We’re in my sparsely furnished living room. Having just finished pizza for dinner, she and Sass are on the couch with Rex in the chair, all trying to find something on TV. Standing in the room, refusing to sit on the couch, I’m beginning to get stir crazy. No way in hell can I sit on the couch with Doll. It’s bad enough she’s close to me all day on my bike, and will be even more with this ride coming up. I need some fucking space. Since when do I give a fuck why some broad is quiet all of a sudden?

“Y’all feel like a drink?” I need to get outta here before I do some dumb shit like sit beside her and try to get to know her.

Rex is the first to jump up, “Hell, yeah.”

The girls get up and we head to the bar. It’s slow tonight from the looks of the parking lot. We get off the bikes and walk in. Tessie is working, smiling when she sees us. Walking directly to the bar, she’s already setting out a beer for Rex and me. Doll and Sass are both in jeans, t-shirts, and boots, totally with the casual feel of this dive. I feel a tug on the hem of my t-shirt, looking behind me to the direction the pull came from, I see Doll looking up at me as she’s pulling me to her. She’s looking around us, taking it all in.

“Are we safe here, Tripp? I’m not used to going out to biker bars without it being Hellion owned and run. I don’t see our colors hanging anywhere.”

Instinctively, I pull her under my arm and into my chest. She wraps her arms around my waist as we are now chest to chest in an almost intimate embrace. We’re so close. Yet, this is so far from where we need to be. I’m protecting her. I’m not supposed to be comforting her at every turn. I put my hands on each side of her face. Making eye contact, I lay it out there for her.

“Doll, I promise you that this place is safe. Please don’t be afraid anytime you’re with me. I give you my word; you’re always safe with me. I won’t ever let anything happen to you. Relax, have a good time while we can.”

She nods up at me, her eyes sparkling with confidence now that she’s had my reassurance. Feeling my chest tighten, I need to get space between us. I pull away and gently push her at the small of her back into the direction of the bar. Too bad I’m driving, tonight is a night I’d love to drown in a bottle of Jack. Finding a way to keep distance between Doll and I is going to be easier said than done.

12

Destination Unknown