Barely a second elapses before Rev passes on, “Her mind is made up.”
“Oh yeah?”
The silent biker, Torch, smirks. “You really can’t take a hint.”
“Our relationship is none of your fucking business.”
“It is when a woman comes into our bar crying. Then a couple of pricks come in, acting like they own the place, and think they can tell her what to do.” The coldness in his expression sends a shiver down my spine. This dude is intense.
She was crying? Fuck. My heart bottoms out.
This is going to be uncomfortable. I step closer to the men. They both widen their stances. I’m starting to think that out of all the places Goldie could choose to work, the bar might be the safest.
“You’re right, we can’t tell her what to do. And while I appreciate you standing up for her, she doesn’t ever have to be afraid to tell us anything.” I nod toward Nathan who’s a step behind me.
“Then why’d she come in here with tears streaking her pretty face?”
“Because she doesn’t know that we love her.” As I said… Tell the truth.
“We do.” Nathan interjects as I continue, “And the only thing that scares either of us more than how people will react to the three of us is missing the chance to find out.”
Torch goes back to his silent judgment but it’s with a smile this time. Rev huffs and nods before angling his head over his shoulder. “I think you should hear them out.”
Did we just pass muster? My pulse pounds in my ears. Tunnel vision narrows to tiny fingertips poking between the arms of the biker barricade. Her fingers pry forward, pushing the guys apart. They make way for our little princess, the star of our happily ever after, and jealousy bangs around inside of me as she’s guarded on either side by these two bikers.
“Love me?” The smallness in her voice draws me to step forward but Rev puts a hand up.
“We know it’s hard to believe, but we’re willing to risk everything for you. If our clients don’t like our arrangement they can leave.”
Nathan adds, “They accept all of us or none. We’re a package deal. Not only do we want you in our lives, but you were also a freaking genius with the design idea. We want to hire you.”
Rev grumbles over Goldie’s squee.
“Hire me? Really?”
“Yeah, I actually told the client that our partner came up with the idea.”
The bartender, Mammoth pats the wooden bar top, drawing Goldie’s attention. “I love ya’ too, all of us here do. I’ll hire you tonight. With tips, I bet you’ll make more money than with these stiffs.”
I don’t bother taking offense, but there’s no way in hell I’ll let him steal her away from us. My mouth opens to object but Torch gives me a curt nod and motions to Goldie.
She smiles sweetly at him then at the bartender. “Thanks, Mammoth. You guys are great, but there’s no way you can pay better than them.”
My entire world shifts as Goldie chooses us.
I can’t hold back anymore. Nathan must have the same idea because we step forward at the same time. Snaking our arms around Zoe, we take back our missing piece.
Her temporary protectors step away. Nodding at them, I offer thanks for being there for her then scoop Goldie into my arms and carry her to the car.
Seventeen
Nathan
WeleaveGoldie’scarat the bar and I give her the front seat while Carson drives us home.
She’s no longer someone or something we’ll keep hidden. We’re ready to scream from the rooftop how much we love her, but we all agree to keep it quiet until we talk to Natalie.
My cock strains against my zipper as Carson’s fingers tangle in Goldie’s hair. His other hand stays firmly on the steering wheel as he navigates the switchbacks that carry us over the mountain.