When she brought him dinner, he reached for her hand with his good arm and gazed up at her. Her heart skipped a beat as she wondered if her thirst for answers or some kind of comfort might be satisfied in some way. She looked down on him with what she was sure was obvious longing. She felt so weak around him sometimes. “You’ve been working the whole time you’ve been here. Why don’t you sit down and eat with me?”
Swallowing the argument that came to mind over the silly and simple request, Kim nodded and fixed herself a plate of the barbecue chicken and with a baked potato. She remained silent, her eyes focused on the movie playing on the screen that seemed to have Diesel’s rapt attention. She glanced sideways at him from time to time but could tell he was avoiding her gaze.
She considered staying the night, in case he needed help, but when he still wasn’t engaging her in conversation, Kim decided he was a grown man and could take care of himself from that point forward. She said goodnight and gave him a cursory kiss, feeling torn about being close to him while also knowing there was a big wedge between them that was dangerously close to severing the thread of their relationship. Strange, though, that she had felt like that more than once in their short time together.
In fact, Kim didn’t even sleep well, her mind spinning and causing her to grow angrier with each passing hour. It wasn’t fair to leave her in the dark, no matter how wet behind the ears she was, and Kim was going to do something about it.
She was at his front door by nine in the morning, practically banging it down before he opened it. Diesel smiled brightly before he caught sight of her expression, and she took advantage of his shock to push past him into the house. “I’m done with the radio silence,” she said by way of greeting. She stood in the middle of his living room with her hands on her hips, waiting for him to come inside. She barely registered how sexy he looked in nothing but a pair of silk pajama bottoms slung low on his hips. She was too infuriated to care.
When he finally stood with his hands braced on the back of the couch, she let loose. “I can’t believe I was here all night last night, giving you every opportunity to explain what the hell is going on, and you didn’t say a single word about it! What am I supposed to do, walk around clueless and worship you without knowing the truth of the matter? I’m not an idiot, Diesel. I can read between the lines, and I know you’re up to your shoulders in some bad business. But you know something? I don’t care. I don’t care about that because I do care about you.” She shook her head. “But I have to know about it so I know what to expect. I can’t hang around and be surprised when you don’t come home because you’ve been shot. I can’t just wait indefinitely for the ball to drop and for you to be locked up for twenty years.”
She was on a role, and she really didn’t want to stop. But he held up a hand, and Kim could see the concession in his face, so she paused, giving him the benefit of the doubt for a moment. Maybe he was going to cave. With a sigh, he said, “I think we should both sit down. I have a lot to tell you, and it’s some heavy shit. It’s going to take a while, and I’m going to brew some coffee before I get started.”
Kim hesitated, letting it sink in that he was going to share something big with her. She hadn’t expected to get to him so easily, and she had to assume Diesel had already been thinking it over. She doubted that her skinny self was actually all that fearsome yelling at him from across the room. She spread her arms in welcome and took a seat, waiting as patiently as she could until he came back with the coffee. He sat across from her and smiled ruefully. “So, let’s start with the gun fight that screwed up my shoulder, and I’ll work backward from there.”
He did, too, with breaks to refill their mugs twice. Kim listened avidly as he told her about all the club business, everything they had their hands in. He explained the fight with the Skeletons, and he told her about the guy he’d shot. “Wait,” she said, stopping him when she wasn’t sure she understood. “You told the police you didn’t know who shot you. But you do.” It wasn’t a question, and she wasn’t sure what to think about it.
He grunted. “He’s a dead man now anyway. He won’t get away with it. So, I said I didn’t even see who it was because I don’t want his death linked to me. Someone else will get their hands dirty on this one. I already have bigger problems.”
Up to that point, nothing had truly scared her, but Kim didn’t like the sound of this. Mob ties were nothing to balk at. She knew that all too well, and she worried about Diesel with that hanging over his head. He must have seen it because he told her, “Don’t worry about it, babe. I’m not going anywhere, and I’m not going to let anything happen to you.” He took a deep breath and added, “But this injury leaves me with a lot of free time on my hands. I can’t ride, so I can’t do anything for at least a week. I was thinking maybe we could spend some real, quality time together.”
