Page 115 of Jake's Angel

“What the fuck is wrong with you? You can’t kiss me after you kissed that bitch just a few hours ago. I can’t do this, Jake. I can’t bounce from one brother to the next.”

He growls, only this time it’s an angry sound, not the sexy one from before.

“Go back inside to Drea or the red-head, I don’t care which, just leave me alone.” My voice comes out weak, and I hate myself for showing him how much his flippant actions hurt me.

I move to get around him, but he grabs me around the waist, slamming my back to his chest. My arms are crossed over the front of my body, pinning me to him so I can’t fight. With his mouth to my ear Jake tells me in a low gravely tone that makes goosebumps rise on my skin, “First of all, Drea attacked me when I came out of the restroom and after I pried her off me, I issued her a warning to never do it again or I’d have her ass removed from the clubhouse. Second, I’m done fighting you on this, Angel. You’re mine. You know it and I know it, but you’re scared to admit it.”

My shoulders relax a little, but my heart feels like it’s going to burst. I shake my head, trying not to let his words affect me. When Kyle says I belong to him, it makes my skin crawl and my stomach nauseous. When Jake says it, it washes over me like a blanket of security, a reassurance. I don’t feel disgusted or afraid at all. It feels right.

Finally feeling calm, but not quite convinced this isn’t still a game, I try again to discredit his claim. “You don’t really want me, Jake. I’m a job. Gabe told you to take care of me and you have misguided guilt because of something from when I was a little girl. Something we both know never happened. Those girls in there, or the college girls who come through town that you and Hawk brag about picking up for a one-night stand—those are the girls you want. Not me. I’m not yours. I think?—”

“You think wrong.” He growls at me, “I don’t want a one-night stand and I sure as shit don’t want a whore. I’ve told you already and I’ll tell you again until you get it through your thick fucking head—I’ve never been with Drea, and I never will. The only woman I want isyou.” He spins me around to face him, holding my face in both of his hands. I must look like a deercaught in the headlights as his words are struggling to sink in. He caresses my cheek, staring unflinchingly into my eyes. He nods at me like I’m supposed to understand some telepathic message he’s just given me. But I don’t.I don’t understand any of this at all.

He pulls away from me long enough to grab his helmet, handing it to me. Something must’ve caught him off guard because he’s looking at me like he’s angry again, or is it his smolder look he’s doing again?

I can’t tell.

They’re all sexy as all hell and I can’t tell anything anymore. Damn his kiss for short circuiting my brain.

“Put the helmet on. We’re going for a ride.” When I make no move to do as he says, he adds, “please.”

I have to fight not to smile at the big bad biker boy asking me nicely.

He takes a short step back as his gaze slides over my body, slowly and seductively. “What the hell are you wearing, Angel?” His voice is much lower, huskier now. It has me feeling all kinds of strange things in the pit of my stomach.

Folding my arms over myself, feeling suddenly exposed and insecure, I look away.

Does he like the dress?

Drea said it made me look like I’m trying too hard to be someone I’m not. But I thought I looked sexy when I put it on. Jayde and Sadie said as much. Why do I let people like Drea and Eleanor get into my head?

I do like this dress, but I wondered if maybe Jake wouldn’t. I meant to change when we got back here, but after everything at the nightclub, and then Drea spewing her bullshit at me, all I wanted to do was grab a blanket, curl up on the couch, and sleep. I was hoping to let this day go and wake up like it never happened.

“Whatever crazy thought you have going on in your head, get it out of there right now. I love the way this dress looks on you. I’m going to love it even more when it’s laying on my floor.” He grabs me gently by the chin. My breath catches and my eyes widen. “The only thing I don’t like about it is the fact the two fuckers at Bella Noche, and every other asshole, got to see you in it first. Now, get your pretty little ass on the back of this bike. A ride will help clear your mind. Let it wash away all the bad shit from the night.”

I reason within myself about how the last time he took me for a ride it helped make me feel less overwhelmed. I do what feels right, and I get on the bike, gripping the bottom of my dress as I do.

Jake gives me a chaste kiss on the lips.“Good girl,” he growls softly and shit if I don’t like the sound of it.

The ride to Jake’s house is faster than I would’ve liked. I’ve kept quiet the whole ride, holding on to him with everything I have. I may be a glutton for punishment, but it’s my choice.

My mind is still reeling over that kiss. Not to mention the fact he said he wants me.ME!He can have anyone of those women back there, hell, any woman he wants period, and yet he said he wantsme.

I’m not so naive to believe this won’t all still end in horrible heartbreak for me, but if it does, it will be becauseI choseto be with him. Jake’s not forcing me to do anything. He’s being pushy and persuasive, but not in a way I feel trapped or scared. If I truly didn’t want to be here, Jake would take me to Liz or Sadie without hesitation.

“You’re finally free, Avery. Let’s live a little, please.” Sometimes I wish my best friend’s voice in my head didn’t sound like my conscience, pushing me to do things I may very well regret. But for once, I agree with her. With my mind made up, Isqueeze closer to Jake. Wherever this night goes, I will have no regrets.

When we pull up to the house, we both slide off his bike and head inside. He places his keys in a bowl on the table by the door, then walks into the kitchen to make coffee. I’m so nervous, my hands are sweating. I can’t breathe in here. I made the decision, and now, I’m so damn nervous I don’t know what to do.

Needing fresh air and a little space to calm myself down, I walk out onto the back porch, leaning on the railing and look out over the lake. The moon is shining. Its reflection and the soft tapping of the water against the shore has me mesmerized.

The loud clomping of his boots on the wood floor alerts me to his presence. My body stiffens for a moment, nervous about what’s coming.

It’s your choice.

The reminder helps. When Jake’s muscular arms engulf me, I settle against his chest, and he rests his chin on the top of my shoulder. His day-old scruff brushes my cheek, making a scratchy sound. The burn reminds me this is real. This moment is real. Being here with him is both scary and comforting.

Live a little, Avery.