by Lila Rose
He said something, but I was too busy writing down another note to answer or actually take in what was said. So I replied with “Uh-huh,” then nodded and jotted down another note before sticking the pen back in my mouth and turning the page in the textbook again.
The music I had softly playing from the speaker in front of me on the table suddenly stopped. Scowling, I lifted my head. The pen dropped from my mouth, and my heart gave a lurch behind my ribs.
Wreck stood beside the table with his arms crossed over his chest. His glare sent shivers down my back.
“A-Ah, hi,” I offered before I thought about hiding under the table to get away from his stare. Instead, I braved it to add, “Zion should be home soon.” I shrugged.
“I know.”
Okay.
Was it suddenly hot in the room? Perspiration beaded between my shoulder blades, and at any moment, my tee and sweatpants would become embarrassingly damp. If Wreck wasn’t there, I would be fanning myself, but his intense gaze drilled into me.
I wish something else would drill— Do not go there, Lucas.
“You’re not listenin’ again,” Wreck growled sharply, causing me to jump.
“Sorry?”
His jaw clenched, like he ground his teeth together. “This area isn’t the fuckin’ safest. You had the front door unlocked, were listening to goddamn music, while your head was buried into a book oblivious to the world around you.” He leaned down and planted his hands on the table. “I could have killed you at least twenty times before you even noticed I was in the damn house.”
I scoffed. When his eyes darkened more, I quickly pretended it was a cough and then said, “I knew someone was in the house. I called out.”
“You didn’t even look up.” He straightened and threw out a hand toward the front door right when Zion opened it and stepped in.
He paused and looked from Wreck to me and back to his friend. “What’s goin’ on?”
“Your brother is an idiot,” Wreck stated.
“Am not,” I yelled, and regretted it since it sounded childish.
Zion snorted. “What did he do?” He moved into the living room, then passed us and went directly to the kitchen to get two beers out of the fridge.
“He had the door unlocked while having his head in a book and music playin’. He didn’t even look at me when I entered. Didn’t even listen when I said I was goin’ to kill him.”
Had he said that?
Well, dang.
Zion passed the other beer to Wreck and rolled his eyes. “He’s always like that when he’s studyin’. I’m sure the house could burn down around him, and he wouldn’t even notice.”
Wreck’s brows dipped lower, and he was back to glaring at me.
“Whatever,” I said bravely. I wouldn’t let Wreck’s fierce look intimidate me, not when I found his concern over my well-being sweet. I picked my pen back up and looked down at the textbook again. Zion grabbed Wreck’s attention when he started talking about his motorcycle, and I went back to reading.
At least I tried to, but I was sure my body was on fire since I could feel Wreck’s gaze burning into me every now and then.
It had been a couple of weeks since I saw him last, which was when we’d first met. Two weeks went by, and I hadn’t even thought of him. Okay, a total lie, but I kept it to a minimum of two thoughts a day. Now he was in the house again, and all I wanted to do was listen to his gruff voice and stare at him so he could star in another fantasy.
I’d lost count of the times I’d masturbated while thinking of Wreck, of how he had me pinned to the wall instead of Kylo. But the difference was, I’d been wrapped around Wreck in a lover’s embrace.
A laugh escaped me. If he knew what he did to me, he would freak out. Why, oh why, did I have to find him the most attractive out of Zion’s friends?
Kylo had kept in contact, and we were becoming closer. Why couldn’t I be attracted to him? Heck, even Gregory, a guy in one of my classes, had approached me just yesterday and asked if I wanted to get coffee. He was nice, sweet, and cute, yet I said no instinctively. I’d said no because my stupid head wouldn’t stop thinking of the muscular Wreck.
I didn’t even know his real name for crying out loud.
I guessed no one listened to me from the heavens when I’d prayed that I didn’t want to see the man again so I could get over my attraction.
