ChapterFour
Queenie
“And you expect me to what? Be your little actress, and rattle off whatever is on the script?” Heat races through my body, lingering in my cheeks and the back of my neck.
“You won’t be lying, just omitting a few things.”
“And when I’m behind bars for perjury, what then?” I throw my hands in the air, looking out over the forested area behind the cabin. The view from the back porch is stellar, but the warm sunshine does nothing to boost my mood. The minute Preacher received the phone call, everything went downhill.
“Hey.” He moves into my space, pushing me back against the railing. “That’s not going to happen. The footage from the gas station has been taken care of, and the wound was never officially documented.”
I blink slowly as I try to process his statements.
“How?”
“That’s not for you to worry about.” His voice deepens, and I roll my eyes.
“Right. I just need to trust in the Sinners.”
“Don’t do that.” He shakes his head.
“Be honest.”
“Make it a me versus them situation.” He reaches out and pinches my chin between his fingers. “I told you I’d take care of you, Flower. And I meant it. You’re not alone in this.”
I sidestep, pulling away. “Easy to say when you’ve got the entire club behind your back.”
“And you don’t think they have yours, too?” He tilts his head, and I ignore the hurt expression that creeps over his strong features. “We both have a vested interest in this situation.”
His even tone infuriates me. “You have all the answers, don’t you?”
“I never said that, Flower. But I know this world, and like it or not, you will follow my lead.”
“Oh.” I throw back my head. “Now you show your true colors.” I shiver as I think back to Rhett.
“What are you talking about?”
“Controlling me. Deciding you know what’s best for my life. I’ve been through this before. I won’t do it.”
“Don’t compare me to the sorry bastards that came before me.”
“Why? You’re acting just like—”
He wraps his hand around my neck and pulls me to him. “You’ve got a lot of mouth and spirit. I appreciate that streak of independence, but somewhere along the way, you’ve forgotten how to be taken care of. I know you’re scared. But I’m not about to let you push me away with bullshit. I’m asking you to follow my lead because I know the terrain we’re treading on.”
His leather and pine scent surrounds me. I stand tall, ignoring the urge to curl into his warmth and let him take over.
“I don’t come into Banks and tell you how to do your job. I’m asking for you to give me the same respect.”
“This isn’t your job at the garage,” I whisper.
“No. It’s something far more important.” Making circular motions, he massages the knots out of my neck. He makes it easy to want to do what he asks.
“No.” I shake him off, putting distance between us. I need to keep my emotions out of this argument. “Stay where you are.” I put a hand out.
“Am I interrupting some kind of kinky game?” Ice appears at the bottom of the stairs, and I scowl.
“Excuse me.”