Page 44 of March 5

There was always something different about her, even when comparing her friends with the way she lived her life. Even Mariah was a more live-for-the-moment type of person. She could fool around with men and think nothing about a future with them.

She was the opposite.

Ever since she graduated high school, she focused on her studies. The deeper she got in her studies, the clearer her true calling became to help others live without pain—that's why she started her own business.

She loved working for herself and having her work hours molded around her personal life.

While life pulled her away from Dio, something always pushed her toward him. He was her safe spot in a stressful world, a comfort, a home.

Her dad, Aunt Brooke, Dio, and Mariah filled all her needs. When she felt unheard, Dio listened. When Dio couldn't see her for who she was, her parents validated her feelings. Mariah gave her a sounding board, encouraging her when life was scary. Home was her safe spot, but like tonight when danger threatened the club and the families, Dio stepped in and ensured she was safe.

She lifted her head, looking over Dio's shoulder. One more block, and they'd arrive at her apartment. She already missed him, and he hadn't left her yet.

She held on tighter. A feeling of urgency totell Dio everything left her anxious and unsettled. She was ready to plead and beg if he refused to listen to her. It was no longer a secret.

Her parents knew.

Mariah knew.

Nothing stopped her from spilling her heart except the chance of losing him. Thinking of a life without him scared her to death.

Chapter Nineteen

Skye continued to vibrate long after the Harley shut off in front of the apartment complex. Dio sat, waiting for her to climb off the seat. He couldn't tell her to move because it felt damn good having her body warming his backside.

"Will you come inside with me?" Her breasts pressed against his back.

He swallowed hard. "I can't."

"Can't or won't?"

He let go of the handlebars. "Can't—because you're Maverick's daughter. Won't— because you're Maverick's daughter."

"Who my dad is has never mattered to you before."

"You were a child before," he muttered.

As if all her wishes and dreams had come true, she slid against his back and got off the Harley with more energy than he'd ever have in his life. He couldn't keep denying the truth. She wasn't a child.

She was a woman.

A beautiful, tempting, enticing, loving woman. But he wouldn't do anything to break his loyalty to his MC brother and Brooke.

Instead of stepping up on the sidewalk, she moved beside him until she could see his face. He took off his helmet, knowing he wouldn't leave while she stood outside where anything could happen toher. He wanted her safely tucked inside her apartment, considering it was close to two o'clock in the morning.

Skye unlatched her helmet and slipped it off her head. She shook her hair loose, sending the strands falling to her shoulders. His gut tightened. He'd get down on his knees and worship her for the rest of his life if he could. She had no idea how important she was to him.

It went beyond the sick shit that consumed his head lately. She had always been special to him. Nothing and nobody could take that away from him.

"Remember when I ran away from home?" she asked.

He dipped his chin. "You ran to my house."

"Not to your house." She tipped her head from side to side. "To you."

His eye twitched. She'd always sought him out.

"The last several years..." She exhaled. "I've missed you."