My phone chimed with a text, and I smiled. It was Kylo. I opened it; he was asking me if I wanted company. I nibbled on my bottom lip as I thought about it. He’d popped by a couple of days ago, and we’d listened to music while eating Chinese takeout and talking. It’d been good. We’d laughed and got along really well. I could see him becoming a good friend.
However, I did have to get at least three more chapters done before I went to bed. Even though it was Friday, I liked to get as much done as I could before I had work the next day.
“Who’s that?” came barked next to me as a plate was deposited on the table next to my arm.
I glanced up. Wreck stood there, staring down at me. Did he ever not glare?
“Um, a friend.”
“Eat” was all he said before stepping back into the kitchen where Zion was.
I glanced down at the plate and found two grilled cheese sandwiches. My stomach growled loud enough both my brother and Wreck looked over.
“See, he forgets to eat when he’s studyin’ too,” Zion supplied. Wreck’s gaze narrowed once again as he grunted. It had me wondering if he grunted like that when he came.
Sighing, I pushed that thought away and picked up a sandwich. I put my music back on, since it wasn’t so loud they wouldn’t be able to talk to one another, and as I ate, I forced my mind back into my work.
It wasn’t until I’d written my last note that I dropped my pen and stretched. Opening my eyes, I saw Zion, Wreck, and Death looking at me from where they sat at the end of the table.
“When did you get here?” I asked, reaching out to stop my music.
Death and Zion chuckled, while Wreck’s lips twitched, but he didn’t indulge in the hilarity the others had found.
“What?”
“Kid, you are somethin’ else,” Death said.
“What?” I asked again.
“I got here about twenty minutes ago, came in, said hi, you ignored me, and since then been shootin’ the shit and watchin’ you totally in your own fuckin’ world. No wonder Wreck was worried you’d get killed. Lock the damn door when you’re home alone.”
“I second that,” Zion said. “Bro, I didn’t realize how bad you were until now. When you get into your head, nothin’ will pull you out until you’re done.”
Rolling my eyes, I stood and picked up my plate. “I’m not that bad.”
“Kid, we could have had a ragin’ party, and you wouldn’t have heard shit.”
“That’s unlikely.”
“Bro, seriously, you’re like in your own bubble and nothin’ will get through. You need to make sure you still know what’s goin’ on around you. Are you like that when you go to the library?”
“No, I’m more aware.” I moved off into the kitchen and knew they were all looking at me.
“I’m callin’ bullshit,” Death said.
“Dammit, Lucas. It’s fine to do it here, as long as you lock the doors—”
“And windows,” Wreck added.
Zion nodded. “And windows, but don’t do it anywhere else. People could steal off you, and you wouldn’t even know it’s happenin’.”
“They could slip him something, and he wouldn’t know,” Wreck added.
Dropping my plate into the sink, I spun back around, tripped, and stumbled forward before righting myself and snapping, “I’m twenty-two years old.”
“He’s twenty-two?” Death asked.
“Twenty-two?” Wreck mimicked, eyes narrowing. “I was sure eighteen at least.”
“He’s always looked young,” Zion said.
I growled in the back of my throat in annoyance,
and they all smiled at me, even Wreck. Like I was some cute little puppy. “I’m twenty-two and I can take care of myself. Nothing has happened—”
“Yet,” Wreck put in.
I scowled at him. “Nothing has or will happen. I’m not a kid who needs coddling, so effing quit it.”
“Effing?” Death asked, smirking.
“He means fuckin’,” Zion said and then shrugged. “He doesn’t like to swear.” They chuckled.
I threw my hands up in the air and stalked by them to the hallway. I would hide in my room until they were gone. It was Friday night after all, and I was sure they’d be off partying soon. Only then I remembered I hadn’t replied to Kylo, so I turned back around and thumped my feet back out to the table where— My phone wasn’t there.
“Where’s my phone?”
“Who’s Kylo?” Wreck asked. He had my phone in his hand on the table.
“Isn’t he the prospect?” Death asked.
Zion laughed. “Which one?”
