Page 25 of The Originals
She flattened her lips and sighed. “In a way, I do. But not in the way that’s going to make me feel good about myself tomorrow.”
What the hell does that mean?
“Look, we could go back inside and party, get drunk, and have sex all night long. And it would probably be amazing. And I’d probably want to do it again. And again.” She smiled and this time genuine. She rolled her eyes, letting out a soft giggle. “And again. But your life is very different than mine. And you’ll get no judgement from me. I think everyone should live their lives as they want, but” —she pointed to the clubhouse— “that’s not what I want. I’ve spent my whole life doing what was expected of me and always being in the background, putting others’ needs and even desires ahead of mine. I’m not doing that anymore.”
Mick was following everything she was saying, but couldn’t quite see it from her side.
“Not asking you to.”
“But you are. Every time a girl comes up to you, hangs on you, and you allow it? Or shares with me her sexual liaisons with you, and you laugh it off? You’re telling me I have to accept it without actually saying the words. And like I said” —she held up her hands— “no judgment from me. We should all get to live our lives how we want. Me included.”
Fuck!
“I know what I want, Mick.” Meg pointed to the clubhouse again. “And that’s not it.”
Mick grasped his hips and bowed his head. He hadn’t handled it right. He could see that now.
“I wasn’t laughing.”
When Meg opened her mouth to speak, he stepped closer. “Not at you or how you felt. Bebe was being a bitch, being an asshole ’cause she wants you to leave, thinking if you do, she’ll be in my bed tonight.” Mick paused. “She won’t. None of them will. It’s either you or no one. Mean that.”
He did.
Meg stood silent, staring across the lot up to the clubhouse.
“I’ll take you home.”
He saw the relief set in as her features eased.
“In an hour.”
“What?” Meg blurted.
“Just give me an hour. If you still want to go home, then I’ll take you. No questions asked.”
She shook her head.
“One hour, that’s all I’m asking for. Just me and you hanging out. You want to leave after that, we leave. Want to go home, I’ll drop you off. Then I’ll come back here, grab a beer or two withthe brothers, and go to bed. Alone, same as I have since the night I set eyes on you.”
She bit her bottom lip, looking down the street again.
She pulled back her sleeve, glancing down at her watch. “Okay, but just one hour.”
He’d have to use his time wisely if he had any hope of winning her over.
Chapter Six
While Meg appreciated Mick not only coming after her, but seeing her side of it, she still had reservations about continuing their date. Maybe it was a little insecurity on her end. But he had made a statement, and she believed him. This thing between the two of them was strong, and it went beyond a lustful attraction. She’d meant every word she’d said to him. She liked being around him.And this is a big part of his life.
Meg was a little uneasy following Mick back into the clubhouse. She’d just made a grand exit, and now she was strolling back in. Barely anyone noticed except a bitter blonde sitting in the lap of another biker. When she paused just inside the door, Mick grabbed her hand, pulling her to his side. He leaned over, kissed her head, and tightened his hold on her hand.
Meg fought down a smile and happened to glance over at Bebe once again. She’d obviously been watching. Her lips twisted, and her scowl deepened. Meg smiled.It looks like I won, Bebe.
Mick walked her to a small table in the corner. It was currently occupied, but as they got closer, she noticed Mick lifted his chin and the two younger bikers with prospect patches immediately stood. They even grabbed the empty bottles, clearing the table.
Meg wasn’t sure of Mick’s position in the club, but it must be an important one. In a move that surprised her, he grabbed the back of a vacant chair, pulling it out for her.
“Have a seat.”