The words stunned her into silence. No one had ever taken her feelings into consideration. “I-I don’t know.”
“How about we figure it out together?”
She narrowed her eyes and studied his expression. Underneath the scarring and hooded eyes lay a sincerity that stole her breath. He was a man of action. It scared her witless and drew her to him like a moth to a flame. Every statement he made had been instantly backed up by action. Maybe you can trust him.
He leaned against the doorframe.
His massive size filled her vision.
“You can trust me. I’d never let anything hurt you. That includes me.”
“Why?” she asked once more.
“I see something in you I’ve needed for a long time. I didn’t realize it until you came and it struck me like white-hot lighting. In the blink of an eye, everything shifted for me. You’re not an average woman and we both know I’m nowhere near normal. So, let’s not get hung up on how we think things should be and deal with things as they are.” He cupped her face in his callused palm.
She leaned into his touch, desperate for the unexpected gentleness he offered freely. The exterior people presented meant nearly nothing. It could be manipulated and prettied. The soul that lay at the core of person’s being was a different matter. This man, with his mangled flesh, stern face, and cold eyes exhibited more heart than anyone she’d ever known.
He held out a hand to her, ready to save her from drowning in her own confusion, doubt and fucked up past.
All I have to do is take what he offers. She stood on the edge of a cliff with more of the same behind her and a vast space of unfamiliar territory ahead.
“No man will ever want you now. You’re used up goods with a hideous face and no other skills besides lying on your back,” Mylandra’s cruel voice taunted her.
Her stomach tangled into knots. She placed a hand on her belly.
Monster studied her from beneath lowered lids.
Don’t let her win.
She struggled with the ghost of her past, thrashing in the proverbial deep waters of her mind. Wriggling back and forth, she kicked her way to the surface. The only way to break free was to do the very thing that scared her most, trust someone. “Show me.”
Monster grinned and she could imagine him as he would’ve been. Free of blemish and so gorgeous he’d make your heart ache. Like a young James Dean, he gave a sense that he lived fast. Everything she’d seen and heard told her bikers rode a dangerous path. Being with one wouldn’t be a walk in the park. Still, she couldn’t bring herself to feel true fear. He wanted her to be his. She clutched at the yearning to belong that he offered. A part of making your own decisions is making mistakes and he’s someone I’m willing to take a chance on. The affirmation kept her demons at bay.
“Get your shit, baby. I’ll show you around town.”
Symone turned on her heels, then ran for her purse and keys she kept on a table. She snatched up the small black clutch and key ring, then walked out of the apartment feeling in charge of her life.
“You ever been on the back of a bike, babe?” he asked.
“Yes.”
“Well, that stops now. Only bike I want you on the back of now is mine.” His eyes darkened with possession.
To some, it might be insulting, but for her it was the ultimate compliment. The common liberties and freedoms most took for granted, she’d coveted and dreamed about. She locked the door behind her and he took her hand, lacing their fingers. Her jaw dropped.
“What?” he asked.
“I didn’t think you’d be one for showing affection in public,” she admitted bashfully.
“There’s plenty you have yet to learn about me. Let’s start off with this. You’re mine and I’ll touch you anytime and anywhere, regardless of who’s watching.” His eyes darkened with desire.
It was a look she knew well. Coming from him, it felt good. With no guilt or fakeness. Just a raw connection she craved more of.
“You like the thought of that?” He pressed the down button to the elevator. The left side of his lip quirked upward, rearranging the scarring.
Without thinking, she reached out to brush the area with her thumb.
He froze. His jaw twitched and his body tensed.