Death drummed his fingers on the table in thought and then said, “Yeah, he was the one that was here that night. Hey, are you two a thing now?”
Oh my God. They were here to drive me insane. Screw my fantasies about Wreck or how good-looking Death was. I was going to kill them. As soon as I found a way to do it where I didn’t have other bikers hunting me down when they found out.
“It’s none of anyone’s business. Pass me my phone.” I leaned over the table with my hand held out.
“No, seriously, are you two datin’ or somethin’? He shouldn’t be goin’ after my brother,” Zion said with a snarl.
“We’re not dating,” I yelled, straightening with my hands on my hips.
Everyone went quiet and stared at me, as if waiting for an explanation.
“Did he reject you?” Zion asked darkly. “I’ll kill the little fucker for rejectin’ you.”
“I’ll help,” Death added.
This was one effed-up situation, and my head spun from it.
Before Wreck could join in on the threats, I said, “No, he didn’t reject me.” Zion went to open his mouth, but I shot my hand out and up. “Stop. Don’t say anything else.” I took a breath. “Kylo and I are just friends. Again, not that it’s anyone’s business. And even if we were dating…” I blushed. “Um…” I forgot what I was saying because I really couldn’t believe I was talking to three men about my nonexistent dating life with a guy. “Look, let’s, ah, leave it at it’s no one’s business.”
They all looked at one another, making my body tense up. “What was that?” I demanded, pointing at all of them.
“What?” Zion asked casually, leaning back in his seat.
“That look,” I stated.
“There was no look,” Wreck said with a smile, and that smile made me stupid because it was stunning.
“I… you….” I growled again before reaching over, snatching up my phone, and stalking from the room while three men laughed behind me.
In my room, I closed my door and went straight to my bed and lay down. The scene rolled around in my head, and I still couldn’t make sense of it. Yes, it was normal, well somewhat, for my own brother to be protective of me, but then there were Wreck and Death doing the same.
Unless… unless it was the way they were. Like Kylo said, they took care of their family.
Groaning, I dropped my arm over my eyes. I couldn’t help but hope that Wreck was doing it for another reason, but thinking that made me even stupider.
I just had to remember and keep it in the forefront of my mind that these men would do anything for their family, and since I was Zion’s brother, it looked like it meant me as well.
A gasp escaped me when my phone chimed on the bed beside me. I removed my arm and picked up the phone; it was Kylo.
Kylo: Hey, I know you’re probably studying, but have a break. Instead of me coming over, if you’re free, live a little and come to the compound.
Me: I’m so sorry for not replying earlier. You’re right, I was studying. Maybe next time I’ll take you up on that offer, but right now, I’m tired. Plus, I have work tomorrow.
Kylo: You’ll always have work on Saturday. What about tomorrow night?
Me: Sorry, I promised an old friend we’d go to the movies.
I wasn’t lying either. West and I were friends since the first day of college. Usually Kimber, Janine, and Linton would be with us as well, since we all met on the first day and became somewhat friends, but they were all busy. Not that it bothered me. I was a little closer to West than the others. Mainly because we’d been drunk one night and confessed we were gay. There was zero attraction between us though; we never saw each other as a fit.
I sat up as a thought crossed my mind. What happened if Kylo thought I was being rude and not inviting him along? Would he want to go? Did he have time? He’d told me he usually manned the bar on the weekends at the compound, which, when I asked, I found out was the place the bikers got together for their meetings and such. Some even lived there.
Would West mind if I asked Kylo?
Me: Would you want to join us?
Kylo: Thanks for the offer, but another time. I’ve got shit to do at the compound.
Me: No problem. Talk tomorrow.
When he didn’t reply straight away, I knew he must have been caught up doing something. I went back to lying down on the bed. Sleep called to me, and since I was done with the books, I needed to have a shower before I could even think about shutting down.
