“You’re leaving me alone?” she asked.
“Edward would never hurt you, and I don’t like the way Zero is around you. I’m going to bring some distance between you and the guys.”
She nodded. “I’ll take care of him.”
Lash handed her the keys. “We’re going to lock up the building, so no one will come inside. You’ll be safe.”
Sophia didn’t say anything.
“Let him out when you’re comfortable.” He turned to leave. She watched him go, wishing he wasn’t leaving her. At the door he stopped and glanced toward her. “Thank you for helping me. The Skulls will always offer you their protection.”
The door closed, and she was alone with the man she loved with her whole heart.
“You don’t have to let me out if you don’t want,” Edward said.
She turned toward him. Edward was sitting up against the wall. He was wearing clothes and looked more like the guy she first met than ever before.
“You were awake?”
“I’m a pretty light sleeper, babe. The drugs doped me enough to sleep throughout the night.” He let out a yawn, which made her laugh. “Lash told me he was going to leave the decision up to you. I don’t blame him. We’re here alone, but he’s right. I’ll never hurt you.”
“I didn’t think you’d hurt me.”
“I’m not offended.” Edward stared at her. “I’ve been an ass to you.”
“Do you remember everything you did with the drugs in your system?” she asked.
“Yeah, I knew what I was doing. I’m going to have to live with that for the rest of my life.” He looked sad, and she hurt for him.
“I forgive you,” she said. The keys felt heavy in her palm.
“You shouldn’t forgive me. I was a f**king bastard, and you should be hating my guts.”
“I’ve never been good at that.” She tucked some hair behind her ear. The bruises from Gill and his friends had all but disappeared. The guys hadn’t hit her that hard.
“I’ve missed you,” he said, catching her by surprise.
“I’ve missed you, too. I never wanted you to go that day.” She walked closer knowing she was to release him from the cuffs.
He stared up at her. Leaning over him she released one cuff then the other. Moving away, she put the keys down on the table and checked the chili she’d started to cook on the stove.
Out of the corner of her eye she saw him rubbing his wrists.
“Now that feels weird without the cuffs,” he said.
“Do you feel like your old self?” she asked, tasting the chili. It was hot and spicy, just how Edward liked it.
He got up from the bed and made his way over to her. “I am my old self. What just happened feels like a f**king nightmare.” His hands banded around her waist. She gasped, not used to his attention.
“Sorry, I just needed to hold you without being chained to a f**king wall.” He buried his head against her neck, inhaling her scent.
“At least you don’t stink,” she said.
They both chuckled.
Letting go of the wooden spoon, she placed her hand on top of his. “I’m pleased you’re not chained to a wall anymore.” He tightened his hold on her. “Go to the table. I’ll serve you up some chili.”
He went without protest. Grabbing two bowls she served enough for each of them, then sprinkled the tops with cheese before heading toward the table with him.
She saw him take the first spoonful, and the look on his face filled her with confidence. “I take it you like my chili?”
“It’s the best damn chili I’ve ever tasted.”
Smiling, she ate her meal wondering what the hell to say. Whenever they were alone before when he was dating Kate, they talked all the time. Eating her food gave her a reason to be silent, but she knew it was only a matter of time before Edward said something.
“Lash is bringing the guys tomorrow. I’m going to get tested to make sure I’m strong enough to be in the club,” he said.
“Is it going to be bad?”
“Yeah.”
“Okay, what is it?”
“You have to prove your strength to remain within the club. I’m going to have to fight some of the guys to prove that I have a right to be part of The Skulls.”
She dropped her spoon. “No, you can’t fight anyone. You’re just getting over … everything. I’m not going to let them hurt you.”
He took her hand. “I haven’t got a choice in this, baby. Being a Skull is my whole life. I can’t turn this down. I don’t fight then I’m out for good.”
Swallowing past the lump in her throat, she picked up the tray and headed toward the sink. “What if they hurt you?” she asked. The thought of seeing him fight filled her with dread. There were still bruises over his body from what Tiny had done to him before. She understood why he got the beating, but this was not part of that.
“They’ll hurt me, and I’ll prove myself.” He got up, standing close to her. Edward pushed the hair off her shoulder, exposing her neck.
Turning toward him, she stared up into his eyes. They were dark, penetrating eyes. Every time she looked into their depths she always felt drawn to him.
“I don’t know if I can handle you getting hurt.”
“You’re a strong woman. Sophia, you can handle this.” He cupped her cheeks, keeping her focus on him.
“I’ll handle it,” she said after some moments passed.
“Good.” His fingers caressed across her lips. She gasped from the electricity his touch created.
They were alone. No one was coming into the building, and Edward wasn’t chained to a wall.
Heat flooded her pu**y as his thumb pressed between her lips. Staring into his eyes, she opened her mouth, accepting him inside. She heard him gasp, and then he was walking her backwards.
She hit the wall, and he crowded in front of her. He took her hands pressing them against the wall. She dropped her gaze to his lips.
“I want you, Sophia,” he said.
Biting her lip, she forced herself to look into his eyes. “I want you, too.”
His mouth was on her within seconds. There was nothing gentle about the possession of his lips. Edward plunged his tongue in deep as he held her hands above her head. Their fingers were locked together. His c**k was brandished against her pu**y, pressing the thickness of him into her.
Edward broke the kiss going to her neck and nibbling down to where her pulse had to be beating rapidly.