Thunder (Hell's Handlers MC #10) - Lilly Atlas Page 0,108
even and calm though her insides shook. He’d never yelled at her before, and even though it was out of fear for her, it brought back memories that shook her. She’d be lying if she didn’t admit she frequently worried Lee would inherit their father’s temperament. “He’s not like that.”
He threw his hands up. “Seriously, Mak? You’re the last person I’d expect to fall for bullshit, but you’re doing it. The fuck are you gonna do when this goes bad, huh?”
When it goes bad. Her heart clenched in her chest. Lee knew it wouldn’t last.
He took another step toward her. “You’ve got the kids to think about, Mak.”
Oh, hell no, he did not just go there. “I have the kids to think about? Seriously, Lee? Everything I do is for the kids. I’ve given up my life to take care of everyone.”
“Huh.” He lowered his voice and took a step back. “Didn’t know you saw us all as such a burden.”
A pounding in her temples had her rubbing the sides of her head. “That’s not what I meant, and you know it. I’m just saying that I do think of the kids. I think about all of you in everything I do.”
“Look, all I know is we left to get a better life for all of us. That means you too, Mak.”
Couldn’t he see that’s what she was trying to do? Get a better life for herself? One she enjoyed. One where she could grab a little slice of happiness. Even if only for a short time.
“You deserve more than some biker who’s gonna treat you like a piece of property.”
“Lee, that’s not fair. You barely know him. I thought you trusted me. We’re a team, Lee.” Her voice broke. “We’ve always been a team. I’d never do anything to hurt any of you. He’s a good man.”
“Yeah, well, I guess that remains to be seen.”
The words sliced through her heart, proving that despite all they’d been through, he didn’t trust her. They stared at each other across the kitchen, hurt and accusations making the distance seem like miles instead of feet. If there’d been one person she could always count on to have her back, it’d been Lee. How had they drifted so far apart? And what on earth did she do to mend the rift?
“Uh, everything all right in here?” Thunder’s voice had both their head whipping to where he stood in the entryway to the kitchen.
“Fine,” Mak said, plastering on a smile. “Where are the girls?”
He strode in, tall and confident. “Getting washed up for dinner. I’ll tell you, those two are a trip. Got everything you asked for.” He set the bags on the counter then moved to her, winking. “And maybe a few things you didn’t.”
“Thanks.” Sure it was childish, but she glared at Lee over Thunder’s shoulder as if to say, See, he’s helpful and reliable, and your sisters love him.
Thunder captured her face between his hands. He gave her a long, slow kiss, not seeming to care that Lee looked on. “You’re a shit liar,” he whispered when the kiss ended.
With a chuckle, she just shook her head. “Just some sibling drama. Nothing to worry about.”
“Hmm.” Thunder didn’t look convinced, but he let it drop.
“Everything go okay?” she asked. Now that they were home, safe and sound and the tension bled from her body, she realized how uptight she’d been about this trip to the grocery store.
“Yeah, babe, all good.” Thunder kissed her again. “Told you we got it covered. Crank isn’t stupid enough to show his face in town again so soon. We’ve got eyes all over.”
With a nod, Mak leaned into him. Whenever he engulfed her in his strength, it seemed nothing could touch her.
“I’m heading out,” Lee announced without so much as a hello to Thunder.
Her heart sank. “What? Lee, I promised the kids you’d eat with them tonight. They’ll be crushed.” Was this how it’d be now? Lee would disappear whenever Thunder came around. He’d been fine when the man was getting him a job.
He shrugged. “They’ll be fine.”
“You start work tomorrow, right? Morning shift?” Thunder circled her waist and gave a reassuring squeeze.
Eyes narrowed to slits, Lee nodded.
“Sweet, I’m on the same shift. Probably be the one training you.”
Oh, fantastic.
That wouldn’t be awkward at all.
“Why don’t you stick around? I’ll fill you in on how some of the shit works. Even tell you about the time I caught my brother Maverick doin’ his ol’ lady in the locker