Page 51 of Moonlit Thorns

This is the most important part. “You need to know that just because we’re fucking, it doesn’t mean anything to me. We will only be messing around on club nights, and it will not carry over into our daily lives. I won’t fall for you. I won’t fall in love with you. There is not going to be anything romantic between us.”

My words are harsh, but they’re for her own good. I can’t be what she deserves, what she likely needs in a man. That fate was set in stone decades ago.

Hurt flashes across her face for a second before she covers it. “Sex only. Got it. But you do want me… sexually, right? I’m not trying to force you into something you don’t want to do…”

The insecurity in her eyes guts me, but I can’t tell her that. If she knew the truth—how she’s become my obsession, how the idea of Preston laying one filthy finger on her makes me want to burn down the fucking world—it would give her too much power over me.

“You wouldn’t be a pity fuck if that’s what you mean.”

She swallows hard again and nods.

“Consider all that. If you’re okay with it, then we’ll figure it out. But if you’re not—and it’s fine if you’re not—then you can pretend you never stepped foot down there. Now, I have things to do. Take the day off, and I’ll see you tomorrow. Give me your answer on Friday.”

I stalk out of my office. Honestly, I’m not sure what answer I hope she’ll give me—which just proves what a bastard I am.

The next morning over breakfast, my brothers corner me in the dining room. I knew they would.

“What happened with Anabelle after we left yesterday?” Nero asks.

“You ready to admit she’s a problem?” Kol practically growls before he shoves a forkful of eggs in his mouth.

I finish my sip of coffee and set the cup back on the table. “She wants to join the club.”

They all stare at me for a beat.

Sid is the first to say anything, and he starts with a chuckle. “No shit. Who knew all that innocence was hiding a kinky side?”

I shoot him a scathing look. “She’s young. And curious.”

“What did you say?” Nero asks, refilling his coffee.

“I told her most of what she needs to know and told her to think about it and get back to me Friday.” I pop a blueberry in my mouth.

“You’re not seriously thinking of letting her join. She has nothing to lose. She can’t be trusted,” Kol says.

She’s lost plenty already.

“If you want to fuck her, just do it, Ash. You don’t have to have the club as an excuse,” Sid says.

My hand fists on the table, the jaw of the bear tattoo stretching farther open. “This isn’t about fucking her.”

Isn’t it though? If it weren’t Anabelle, would I entertain letting anyone without stature and a shit-ton of money join? In truth, probably not. I’d likely just ask Kol to do whatever it takes to make them a non-issue.

“Oh, so we all get our turn with her then,” Kol says with a sadistic laugh.

“None of you will lay a finger on her, do you understand me?” I look each and every one of my brothers in the eye until they nod their acceptance. “Whatever she decides, I’ll deal with it. If she does join us, she knows what this is and what it isn’t.”

“Keep telling yourself that,” Sid murmurs under his breath, but I don’t bother responding.

We eat in silence for the next few minutes until Kol stands, tossing his napkin down beside his plate.

“I’ll be out of town for a few days,” he says.

My forehead wrinkles. I can’t think of anything he has to leave town for. “Where are you going?”

“Got a lead on Rapsody I need to follow up on.” He leaves the room without a backward glance.

“You’d think he’d have given up on that by now,” Sid says.

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