His Other Half (Patches Tarkio MC, #3) - Debra Kayn Page 0,46

He got that.

For the first eighteen years of her life, she'd lived on the reservation, surrounded by people who had a similar lifestyle and upbringing. Living in Missoula, she struggled with how other people lived and the disconnection she felt being Blackfoot.

Too proud to tell anyone about her struggles, she'd poured her heart out in her journal. Those fears were now his. She could deny them all she wanted, but he still owned them. He would share her fears and do whatever possible to lessen them.

"When I was your age, I stumbled into a guy named Jerry. He rode a sweet Harley that I admired. A few months later, I worked with him at Lanier's Towing," he said.

Josie tilted her head. "That's where Cami works."

He dipped his chin. "He and Aaron built the place up to what it is today with Rick's help. They're good guys to work for."

She stayed quiet. Like she was prone to do, she mulled over the information without questioning him.

"Pretty soon after, I saved my money and bought a motorcycle. Then, a couple of years later, I was patched into Tarkio. Now, I work strictly for the club as an officer." He looked over at his Harley, not going deeper into what he did for the club. "Before that, I never belonged anywhere. Tarkio became family, but it wasn't an easy change. I struggled with depending on them. I was my own man, responsible for myself...a lot like you and wanting to survive on your own in Missoula."

Josie leaned against the building and clasped her hands together in front of her. He had all her attention.

"Listen, sweetheart. I've got twenty more years of living this life compared to you. I'm not trying to change you, but you need to know that because I gave my life to Tarkio, to show you how I'm feeling, I'm going to tell every son of a bitch inside that you belong to me, any chance I get. If you don't like it, you're going to have to learn to live with it."

"You called me a WAG inside." She stared out at the street. "It sounded a lot like you were making me into something else, I don't understand. I'm my own woman."

He stepped into her view. "You're my other half."

Her gaze softened, and she whispered, "I'm your girlfriend. There's a difference between owning me and enjoying me."

He held his amusement in, knowing she wanted to argue about nothing. Stepping forward, he walked her back until she pressed against the side of the building.

Pressing his hands against the wall, not letting her distance herself, he lowered his head. Against her ear, he said, "WAG. Wives and girlfriends."

Several seconds ticked by, and finally, she punched his side. He chuckled, nipping her neck with his teeth. She'd gotten upset over nothing but the truth.

"Now, all I have to do is wear you down until you admit I'm your other half." He straightened his head, kissed her shocked open mouth, and grinned. "Still want to go home alone?"

She shook her head. His chest pounded. He looked around for Chrischris and Cami and found them talking to a group of bikers by the long line of motorcycles.

"Chrischris will make sure Cami gets home safe." He linked his fingers with her. "You can ride with me."

He took her to his Harley. Giving her a helmet, he put her on the back. She came with her friend while he and Chrischris rode over, but she was going back with him.

Chapter 22

Josie

The first garage door at Banks' Body Shop opened. Josie pressed her nose to the window in the office, trying to see into the garage, but the angle wasn't enough. Paco had called an hour ago and talked to Banks. Overhearing one side of the conversation, she assumed he was coming over to talk to the men.

A large hand appeared in front of her face, knocking on the glass. Startled, she jumped back.

Banks appeared on the other side, grinning. Caught looking for Paco, warmth flooded her face. She walked back to her desk as the door opened, and her boss stepped into the office.

"Go ahead." He strode to the desk and grabbed a paper out of the box on the corner.

She sat down. "Pardon?"

"I take it you're looking for Paco." He waved his hand in the air. "He just pulled in. Take a break and go see him."

"Oh, I don't..." She pulled the schedule toward her. "I'm working."

Her independence and being able to live in Missoula