Kim stared into her coffee mug, which was empty again. It would be a chance to start over, maybe start fresh. Slowly, she nodded. “I think maybe we could try that.” She glanced up and saw relief and hope on Diesel’s face, and she felt the same in her chest. Maybe this time, they could take it a little slower and make it all fall into place.
Chapter 5
For two days, Kim spent the hours watching movies with Diesel, cooking with him, and playing board games or putting together puzzles. It was relaxing, the sort of thing she used to do to pass the time between gigs. And it was something she hadn’t imagined being able to do with a guy like Diesel. But away from the club, he was a pretty normal guy. This comforted her on some level in a way she hadn’t been before.
The down time gave them the opportunity to talk, joke, and laugh. Kim shared stories about her childhood, and Diesel told her about his time in the juvenile jail. He talked about his family a little, but he didn’t seem to care too much for the topic, so Kim would divert the conversation to something less painful when he started to clam up.
But they both got a case of cabin fever, so she drove him out to the clubhouse, where they had a beer with some of the boys. There were a lot of jokes that went over her head and a lot of laughing loudly and clinking beer glasses. After a couple of hours, she began to get bored and got an idea. Then, she raised an eyebrow at him and pouted her bottom lip, asking, “Can we please go to the mall? I haven’t been shopping in ages, and I need to buy an outfit for my gig.”
He blinked at her, and she giggled as he asked, “Gig? What gig?”
She bit her lip to keep her smile from splitting her face in half. “I booked a show. The nightclub manager called yesterday while you were in the shower and booked me for tomorrow night. I wanted it to be a surprise, but I don’t have anything to wear. And since you seem to be keeping me busy all day, every day, I have to drag you with me to buy something. So I can’t keep the secret anymore.”
He laughed and hugged her close with his good arm, kissing her forehead and then her lips. “I’m happy for you, and very proud. Do I get to come to the performance?”
The fact that he wanted to come made Kim giddy. She wasn’t sure that he’d be that into it “I was hoping you would.”
“Then let’s go buy you the sexiest rocker outfit we can find. You’re going to be so amazing, they’ll want to hear you play every night.” She took him to a mall on the outskirts of the city, away from all the drama they faced on a daily basis, and he was patient as she perused the racks in several stores, tried on a number of items, and began to feel like she was having a wardrobe crisis. Finally, when she thought she was too frustrated to keep looking, she found the perfect pair of fitted jeans with an old 80s style stone wash and paired it with a long, figure hugging blue sweater that had a deep cut neckline.
She twirled in it, feeling like a million dollars, and the hungry look in Diesel’s eyes told her it was perfect. “I can wear it with my boots,” she decided. She hadn’t had an opportunity to wear the leather knee boots yet, and she was excited now. She let the bag swing in her left hand as they finally headed back to her car, clasping Diesel�
�s hand with her right. It felt good, like being in high school and falling in love for the first time, all over again. Diesel was special, and even if he came with a world of danger that she couldn’t think about right now, she was beginning to believe more than ever that he was the perfect match for her.
She didn’t mean to spend the night, but she was so tired she fell asleep on the couch and woke up to find a pillow beneath her head and a blanket draped over her, every stitch of clothing still in place, save for her sneakers. Kim smiled to herself. Who would have thought a gnarly biker with a cocky attitude could be such a gentleman?
She got up and stretched, realizing it was early, and tiptoed to the door of Diesel’s room. It was cracked, and she peered through, looking at his peaceful expression as he slept. She wished he didn’t carry so much weight on his shoulders when he was awake. He was gorgeous no matter what, but without the worry lines and heavy, burdened brow, he was angelic. It was impossible to think of anyone looking better.
