“You’ve got a headache?”
“Yeah,” she said with a groan. “I’m so sorry. I think I’m going to have to cut this evening short. It’s a shame. I had a lovely time.”
Her evening had been spent listening to Hank talk about how he got on the police force, what role he played, and him expanding on his list of achievements. How much better he was than anyone else in the world.
It was … exhausting.
This man thought he was better than all of the guys back at the MC, and yet, he was so self-centered. He didn’t even understand the meaning of the word loyalty. Still, she played along. It wasn’t like she had to say very much. Hank filled any kind of uncomfortable silence. He really loved the sound of his own voice and there was no way she was going to interrupt him.
They walked back to her home. She stared up at the house. Any other time, she’d have loved a place like this. Could even imagine herself enjoying it with Dog, but this was all part of a plan. Not real.
Hank took her hand within his. “Let me take you out again tomorrow?”
“I’d like that.”
“Good.” He leaned in close and kissed her cheek. “You’re a really special woman, Sable. Really sweet. You did right leaving them.”
“Thank you.” She wanted to scream at him, but she turned her back, aware of how close he still stood. “I had a wonderful evening. Thank you for being so understanding.” She blew him a kiss and closed the door. She collapsed against the wood and covered her face.
“He’s falling for you.”
She let out a little scream as she looked up to see Forge sitting on the stairs. Glancing back at the door then at the prez, she opened her mouth and closed it. “What if—? He could have seen you.”
“He didn’t. I’m not near the door and you didn’t open it too wide.” He stood up.
“What about your bike? We’re doing this for me to get close and if he even senses I’m playing him, it will all be for nothing.”
Forge stared at her. “Are you a virgin?”
“Wait, what?”
“I don’t want any elaborate lies or bullshit. Answer me. Are you a virgin?”
“You’ve been talking to Dog.” She nibbled on her lip, feeling her cheeks heat.
Forge moved away from the stairs and stood right in front of her. “Are you a virgin? Yes or no. Or was it a lie you told Dog to make him crazy?”
She shook her head. “I’m a virgin.”
“Tell me right now. Do you want to stop this?” he asked. “I asked you to do this as Hank showed you interest and I thought you were experienced. Given the guys’ comments about you over the years, I assumed. That was my mistake.”
“I … no, we’ve started now. Hank believes this story. I can do this.”
“Can you do this without fucking him?” Forge asked. “I don’t want your first time to be with someone you can’t stand.”
“I honestly don’t know. I don’t want him but I’ll do what is needed for the club.” She rubbed at her temple.
“I’m sorry about that,” he said, pointing at her cheek.
“It’s nothing.”
“Your mom will regret that when she knows the truth.”
“It doesn’t matter.”
“I’m going to go now. Lock your door.” Forge turned on his heel but rather than go out the front door, she heard the kitchen one close. After quickly flicking the lock into place at the front, she rushed toward the back and did the same.
As far as conversations went, it had to be the strangest one she’d ever had with her prez. She hadn’t been lying to Hank. Her head was ready to explode.
After opening the fridge, she poured herself some milk and made her way upstairs. She put the cold milk by her nightstand, went into the bathroom, stripped off the clothes, stepped beneath the shower, and allowed the night to just fade away. She wanted every trace of Hank off her body.
Once she felt clean enough, she stepped out, quickly pulled on a shirt, and was entering her bedroom, drying her hair, when she caught sight of Dog sitting on the edge of her bed. He wasn’t wearing his leather cut, nor his boots. In fact, he wore nothing but boxer briefs as he looked at her.
“What are you doing here?” she asked.
“Why didn’t you tell Forge you wanted out? It was really that simple.”
“I started this. The club needs this. We can’t keep talking about the same old thing. I can do this.”
“You think Hank’s going to hold out for a taste of you?”
“Yes.” Hank hadn’t made an inappropriate move yet. She wasn’t going to even give him a hint it would be acceptable. “You shouldn’t be here. Where are your clothes?”
“On the floor. If you could take your eyes off me for one minute, you’d see where they are.”