“Please.” I put my hand on his chest and was taken aback by his rapid heartbeat. “Art?”
“How long has this been going on?” His nostrils flared, looking at the clubhouse doors. “Is Jack the real reason why you don’t want to be with me?”
“Let’s not do this here.”
“Fuck, he’s the reason. Fuck!” He looked as if he’d lose his shit any second.
“Can we go somewhere to talk?” I went to touch him again, but he stepped back.
“Don’t touch me. Get in your fucking car and follow me.” He threw his leg over his Harley’s seat and started it, revving it hard with a furious expression.
None of the Knights had ever talked to me this way before. Matt and Storm would have beaten their asses. Too bad neither of them were here right now. It was better to do as Art demanded. I didn’t want my dirty laundry aired in front of the Soldier’s clubhouse. Jack had let us walk out, but I was sure he was watching and wouldn’t hesitate to get into a fight with Art.
I trotted to my car and jumped in, my heart racing a mile a minute. My hand trembled like crazy as I fished out my car keys from my bag. Fear pulsed through my veins, anxiety twisting my guts into knots.
Art was thinking the worst about Jack and me. He had it wrong. I didn’t have sex with him and hadn’t been with him while with Art.
I swallowed, feeling sick to my stomach. Could I just rewind today, make different choices, and start over?
“Dammit, hand. Stop shaking!” It took three attempts to put the key in the ignition and turn it.
If Art thought Jack was the reason I pushed him away, I feared all hell would break loose. Would he tell Storm he caught me alone with Jack? Even though my nephew already knew, the rest of the club would find out, so would my sons.
I blinked away tears.Jesus, this is one fucked up mess, Eve!
Art rode off and I followed, stepping on the gas to keep up. I had no idea where he was going. It didn’t matter. I needed to control myself and formulate a plan to pacify his anger. I also needed him to believe nothing was going on with Jack.
Ten minutes out of Mason City, Art pulled into a motel. He didn’t ask for my opinion before going into the lobby.
I tingled down low, having an idea of what might happen next. We’d argue and yell, but I was sure we couldn’t resist each other while alone. The temptation to have sex would be too high to not act on our desires. That was how powerfully magnetic we were, how drawn our souls were to the other.
Honestly, I wanted Art to work out his frustrations on me. I needed him inside me, needed to be connected to him, and ultimately, I prayed he didn’t hate me.
He stalked out of the building and stopped as if waiting for me to come to him. I got out of my car because I knew what was good for me.
There were no words as I followed him to a room. He opened the door, let me enter first, then he shut it and bolted the lock.
My heart raced, my palms sweating as I watched him remove his cut. Art wouldn’t physically hurt me, but the damage he could do to my heart would be unbearable.
Don’t you get it, Eve? The way you’re feeling is proof of how much Art matters to you. It’s proof of how much you love him. Stop fighting it.
But I’m terrified of the blowback.
“Why were you with Jack?” Art sat on the corner of the king-sized bed. He dragged his hands down his cheeks.
“I needed a friend to talk to.”
“Is that all you needed from him?” His jaw twitched as he pinned me in place with a cold stare.
“I didn’t have sex with him.”
“But have you before?” He watched me closely. Understanding flashed in his dark depths when I didn’t reply instantly. “You fucked him!” His voice boomed, rattling the thin walls and windows.
I straightened my spine, prepared to have it out with him. “You don’t own me. I can be with whoever I want! Besides, the last time I was with him was almost a year ago. You and me”—I pointed from him to me—“weren’t a thing back when I was with Jack.”
“With Jack? You werewithJack?” The agony in his eyes hurt me. In a snap, his gaze turned to rage. “You’re fucking Knight’s Legion property, Eve! You can’t be with whoever you want outside of the club unless there’s a vote!” He launched off the bed and went to the door.
I ran after him and grabbed his arm to stop him from leaving. “Please, Art, let’s talk about this.”