Storm’s intense gray eyes locked on mine. I held my breath, fearing what he might do.He can make Casso’s captivity look like a palace.I shuddered, imagining a dungeon of torture at the hand of these strangers.
He sat beside Sugar, patting his lap for Madeline. She took her spot as if it were totally normal, but to me, it was strange that she didn’t sit in the chair next to him. The other couple and bikers hung back, observing.
Could I crawl under a rock and never come out again?
“You can’t leave,” Storm told me in an unyielding tone.
“So you’re going to handcuff me to a bed? Or maybe a wall?” I shot back. I was so damn tired of being controlled by men.
“I’d prefer not to,” he grunted.
Madeline sighed. “He’s teasing.”
I darted my eyes from her to Storm. “He doesn’t look amused. I don’t take threats lightly.”
“He would never hurt a woman,” Madeline assured, but I didn’t believe her. Every man could harm a woman.
“Right. Well, as far as I’m concerned, this is America. It’s supposed to be the land of the free. I’ve been a caged animal for too long. I appreciate your hospitality for the night. But I won’t stay another day and lead Cass to your doorstep, Mr. Storm.”
He smirked. “It’s just Storm or Prez.”
Every woman in the room giggled.
“Whatever.” I waved him off. “You’ll just have to lock me up, Storm. Because I am leaving here. With or without your approval.” I stood, done with this conversation.
“Sit down,Snow,” he growled.
I glared at the animal, my heart pounding against my ribs.
Jill tugged the hem of my sweatshirt. “Asp, just give him a chance.”
My gaze didn’t leave Storm. “My name is Aspen. If you want me to respond to you or show you respect, you’ll forget you ever heard the name Snow. She doesn’t exist.”
Storm’s eyes narrowed. The room was so quiet you could hear a leaf land on the table.
“Sit down, Aspen. And for the record, it is not my intention to hurt you or hold you against your will. But I have people in my club who care about you, so it’s my job to make sure you’re safe.”
“What people?” I hissed in annoyance. How could his wife be with him? He might be drop-dead gorgeous and hulking, but he had thisTerminatorvibe about him like Arnold Schwarzenegger in all those movies. Like he ruled the roost. I guessed if he was the prez of the club, he did control everything.
Shit. I’m in trouble all over again. Me and my goddamn mouth.
“Um, excuse me. Best friend, right here.” Jill tapped her chest.
“And I care about you,” Tina said next. Her soft voice deflated my fight.
I dropped down into the chair and lowered my gaze. I didn’t know what to do, but Jill was right. She cared about me. Loved me. I was sure she’d do anything within her power to protect me.
“Fine. I’ll listen to what you have to say, but that doesn’t mean I’ll follow it,” I told Storm honestly.
“Fair enough. Church is at seven.” He kissed Madeline’s cheek, helping her up. She sat in his chair as he left.
I turned to Jill. “What’s church?”
“A meeting the members in the club have,” she said.
“So why did he tell me like I was supposed to be there?”
“Because you have to be there,” Madeline replied. “It’s your life in danger. You know Casso better than anyone. Storm and his brothers will want to know everything you can tell them. I held him off as best I could from interrogating you earlier. My man is all out of patience now.” She grimaced.