“Ever been here?” he asks.
“Yeah of course.”
“What’s good?” his eyes scanning above the menu, but mine remain down.
“Never had anything bad,” I smile.
The waitress fills our glasses with water as I set my menu down. Justice thanks her but never takes his eyes off me. He’s in a white dress shirt, the sleeves rolled up, and a pair of black dress pants. Justice is tan and looks active, with dark wavy brown hair and permanent five o’clock shadow. He’s definitely attractive, but he seems very edgy at the moment, like there’s something just under the surface he’s trying to tamper down.
“Did you grow up here?” he asks.
“Yes. Where are you from?”
“Montana originally, came out here for college and loved it, so I stayed.”
Montana? His accent is definitely southern, so that makes no sense.
“You live in San Falls now?” I ask, remembering that’s where his contracting company is based in.
“Yeah. Did you go to college?” he asks.
What is this? Twenty questions? I kept trying to make conversation, and push the topic away from me, but he just keeps volleying it back.
“No,” I shake my head slightly.
“Really? How did you get the job as Chief Financial Officer at Frederickson and Co.?”
I guess no one can accuse him of being subtle.
“Just applied there when I was in high school for an internship, moved my way up with on the job training.”
It didn’t dawn on me until just now, that he wouldn’t have known to pick me up at the shop. The address on my card I’d given him, is for the titty bar. Yet he didn’t call me thinking he was near that address, he knew I’d be at the shop, a shop he shouldn’t even know exists. Justice shouldn’t have any knowledge of the auto body shop, since the club and the dealerships appear to be under separate ownerships, and by all accounts on paper, it is. Being from out of town, he wouldn’t know that The Warrior of the Gods own everything. Again it’s just a hunch, maybe I’m looking too much into it, so I tuck all this into the back of my head.
“Are you okay? You seem a little tense or something,” I ask, giving him a raised brow and again trying to deflect the topic.
He lets out a long breath and nods.
“Yeah sorry, just before I called you I had a disagreement with an associate. I’m trying not to think about it, so I thought what better way to distract myself than by taking a beautiful woman out to lunch. So I’m sorry if I seem distracted, it’s not you.”
I give him a sweet smile, the same one I give to my neighbors, yaknowthat smile.
“So how did you come to work with the Warrior of the Gods?”
Hello! My spine straightens, but I cover up my sudden movement by grabbing my water glass and sipping from it. So I guess he knows more than I thought he did. When we met at the building site, none of us had our MC leathers on, so how would he put two and two together?
“Excuse me?” I question.
“The day we met at the site, you were with bikers, rumor has it Warrior of the Gods are from around here.”
“Actually, Pete is Chief Business Coordinator for Frederickson and Co. and Ken is a trainee. We happen to love bikes and when we have to ride in the desert, prefer them. Might not be the most professional but we own strip clubs, so people don’t usually question it. The Warrior of the Gods, I don’t know anything about them. I thought they were an urban legend.”
He narrows his eyes slightly, and I mean for a millisecond. Thankfully the waitress comes back and we order. Placing my arms on the table, I lean forward slightly. I’m about to ask something in regards to business, since that’s a neutral topic, but he beats me to it.
“Did your dad or grandpa teach you to ride?”
That’s pretty specific, my dad or grandpa? Why not just ask if someone in my family? Unless he knows about my family’s history with the club. I can’t imagine why he would be interested in this, and why he’s hinting to the fact that he knows or thinks he knows my involvement in the MC. He’s a contractor, is he trying to find out if he wants to be working for us if that’s the case? Reputation and all that. Part of me wants to reply, ‘If there’s something you want to ask, then why don’t you come out and ask?’ He’s been blunt with me before, so why tip toe around this subject?
“No,” I state. “They hated that sort of thing,” I add for good measure.
If he’s going to be evasive with me, then back at ya.
“Hmm. How did you get into motorcycles then?”
The question irritates me, like women aren’t allowed to just like motorcycles.
“Growing up my neighbor had one and I just wandered over the fence and watched him fix his bike up. It was a real piece of shit, a hunk of scraps when he started. Seeing what it became and the power that it possesses, I fell in love,” I smile through the bullshit.
“Wow, that’s a great memory,” Justice says almost sarcastically with a smile, before his eyes dart out the window then back to me. Showing a hint of annoyance there.
The rest of the lunch is void of any more awkward family talk, or personal questions. Still we don’t have much to talk about, other than the building site. Even if he asked me straight out, what the connection is between the business and the MC, I’d lie. I never talk to anyone outside the club about personal shit, and even then, they just always knew my shit because I grew up there. I don’t want to lie to Justice. But with that, realization dawns on me that I can never be with someone outside the club as long as I’m a part of it. Or at least someone that I couldn’t tell things to about my life until I knew for sure I could trust them. Even then, who the fuck would put up with that? My dreams of one day being with a civilian are saved for when I’m cleared from my obligation to the club, even though that seems like light years away. But more importantly, why the entire time I was out with Justice, was I thinking of Dornan? It seems like lately every time my mind wanders to my future, his face comes to me. I know once we talk and I tell him my guidelines, that it will stop. Once I lay my parameters out, he’ll realize this whole thing that’s going on with us the last few days, is implausible. Justice pulls up to the entrance for the shop, just as I turn to him.
