“Okay,” he concedes, failing to hide the twitch in his lips. “I’ve asked enough questions.”
He stops me when I try to walk around him. “You need to think before you do something stupid.”
Looking from his grip on my arm and back up to him twice isn’t enough of a hint to make him release me. TJ has never been physically assaultive to me, but I know what he’s capable of. I leave my arm in his grip and wait for him to speak again. When he doesn’t, I cave.
“I’m not on drugs.”
“I’m not talking about drugs, and you damn well know it.”
“I’m not seeing the vet anymore,” I confess, answering his earlier question with hopes of distracting him.
“I know.”
“I’m not working there anymore either.”
“I know that, too.”
His grip loosens but he doesn’t release me completely.
“I’m just trying to be happy,” I whisper. “I just want to be happy.”
His eyes soften, his throat working on a swallow, and I tense waiting for him to issue the command he knows I can’t abide by.
He doesn’t say another word, merely leans in and kisses my temple before letting me go and leaving the house.
On shaky legs, I walk back upstairs and silently close my bedroom door. TJ was right. Lynch, telling from the noises coming from his room, wasn’t able to just go upstairs and crash. For over an hour, I distract myself with music and a stupid game on my phone until silence fills the house once more. For good measure, I wait another thirty minutes to see if Zoe is going to come out of her room. When she doesn’t, I tug on some clothes, and as stealthily as possible, slide out of my room.
It’s broad daylight, and any other day I wouldn’t be concerned about walking around at nine in the morning, but my ulterior plans can only come to fruition if I don’t run into anyone.
Betting on everyone still being asleep after such a wild night of drinking and partying, I make my way out of my house and slip through the back door of the clubhouse.
Other than a muffled cough coming from one of the rooms, I don’t hear a sound as I creep down the long hallway and pull my keycard out. When the light turns green on the top of the box, I could kiss Virus for providing me with a card that grants me access everywhere. I knew the second he handed me the card last night what I’d use it for.
Standing stock still in the doorway, I take a long moment to appreciate the serene look on Briar’s relaxed face. Hearing the cough again, I step further in the room and close the door. He doesn’t move. His arms are stretched over his head, and one leg is pulled up. Even in sleep, the bulge in his boxers is formidable, terrifying even, but fear isn’t ruling me today.
The thrill of being here with him heightens my senses. Sounds are sharper, the scent of his earthy cologne fills my nostrils, and I can see the tiny dust motes floating in the sliver of light the blinds allow. Knowing I made it this far and didn’t get caught makes me want to test my luck even further.
Quietly, I cross the room and begin to tug free Briar’s belt from his discarded jeans. My head snaps in his direction when a handful of change falls from his pocket and clinks to the floor. His lips close as he swallows, but he makes no move to open his eyes or roll over.
He must be exhausted because he doesn’t flinch or even try to swat me away when I lean over him and wrap his belt around his wrists and attach them to the wooden slat of the headboard.
Unable to be this close and not touch him, I lean in and brush my lips against his.
It’s now that his eyes flutter open. Rather than shock and anger, a slow, sexy smile spreads his lips.
“Hey, baby,” he whispers. Confusion marks his brow when he realizes his arms are restricted.
“Shhh.” I press my finger to his lips before running my hand down his eyelids. “You’re dreaming.”
“Molly?”
“Dreaming,” I repeat. I know, from the last time we were together, that keeping his eyes closed helps him control the monster he believes lies in wait inside of him. I know better. This man isn’t evil, and in the bottom of my soul, I know he’d never hurt me.
He settles, eyes staying closed. My entire body is shaking when I lie half on him and half on the bed. I didn’t think things through this far, certain he was going to make me leave the second he realized I was here. I’d expected him to break the bed and insist I go back home, not compliance.