Moaning, I got up and grabbed my towel that hung over the back of my desk chair. I wouldn’t leave it in the bathroom since the last time I had, a woman had come out of the bathroom with it around her naked body. It was weird knowing I dried my balls on the towel that sat snugly against her skin.
Opening my door, I made my way into the bathroom. Before I could close the door, my brother called.
I stuck my head out and asked, “Yes?”
“We’re headin’ off to the compound, wanna come?”
“Thanks, Kylo has already asked, but I’ve got work tomorrow, and I’m tired from studying. I’m going to shower and head to bed.”
“Kylo asked?” Zion questioned.
Was I going to get Kylo in trouble if I said yes? But it was too late since I’d already said he had.
“The prospect asked him?” came from the living room in Wreck’s rough tone.
“That’s what he said,” Zion called. He glanced back to me. “Right?”
Stepping out of the bathroom, I crossed my arms over my chest and said, “If I say yes, you can’t say anything to him.”
Death’s head peeked around the corner. “Sure, kid, we won’t say anythin’.”
I narrowed my eyes. “Your smile says different, Death.” I glanced back to my brother. “Kylo is allowed to ask people to the compound, right?”
Zion nodded. “Yeah, he can invite someone.”
“Then it’s okay he asked me?”
Zion shrugged. “Sure.”
“What am I missing here?”
Death snorted. “Prospects are only allowed to ask someone they’re into. Usually it’s women.”
My face heated. “He’s not into me. We’re friends.”
Zion rolled his eyes while Death laughed and moved off to the front door.
“Let’s go,” Wreck called.
“Wait,” I said to Zion. I moved down the hall. “How come you can ask me, and I’m just your brother, but if Kylo does—”
His hand shot up. “You’re family. It’s different for family. Kylo wants a piece of you.”
“He doesn’t!” I shouted.
Zion smirked. “Fuck, you’re blind. Don’t worry, bro, he’ll get the point that you only want friendship.”
“Maybe I shouldn’t have accepted his offer for dinner Sunday,” I muttered more to myself.
Zion chuckled, slapped my shoulder, and walked away.
I was sure Kylo and I had been on the same page—just friendship.
“Yo.”
I looked up to see Wreck at the front door, my brother and Death not in sight. “I’m lockin’ the fuckin’ door on the way out.”
I wasn’t an idiot. I would have locked it before I crashed. I didn’t reply. All I did was nod. Wreck glared at me a little while longer before stalking out and shutting the door. Then I heard the handle jiggle as he made sure the lock was in place.
I couldn’t stop the smile claiming my lips before I quickly wiped it away when I remembered Wreck was straight, at least I was fairly sure he was, and just looking out for Zion’s brother… who he probably thought was an idiot.
Chapter Four
Lucas
West was laughing so hard he had to hold his stomach. I let him have his moment because if it happened to anyone but me, I probably would have found it funny as well. We’d been to the movies already and were sitting at a late-night café to grab a coffee.
He slapped the table. “Only you could be surrounded by bikers and have one confess he wants to date you.”
I glared. “That’s not true. You know my dating life is nonexistent because no one has shown interest.”
He scoffed. “Please. What about that guy from class? He saw me with you and looked like he wanted to strangle me to get to you.”
Rolling my eyes, I shook my head. “He asked me for coffee, but I couldn’t go.”
“Couldn’t or wouldn’t?”
“Couldn’t.” Wouldn’t because a certain man had been on my mind. “But I think I’ll take him up on his offer now.” I had been stupid not to accept the chance to get to know him. He was cute and sweet like I’d thought, and I was wasting my time thinking about a man who was completely different from me.
“Good, you two could hit it off. He was cute.”
I nodded. “Enough about me though. How’s things been for you?”
He waved a hand around. “Same old. Your life is completely more entertaining than my boring one.”
“I doubt that. What happened with that Sam guy?”
West actually blushed. I used to think he was one of the biggest flirts out there, but he was just always touchy and nice to everyone. He’d met Sam about a month ago when we’d been out for drinks one night. We all could see the sparks flying.