Leaving him alone to get as much rest as possible so he would heal faster, she brewed the coffee and started breakfast. She had no intention of being a maid or servant, but she liked the idea of cooking for him from time to time, like a real wife in a real relationship. It was the sort of thing that made her question her dreams of being a star. Would a star be able to lead such an average, settled life? And would a life with Diesel ever be average?
She set the questions aside as he came in and sat down to eat with her, focusing on the evening. Kim hadn’t performed by herself in a long time, and this was going to be a new experience for her. But she was enthused and ready to go.
The day dragged by, but eventually, she headed to the spare bathroom to get ready. Diesel met her in the living room, looking incredible. Kim’s mouth ran dry. She’d never seen him dressed up like this. Sure, he was still in a pair of jeans, but they weren’t torn or ragged. And his dark red button down shirt, which he left untucked, made his dark eyes glisten and put a bit of color in his cheeks that had been lacking for the last few days.
His hair was slicked back, his beard freshly trimmed, and he could have been a cover model, even though he still held onto that bad boy appearance somehow. “You clean up real nice,” she said, her voice raspy as she looked him over again.
He grunted in response. “You’re a pretty hot ticket yourself. Shall we?” He held out his elbow to her in a true gentlemanly fashion, and she giggled as she took it. “What?” he asked.
She shook her head. “Nothing. I’m still driving.”
***
Diesel knew Kim was talented, but he hadn’t expected this. He’d seen a lot of shows in his days, but he’d never been so impressed with a one-person performance. The crowd was appreciative, too, loud and supportive. He could tell the moment Kim’s eyes landed on him where he sat in the front row that she was moved by his interest, and he blew her a kiss for good measure.
After that, he tried to be just another member of the audience, not wanting to intimidate her or make her feel self-conscious. She had so much confidence, such a strong, clear, and unique voice that took him to a place of peace the likes of which he’d never been. He couldn’t help but think how much her music would have soothed him when he was locked up, how much better his life would have been if he’d had something so fortifying to listen to before he’d gotten in so much trouble.
But he was still excited when she stepped off the stage, finally finished with the show, and into his arms. He kissed her soundly and told her, “That was truly amazing. Why didn’t you tell me how good you were?”
She shrugged and beamed. “I didn’t know I was. But it seemed like everyone thinks so, huh?” The crowd was still cheering, and some of them were surging forward to talk to her.
Diesel stood protectively in front of her, and the manager had a couple of security guards help him hold the audience back until they could get her backstage. The guy seemed anxious to talk to her. “Okay, Kim,” he said, a little breathless but full of energy. “That was just about the best reaction I’ve had to anyone coming in here and putting on a show. I was hoping maybe you could make this a regular thing, maybe three nights a week. I’m more than willing to work with you on your fee. I can make a killing if this spreads by word of mouth.”
Kim’s eyes were huge, and Diesel could feel the tension in her body as her excitement grew. “Really?” She was practically bouncing up and down. “I’d love that! I mean…” She trailed off and turned to look up at Diesel. “What do you think?”
He was floored that she asked his opinion. He hadn’t even thought about weighing in on this. But he certainly had no intention of holding her back, especially with the happiness in her eyes. “I think it’s great, babe. Why would you ever consider turning it down?” But he read it in her eyes. She wanted his approval, and wanted to know it was alright to take the time away from him.
Relieved, she turned to the manager. “I think we should work up a contract.”
“Great! I’ll have it drawn up in time for you to come back on Tuesday, if that’s alright with you.” She nodded, and he walked away.
Turning into Diesel’s arms, she squealed. “I got a regular gig!” she shouted and hugged him so tight it made him laugh.
Holding her close and letting her celebrate, he said nothing, just watched her eyes dance with delight. She bit her lip, which meant she was beyond happy, and told him, “I feel like everything is finally falling into place,” she told him in a much softer voice.
