“Jesus, Rowan, why don’t you have a coat on?” I growled, shrugging out of my leather, and wrapping it around her shoulders.
“Maybe because I saw a bunch of bikers out here and was a little distracted by the burly one kicking a very bloody gentleman on the ground.”
Wrath gave her a toothy grin. “Hey, beautiful. I’m Wrath. Nice to meet ya.” He nodded to the guy on the ground. “And have no fear, this asshole’s no gentleman.”
“Shut the fuck up, Wrath,” I hissed.
He shrugged. “What? I was introducin’ myself.”
“Maybe less of the pleasantries and more of the fucking off,” I snapped.
“Don’t poke the bear, Wrath,” Tango warned.
Rowan grabbed my cut. “What’s going on?”
“Is there any version of events where you actually do what I ask you to do and stay the fuck inside?” I snapped.
She cocked her head. “I don’t know,Scooby, but there better be a version of events where you never speak to me like that again.”
My brothers let out uncomfortable coughs and chortles behind me, before sing-songing, “Oooh,” in pure junior high fashion.
I glared at them. “Keep it up and there’s definitely a version of events where I kick all your asses.” I pulled Rowan away from the group and leaned down. “Sorry about them.”
“They’re not the problem, bub.”
“Okay, look.” I took a deep breath and dragged my hand down my face. “I’m not used to being with a woman like you.”
“What isthatsupposed to mean?”
“Well, I’m used to bein’ with women who—”
“Fall for all that alpha male, tough guy bologna?” she challenged. “And like it?”
“Well… yeah,” I admitted.
“That’s not gonna work on me. I deal with people based on the level of respect they show me and themselves. And I do it without judgment.” She crossed her arms. “Have I ever once tried to make you feel less than for being a biker?”
“What the fuck’s wrong with being a biker?”
“You don’t think most people judge you by your appearance and for the fact you’re in a motorcycle club?”
“Why the fuck would I care what other people think?”
“Maybe you don’t, but I do,” she said. “And I expect to be treated the way I treat others. With dignity and respect. If you can’t accept that boundary, I’ll have to ask you to leave my place of business and my home, and I’ll find other means of protection.”
Jesus H. Fucking Christ, she was gorgeous.
“Well, first of all, you fuckin’ claimed me, so, no take backs,” I said.
“Scooby—”
“And second of all, I apologize.”
“Your apology should have been first,” she grumbled, but she was already smiling, so I knew I’d won.
“Third, you’re fuckin’ adorable when you get all worked up and bossy.” I leaned down and kissed her.
My brothers once again let out a collective, “Ooooh.”