it before I told you.”
He grunts. “I take it this influential family you’re afraid of has to do with Maliki, and that’s why he’s been asking Jinx and me each week if we’ve seen you before.”
I bite my bottom lip and nod. My tears are finally beginning to dry up. I’m sure I look like a hot mess with bright pink, tearstained cheeks, and red-rimmed eyes. I hate it when I cry. Lord knows I’ve done my share in the past year with everything that’s happened. “Maliki is his brother…the man I killed.”
“Fuck, baby,” he breathes, rubbing his hand over his brow. “Maliki’s a dangerous scum bucket. I’m so fucking proud of you for hiding out this long and staying alive. You did the right thing keeping to yourself, but staying so close to ATL is risky.”
“It’s cowardly, and I didn’t have much money,” I comment with a sigh.
He jostles me, arguing, “The fuck it is. You’re the bravest bitch I know. I think that’s why I respect you so damn much.”
My heart fills, knowing he thinks of me that way, that he respects me. “I think you’re pretty great, too, Bash.”
He growls. “That road name is for my club, Angel. I’m your Sebastian.”
I nod because he’s right. “You are mine.”
“Damn straight,” he agrees, pressing a searing kiss to my mouth. “I don’t want you worrying over this shit anymore. I mean it. I’m gonna have a chat with my brothers to get them up to speed a bit more and come up with a plan. I’ll make sure Maliki never bothers you again. You have my word.”
“You said it yourself, he’s dangerous. I would never forgive myself if anything happened to you. I don’t think I could handle it.”
“So am I, Angel, more than you realize. You keep doing your thing, you go wherever you need to, and take the car. I have a prospect on ya, in case you need something.”
It’s my turn for my mouth to drop open. “I’d seen a biker I didn’t recognize around, but I didn’t know he was there for me. I just put two and two together…that’s what you meant earlier when you said the prospect would protect me with his life.”
He shrugs, not perturbed with me linking it all together. “I’ve had him on ya for a while. Wanted to make sure you didn’t catch any blowback or anything for being affiliated with the club. The prospect hasn’t seen anyone following you or anything like that, so I think you’re still in the clear around here. I don’t want you overstressing yourself about this. You’re pregnant and need to take it easy, on everything. You need something, you text me or flag down the prospect. I don’t care if it’s a candy bar you’re craving. All you gotta do is ask. I’m here for you now, and KOC will be as well.”
“So, this entire time, you’ve been trying to help me and protect me, huh? But why me?”
“Haven’t you figured it out yet, Sweet Pea?”
I bite my bottom lip, my stare filling with heat as this man worms his way further into my heart with each sentence. “What’s that, VP?”
“I’m a goner for you. I haven’t been able to get you off my mind since the moment I opened my eyes on the side of the road to meet yours. I knew then I had to have you, that you were my angel. Getting to know you, I discovered that not only are you empathetic and genuine, but you’re considerate, headstrong, intelligent, and the best woman I’ve ever met. It also helped that you’re fine as fuck. Now you’re pregnant with my kid, and damn, baby, it’s fate. What are the odds that two people will break down and wreck in the dark, at the same time, and be thrown together like we were?”
“I’d say not many, at least not unintentionally. I could imagine it being a setup, but I had no clue you’d be there that night over two months ago, or that my battery cable would come loose.”
“Exactly. We were meant to be. I know it already; I’m just waiting on you to get on board with me.”
A quiet snicker leaves me as he smirks. He’s pretty proud he’s figured this all out and I’m having to catch up. Not that I mind one bit. Sebastian is someone I’ve needed most in my life this past year and had no clue. “I’m on board now…sorry to keep you waiting,”