“Forge, what’s going on?” she
asked.
He pressed her against the nearest tree, wrapping his fingers around her neck, he didn’t squeeze but the intention was there.
Her eyes went wide as she looked at him. “Forge?”
“When was the last time you spoke to your father?”
“What?”
“You heard me. Don’t provoke me and don’t lie to me. The cage you’re in can get very fucking painful. I only need kids from you, nothing else.”
Tears filled her eyes and it fucking killed him to see them. He was the cause. You know she’s not capable of harming the club.
It didn’t matter. As club president, it was his job to keep everyone safe and Beth posed a threat.
“Answer me.”
“When he gave me to you.”
He slowly tightened his grip. She could still breathe. “If you’re lying to me, I’ll find out.”
“I’m not lying. I promise. I wouldn’t do that. I’m not lying.” She started to cry. Her hands went to his wrists. “Please don’t hurt me. I came with nothing. I don’t have a cell phone, or internet access. I can’t get into contact with him. Why are you doing this to me? I’ve done nothing wrong.”
“Then why is he saying he’s got inside information?”
“I don’t know.” She sobbed. “What could I tell him? That you like black coffee or whipped cream on your apple pie? There is nothing I can tell him about you or the club.”
He saw the truth and he let her go.
What had he done?
He stepped closer to her and she stumbled back. Her actions were so rushed she fell over. She scrambled to get to her feet and when she did, she whirled around, shooting him glares. Her hand went to her throat.
“I didn’t hurt you.”
“You were going to. I’ve been there for you. I’ve been open. I told you that I love you and you still think I’d betray you?”
“Beth, the club would want to know answers.”
“Why not ask me? Why did you have to scare me and threaten me? I’ve done nothing to you.” She wiped at her face even as more tears spilled down her cheeks.
He attempted to get near her but she shook her head. “No!” She screamed the word. “I don’t want you coming anywhere near me.”
“Don’t forget who owns you.”
She laughed. The sound wasn’t happy. No, it was full of grief that he’d put there. “Of course. How could I ever forget? I’m just someone to be used. To get pregnant and not care about. There’s no way I’d be able to think for my own. I’m not loyal, am I? I’m nothing more than a piece of meat to you.”
“Beth.”
She shook her head. “No. I don’t … trust you. I guess my love means absolutely nothing because you instantly thought the worst of me.” She sniffled.
When she turned on her heel and ran, he didn’t stop her. He watched her go, following behind her as she dashed into the clubhouse. A couple of the women looked at him. Some had hope in their eyes as if he’d turn to them for comfort. It wasn’t going to happen. The only woman he wanted had run from him, not that he blamed her. He’d just fucked up in the biggest way possible. Why did have to sabotage everything good in his life?
Forge didn’t want to have to question her in front of the club. He fucking wouldn’t.
Walking to Hound, he glared at him. He wanted to hurt him, to slash his face, to annihilate him. He didn’t. “I want everyone at church. No waiting around. All of them. Don’t make the prospects collect cell phones. Make it an emergency,” he said.