brush, unsure about how I was feeling. While the visions of her naked body had remained in the forefront of my mind, the shit was already getting too complicated and at this point, I didn’t need to deal with a romantic female.
When she climbed out of the truck, the sight of her dressed in tight-fitting blue jeans, cowboy boots, and a bright red top was enough to send a series of electrical explosions into every freaking cell in my body. I took a deep breath, holding it while she