But boy, he was all man now.
He reached out and tucked a lock of her hair behind her ear. “So, what’d you think of the ski?”
“I’m not completely converted from wheels, but yeah, it’s cool.”
He smiled, his eyes narrowing. “I agree.”
Leaning forward, he pressed his lips to hers. She opened up and let him kiss her. Her heart rate, which was already going pretty fast, picked up, and a lovely warmth, like liquid honey, flowed around her body.
“It’s nice out here,” she said when he pulled back, his dark eyes sparkling.
“Yeah, none of your overbearing protectors trying to kick my ass for kissing you.”
“They don’t want to see me hurt, that’s all.”
“Why would I hurt you?” He frowned. “Like … why?”
She half shrugged. “Guys hurt girls, right?” She was quiet for a moment then, “You ever been hurt, Wyatt?”
He studied her. “I’ve had a few serious relationships that didn’t end well.”
“Because you cheated?” She raised her eyebrows and glared, daring him to lie.
“I’m no cheater.” He gritted his teeth, his jaw clenching and a muscle flexing in his cheek.
She was silent. The bitter betrayals of the past ran deep through her psyche. Like veins of marble running through a mountain, they were set in pretty damn solid.
“I’m not.” He shook his head. “Trust is the bare bones of being a Barbarian.” He paused. “A few years ago, Jordan Maxwell, Max, one of the club brothers, had this chick. She spent a lot of time within the compound.”
“I haven’t met him.”
“No, he lives off-site. Anyway, turned out she was playing Max. She was the sister of one of the Scavengers and feeding them info on our dealings. Cost us hard cash in the end, a hard lesson.”
“Oh fuck.”
“Yeah, oh fuck. So, you see, if I don’t trust my brothers and their choices, if they don’t trust me, we have nothing. I take that into other parts of my life too.”
“You mean like trusting women.”
“Yeah, like trusting women.” His voice softened. “Our old ladies have to be legit and know how to keep their mouths shut.”
“You do know I get a seat at the top table, right?” She shrugged as if it was nothing even though it damn well was.
“You sure do. Just goes to show you’re really fucking perfect for me.”
“Yeah, as if.”
“As if.” He traced her jawline. “So don’t compare me to some asswipe who did a number on you. I know that’s what you’re doing, and I’m not him.”
She swallowed and glanced out to sea.
“Hey.” He cupped her cheek and turned her to face him. “I’m not him, okay?”
“I know. So you don’t have to say that.”
“I think I do.”
“We’re hardly an item. One fuck, that’s all.”