“It was really nice talking with you, you took my mind off things,” he says, giving me a tight smile.
“Thank you for lunch, I’m glad we could meet up…” I take a deep breath, “Justice-“
“I get it, you’re not into me,” he smiles sweetly.
“It’s not that,” I shake my head. “I just recently got out of a long relationship, and I just need some time before I jump into something. I don’t want to lead you on, or give you the wrong impression of where I am at in my life by agreeing to go out with you. Does that make sense?”
“Of course, I have no problem being cool with you, maybe we can do lunch another day soon.”
“Sure,” I reply, but I don’t really think he understands what I’m saying.
When I return through the gate, the lot of the club is empty. The temperature’s gone up, and the guys who normally just hang out usually like to chill inside this time of day. I’m sure someone saw me leave with Justice, and word will get to Dornan in no time. This idea makes my stomach knot and there’s that damn guilt again. I’m not in my office two minutes, before the door bangs open and I startle. Looking to see Missy in all her pissed off glory, standing with her hands on her hips in the doorway. She enters and swings the door shut behind her with a kick of her heel. Tossing her bag onto one of the chairs as she walks over to place her hands on my desk and leaning forward.
“You know I don’t like being ignored, what the fuck Maven?”
I sigh and sit back in my chair, looking up at her in contemplation.
“I think I’m falling for Dornan.”
I don’t even pretend to have control over my mouth, the words just come out. Her face softens, as she removes her sunglasses and her eyes narrow.
&nb
sp; “Well, it’s about fucking time,” she retorts.
I groan and rest my head in my hands, as she takes the seat in front of my desk.
“What happened to make you suddenly notice?” her voice is now taking on the tone of a mom.
I tell her about everything,everything. The attempted kisses, the groping at the dance club, how he invades my every waking moment, how all I could do was think of him when I was with Justice. All the while she just looks at me with a small smile on her lips.
“Dornan’s had it bad for you forever, I’d say since birth, but I don’t think that’s actually possible.”
“I don’t know what to do,” I huff.
“I know he’s a slut, but I know that if you expressed your feelings to him, he’d cut all that shit out. If your heart is telling you to go for it, go for it,” she lifts a shoulder like this isn’t the biggest deal ever.
“What if we try and it fails, and then I’ve lost my friend?”
“You won’t. Dornan will always be there; we’ll all always be there for you. Lord knows none of us are perfect, we’ve all fucked up... but you take the chance and that’s life, babe,” she smiles.
I open my mouth to reply, when my office phone rings and I know it’s Skye. I raise my index finger in a ‘hold that thought’ gesture to Missy as I answer.
“Yeah?”
“Milton’s talking with Sven in the lot.”
Fuck.
“Thanks.”
I stand as I put the receiver back into its cradle, while trying to peer out the window from my desk, but can’t see anything. What the hell could he be here for? Surely not the Briscoe job, we were clean and efficient, no way the law has anything on us for that.
“What?” Missy asks.
“Officer Milton.”
“Shit,” she mumbles. “Let me go see what’s up.”
She groans and stands, making her way to the door before turning back to me.
“Good luck.”
She smiles and I know she’s referring to Dornan, and not the cops. I roll my eyes in response, and begin shuffling papers on my desk. Mentally check listing that none of the MC files are on this computer, none of our papers are in here, everything’s in the safe or not on the premises. Not like it matters, we aren’t being raided, but I still like to know where all the dirty shit is. Suddenly, my door opens again and I glance up, expecting it to be Milton or Sven, but it’s Dornan. I try to peer out the open door over his shoulder, to once again see what’s going on in the front of the shop. But he closes it quickly, blocking my view. I’m not sure if he’s here to tell me Milton’s outside or what, but he appears agitated.
“Did you get my note?”
Unsure why he’s picking right now to talk about this, I reply, “I did. Got in late and your mom caught me right away…sorry.”
I resume pretending to now have something important on my desk, my heart quickening as he walks closer and around to the side of my desk. His hands stop mine, and I watch his thick fingers wrap gently around my small wrists. Pulling them slightly towards him, causing me to raise my head and he’s right there. His body so close, and I begin breathing in his scent. His warm touch, his tall frame, all envelops me and my mind blanks in reaction. His blue eyes search my face, I mean really takes me in, as he tries to read me.
“Why did you leave last night?” his voice a husky whisper.
My mouth opens but nothing happens, what the fuck do I say?
“I can’t.”
My eyes trail from his eyes to his lips, and he lets out a small groan, bringing my eyes back to his.
“I can’t be a fuck buddy, Iwon’t be another fuck buddy,” I add defiantly.
“That’s what you think?”
There’s irritation in his features, as his brows furrow slightly.
“I’ve never seen you with a girl longer than a week. Yeah, that’s what I think.”
I can hear Milton and Sven’s voices now in the reception area, but can’t make out the words. Dornan removes his hands from my wrists, the loss of contact leaves me feeling needy. But then he cups my jaw, his thumb running under my lower lip.
