It matters…Abel is my world. He’s the father of my child. It’s his love that fills my heart and his cock that warms me every night. “What would make me trust you? You sent me photos of my father’s death.”
“Wasn’t me. Maybe you should ask your husband about that. My number is sewn into the bra of your dress. Text with a number two if your answer is yes, but I must warn you, time is of the essence. I’m tired of waiting for what’s mine.”
“Men like you don’t give chances or warnings. And you sure as hell don’t do anyone any favors. I thought I was what was yours?”
He chuckles. “I bet you’re a tiger in bed. Too bad you married that biker trash. We could have been good together. My offer still stands. You get the man you love, and a new life, and I get the empire I helped your father build. I want the keys to the kingdom. That key was once you, now it’s your freedom.”
“Time’s up.” I move toward the door and when I look back, he’s gone.
The door crashes open and Abel stares at me. “What are you doing out here?”
“Just needed some air.”
“Come on, let’s go get you out of that dress.”
Raul’s offer rings in my head. Three months ago, I would’ve wanted nothing more. The fantasy I had about us—Axel and me going off to Italy plays through my mind and the memories I’ve kept locked away come flooding back feeling like they were a lifetime ago. His mouth on mine, his touch tingling on my hip, and now…now I have Abel and a new beginning.
I already have that fresh start I craved. I have it and more.
A life I never dreamed I wanted but a life I can’t be without. The thought of leaving Abel and running off with Axel brings me physical pain. My chest squeezes tight and my palms itch with sweat.
Abel squeezes my hand as he pulls in at the clubhouse. “What’s wrong?”
“Nothing. I’m just creeped out that you’re not the one who bought me this dress and that someone was in our home.”
“Don’t worry. I promise you…I’ll handle it.”
“I know you will.”
Chapter 11
Ainsley
I hate lying to my husband, but I know if I tell him that Raul cornered me and I let him he will go off and do something stupid. I can’t afford for him to get himself killed. Not because he is my protector but because I love him. It hits me hard in the chest as my heart thumps in my throat. I’ve completely fallen for my husband and maybe it makes me horrible and selfish, but I don’t care if Axel ever comes back. He gave me away. He threw me away without looking back. I have nothing for him.
My choice is easy. Abel…I choose Abel and the life we are building together.
We walk into The Inferno and his boys are here and they all start chucking. “Can we help you, man?” ATL strokes his chin and studies us. “This pretty thing can stay but your pretty boy ass needs to get the fuck out.”
“Fuck off,” Abel growls at him and removes his jacket. He holds his sleeves out to me wanting me to remove his cufflinks. I drop them in his palm and shoves them in his pocket before loosening his tie.
Yap. Whine. I turn my head at the sound of Petunia and my blood runs cold when I see that cunt holding my dog. Abel watches me closely when I take a step toward her with murder on my mind. Grabbing my wrist, he stops me. “Snoop. Walk the dog then bring it upstairs to my room.”
Anger seeps through my veins. Why is he always stepping between us and trying to keep the peace? Does he care about her? Is h
e afraid she’ll leave? I suck in a breath and mentally slap myself. I’m doing exactly what Raul hoped by planting that seed of doubt. I’m questioning my husband’s loyalty. I know Abel is faithful. I’m not going to entertain the thought. Maybe she’s on Raul’s payroll. Maybe that’s why she keeps hanging around so she can feed him information.
Goldie smiles at me and waves from her perch on the barstool next to Trucker. Uno is probably home with Stephanie and Ruger. Teagan is behind the bar serving drinks. She waves me over, but Abel is still holding me against his chest.
“Go upstairs to my room and wait for me. One of the boys will bring up your bag and Petunia. I’ll be up soon. I need to speak with Murphy first.” He dismisses me with a kiss to my hair. I snub my nose at Oaklyn when I pass by her on my way to the stairs. It’s her I don’t trust. I see the way she stares after my husband. He may be blind to it but I’m not.
I stomp up the stairs and to his room wishing I could just go home. I no longer want to be here. I slam the door to the efficiency style room harder than necessary, but it makes me feel good to burn some of my anger off.
I kick my heels off and reach around my back for the zipper of my dress. The red material falls to the floor puddling at my feet. Stepping out of it I unhook my bra and toss it overhead. I grab a t-shirt from the drawer and pull it down over me. The white t-shirt hangs to my knees and smells of Abel.
A knock sounds at the door. “Who is it?”
“Can we talk?” My skin crawls at the sound of her voice.