He nodded. “So do I.” And as much as that thrilled him, it’s exactly what scared him the most. It was always when things were at their best that the shit hit the fan.
Chapter 6
"What do you mean, one up two down?" Kim scowled as she looked at the monstrous motorcycle. She'd been mostly joking when she'd suggested Diesel teach her to ride his bike. He'd expressed his frustration at not being able to ride with his shoulder still on the mend, and she'd told him she would at least take him for a ride, if she could drive the thing.
She hadn't expected him to offer her lessons.
But here she was, on the first truly sunny day they'd had all week, with wind whipping around her as Diesel tried to explain how to shift gears. "It's a simple concept, Kim, and you're smart. Look, the first gear is up, and then for every other gear, you kick it down."
It wasn't that the instructions didn't make sense. She could drive a standard just fine, and this wasn't really any different in the overall concept. But Kim couldn't for the life of her imagine balancing the heavy bike at forty miles and hour and changing gears. "Diesel, how much does this bike weigh?"
He shrugged. "I don't know. Maybe a grand. It's not that heavy. Why?"
Kim gaped at him, her hands on her hips. "Not heavy? Diesel, a thousand pounds is half a ton. Do I look like I can lift a half a ton?"
He stared at her, looking horrified. "Why the hell would you have to lift it? I don't see any reason for it to be on the ground."
She started to argue with him, but they'd both gotten so caught up in the activity that they hadn't been watching traffic and didn't notice the visitor until the car was in the driveway. She heard Diesel curse under his breath a moment before she spotted the driver and had quite an inclination to do the same. "What's she doing here?" Kim asked quietly as Sophia got out of the car.
"I don't know," Diesel muttered back, sounding angry, "but if she pisses me off, I'm having her forcibly removed."
"Don't dismiss her to spare her the gory details," Sophia spat instantly, and Kim stiffened, recognizing this was going to be a confrontation that involved more than just beef between a woman and her ex-husband. "You do realize you're cheating, don't you?"
Diesel laughed, though Kim saw no humor in the statement whatsoever. She raised her chin, prepared to go toe-to-toe with the woman, but Diesel spoke first. "Sweetheart, you hold the record here for spreading your legs outside of our sacred commitment. So, if that's your beef, you can get the hell off my property."
&nb
sp; With a smug expression, she purposely came closer, and as she drew near, Kim felt a shiver of disgust. She had been a little jealous and concerned before, but she could see the way Diesel looked at her now and knew there was nothing left between them. In fact, she almost wondered how there had ever been anything, considering the utter animosity. She also knew the woman was walking a fine line, considering the agreement the two of them had supposedly come to for Sophia to keep her distance. How did she manage to justify appearing again after telling Kim that she wanted nothing more to do with Diesel and that Kim could keep him all to herself?
"You should be nicer to me, since I could always contest the divorce and drag it out longer. Especially since my testimony against you would go a long way in court as your wife." Kim felt the tingle of alarm building inside, and a sidelong glance at Diesel assured her that he was worried, too.
"That's nice, but I have no aspirations of going to court for anything," Diesel said, calling her bluff. But Kim had a feeling there was something more to it and wasn't ready to blow Sophia off just yet. The woman was a threat, no matter how anyone spun it. With her connections, she could easily take Diesel down, along with the rest of the Shadows.
Her pristinely manicured nails tapped against her bicep, the only sign of irritation as she smirked. "Maybe not, but you know what they say about the best laid plans." She took a deep breath. "It's my understanding that you're in a load of trouble, Diesel. I know what's going on, and you might as well count on meeting the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse riding your way." She turned her eyes to Kim, a sharp look that made Kim nervous. "And you can't escape, either, kiddo. I know this man, and that means you're already up Shit Creek without a paddle and a hole in the boat too big for that tight ass of yours to cover."
BAD BOY ROMANCE: DIESEL: Contemporary Bad Boy Biker MC Romance (Box Set) (New Adult Sports Romance Short Stories Boxset) Page 11