“Why do you think I never had a girlfriend? I’ve only ever wanted that designation to be for you, you’ve been my only girl ever. The others were killing time until you realized you were mine.”
He leans his head in closer, and softly speaks against my lips.
“I didn’t want them. I’ve always wanted you.”
My heart skips a beat.
“Then why didn’t you ever tell me, why now? Why the sudden interest?” my tone’s clipped as I try to step back and distance myself from him, but his hands cup my neck to keep me close.
“Sudden interest? Seriously?” His eyes search mine as if he’s trying to see if I have a clue about his feelings for me.
“I’ve been trying to get you alone to talk, to try and tell you how I feel. I waited too long and Brayden came along, I thought he made you happy and that’s all I ever wanted for you, I was scared to tell you how I felt even when I knew he was jerking you around but I couldn’t risk you laughing off my confession because you were in a Brayden delusion.”
He swallows thickly, and I can see the pulse racing in his neck. Lifting my hand, I place my palm over the throbbing, his eyes closing as his lips part.
“Now the contractor is interested and I can’t go on anymore waiting. It’s my turn now, it’s been years and I’m done waiting.”
We’re inhaling one another’s exhales, my hands caressing him in a way I’ve never touched him, connecting in ways we never have before. His thumbs stroke my cheeks, his eyes staring down at my lips.
“Waiting for what?” my voice coming out a little breathy.
“Maven!” I hear Sven yell from the other side of my door.
I turn my head in the direction of his voice, but Dornan tightens his grip and brings my attention back to him.
“Waiting for you to realize, that you’re meant to be with me.”
Oh. My. God.
“Dorn-” I begin, but I’m cut off by my office door opening, and Sven standing beside Officer Milton. Even though Dornan’s still holding my face, his hands loosen, and I’m able to turn towards them. However, Dornan’s eyes never leave my face.
“I need you to come down to the station,” Milton says.
My eyes shift as I take a deep breath, trying to calm myself from Dornan’s words and touch, and come back to reality. Sven gives me a small nod, and I know this business with Milton is nothing to worry about.
“Sure,” I reply, placing my hands over Dornan’s to remove them from my face. I hate it, the feeling that he’s not touching me, and instantly I’m pissed off at Milton and his bullshit interrupting this monumental conversation between us. Milton smiles at me in that no-teeth-cop-polite-grin, and nods his head slightly. I just look at him as I walk past, and out to the squad SUV. He opens the door for me and as I wait for him to get in, I notice the guys standing around in clusters in the lot as I sit. Milton closes his door and I look over towards the shop entrance, seeing Sven and Dornan facing me. Both have their arms crossed over their chests, as Sven talks and Dornan’s eyes stay fixed on mine. I’ve been in the back of a squad vehicle before, but this time I’m not handcuffed, so the ride isn’t that unbearable. Milton grew up here too, but he’s a couple of years older than me. We’re friendly every time we come into contact, as much as a cop can be to someone like me. He’s attractive in a very clean cut, all-American kind of way. With brown hair he keeps short in a military cut, he’s tall and still in good shape from playing football in high school and college.
“How ya been Maven?” he asks, looking back at me over his shoulder.
“I’ve been better.”
He gives me a quick smile in the rearview mirror.
“I see you’ve put work in on your grandma’s house...looks nice.”
I give him a small nod in acknowledgement, then hear the roar of a bike behind us as Milton drives down th
e Main Street to the police station. When we park I see Smokey’s followed us and stops the bike in front of the station, leaning back and talking on his cellphone. Milton leads me inside and through a row of desks that have other officers sitting at them. The office is newly renovated and looks updated and clean, and still smells slightly of paint. We stop beside a door and Milton ushers me in, where I take a seat in a metal chair behind a metal table pushed against the wall. The room’s white and the lights are harsh and bright, there’s a two-way mirror to my right and I wonder who’s behind it. There are other interrogation rooms here with no mirrors, but closed circuit cameras so others can watch the interview live and also be recorded. This room has the closed circuit TV’s too, but there must be a reason I’m in this particular room with the mirror.
“Coffee?” Milton asks, still in the doorway.
I shake my head and he closes the door, leaving me alone. I stare straight ahead, still not knowing what I’m here for and who could be behind the mirror. For whatever reason, a certain person keeps making all this seem inconsequential. Someone with a set of pale blue eyes who’s touch I can still feel on my skin like an electric current. Dornan’s words replay in my mind, the way he looked at me like I was a cherished possession, while cupping my face with a gentle yet powerful grasp. He said he was tired of waiting, waiting for me to realize I was meant for him...meant for him...for him...him. Dornan, who I’ve always looked at one way, is now being seen in a totally different light. But the more I think about things, memories, pondering if I’ve always had more than friend feelings for him. Maybe I pushed them back so far because the fact that I’d be an old lady, was too scary to think about most of the time. But as things dawn on me, they don’t scare me like I thought they would. Dornan’s always loved me, and I’ve always loved him. We still need to talk more, because he says he’s always wanted me but Brayden was in the way. I don’t know what he means by that, and with Dornan, it could mean anything.
Running with the Devil: Plantain Series Book One Page 6