“He’s protecting criminals.”
She didn’t know who Gonzalez was, but her gut was telling her, he wasn’t at all the kind of man he was making himself out to be.
“You’ve got nothing to say.”
“I don’t know who you are. Please, leave me alone.” She stood up taking a step toward the message board. The town posted up job interviews along with other job descriptions available throughout the town of Fort Wills. Gonzalez didn’t leave her alone. He stepped up right close beside her, invading her space. Gritting her teeth, she forced herself not to show any discomfort.
“He’s going to hurt you. The Skulls are always hurt. The women more than any others.”
“Why are you doing this?” she asked, turning around.
He leaned in close putting a hand beside her head.
“Do you really want to know the truth?” She nodded. He closed the distance until he was close enough to kiss. It took every ounce of strength for her not to pull back or pull away. “I’m doing this because it’s fun.”
Gonzalez withdrew, chuckling.
She jerked back, glaring at him. The evil in his eyes was clear to see. Without thinking what she was doing, she slapped him around the face. “Stay away from my friends. I mean it, keep away from them.” Cheryl didn’t know where the strength came from, only that she needed for him to stay as far away from them as possible.
“Is the mother hen showing through?” he asked, rubbing his cheek.
Glaring at him, she refused to back down.
“Stay the f**k away from my woman,” Butch said, appearing. Not only did he appear, The Skulls all appeared, looking ready to commit murder.
“It’s okay. It’s going to be fun. Enjoy your freedom while you’ve got it,” Gonzalez said, chuckling. “You’re a little firecracker.”
Not backing down, she waited for him to take the first step away. After several seconds passed, he took the first step back, then the second until he was completely away from her.
When he was gone, she allowed herself to relax, collapsing against him.
“What the f**k was that about?” Butch asked. His arms were around her, holding her close. She closed her eyes, basking in the warmth from his touch. She wanted to go back to this morning before the phone call. Last night had been magical to her.
“We’ve got problems,” Tiny said, holding Eva close to his side. He turned to Rupert. “Get our kids back and there’ll be a nice bonus in it for you.”
“I’m on it. I could do with the money,” Rupert said, signing some paperwork. Cheryl stayed by Butch’s side as he led her out toward the bike. There was no transport for the rest of The Skulls.
“Give me an hour and I’ll come and get you all,” Butch said. He kept hold of her hand, refusing to let go.
“I appreciate it,” Tiny said, cursing.
Climbing on the back of Butch’s bike, she placed the helmet on then wrapped her arms around his body. They took off before she got a chance to say anything to Eva or the others. Butch pulled up outside of her house.
“What are you doing?” she asked, refusing to let go.
“I’ve got to get to the clubhouse to grab the cab. It’s got enough seats to bring them all home.”
“Why can’t I come with you?” She’d enjoyed this morning with him, even going to the jail and meeting Gonzalez.
“This is club business, and I don’t want you to be part of it.”
“You’re not part of the club,” she said.
“It’s not the same. You don’t know what this is about. I don’t want you to get hurt, honey. Please, go and get Matthew, and we’ll do something fun.”
She climbed off the bike, removing the helmet. “You can’t keep me away forever.”
“It’s not about that, babe.”
“When are you going to realize the club is part of you?” She reached out, touching his chest. “It’s in here.”
He removed her hand, kissing her knuckles.
“No, it’s not. I’ve moved on. I want to move on.”
“And yet when you got that call there was a fire in your eyes that I’ve never seen before. It has nothing to do with lust or even love, but you’re happy when you’re part of the club. Washing dishes and playing normal boyfriend is not who you are.” Cheryl didn’t need him to pretend to be something he wasn’t. She liked him the way he was.
“Baby, it’s over.”
“No, I don’t think it’s over.” She withdrew her hand, letting out a sigh. “Go, help them, and I’ll see you when I can.” Taking a step away from him, she walked in the direction of her mother’s house. For a long time Butch stayed by her house, obviously watching her. Only when she heard the sound of his bike leaving did she chance a glance back. Butch was going to regret his decision to leave the club if he didn’t open his eyes soon. Letting herself into her mother’s house, she scented the pancakes the moment she stepped inside.
“Hey, Mom,” she said, calling out.
“I’m in the kitchen.” Closing the door behind her, she walked into the kitchen. Matthew was sitting at the counter clapping his hands the moment he saw her. Chuckling, she pulled him out of the high chair and kissed him. “Did you have a nice night, honey?”
“The best, Mom, thank you for having him.” She kissed Matthew’s cheek, blowing a raspberry on the delicate flesh.
“He’s always a pleasure. Never moans unless he wants something. I’m happy for the company.”
Rocking her son, Cheryl listened to her mother talk as she bustled around the kitchen. Her mother had always liked to produce a home cooked meal no matter how long it took to get all the ingredients together. Cheryl had been spoilt for choice, and her experience in the kitchen had come from her. “Butch told me he loved me,” she said, letting the words spill out.
Her mother paused, glancing over her shoulder at her. “Really?”
“I love him. He’s amazing, attentive, hot—great, now I’ve said hot.” Licking her lips, memories of the way he’d touched and made love to her last night filled her mind. He’d been rough yet delicate. Butch set her body aflame with desire.
“Have you talked to his father yet?” She pointed at Matthew.
Cheryl shook her head. “I will soon. I promise. I know I’m going to need to see him, but I don’t know. He doesn’t want anything to do with Matthew, I mean, why would he?”