Page 35 of Biker B!tch

She shook her head, her eyes hard. "No. I need to do this."

Reluctantly, I sat back down, my eyes never leaving Jeff as he approached. He swaggered over, a smirk playing on his lips.

"Well, well, well. Look who it is," Jeff sneered. "The biker bitch and her new boy toy."

Tank stood up, her posture rigid. "What do you want, Jeff?"

He chuckled, his gaze flicking to me. "I want my share of your new business. I know you’re making money with that dog cookie shop. I deserve a cut."

I was ready to lunge at him, but Tank’s warning glare kept me in my seat.

"You’re not getting a damn thing from me.”

"See, that's where you're wrong," Jeff said, stepping closer to her. "I’m your husband. That means I’m entitled to half of everything."

Her husband? Tank pointed at me to keep me in place.

"I left that marriage and everything to you.”

"You think you can talk to me like that, Vanessa? You’re still my wife in the eyes of the law."

“I can’t help it, you won’t give me a divorce. I owe you nothing. Get the hell out of here."

Jeff moved closer, speaking in a low and threatening tone. "Watch your mouth, bitch. You don't want to make me angry."

I couldn’t take it anymore. I stood up, my fists clenched. "You heard her. Get out."

With cold eyes, Jeff chuckled. "What are you gonna do about it, tough guy?"

Before I could respond, Tank stepped between us. "Stop it, both of you. Jeff, leave. Now."

Jeff sneered at me one last time before turning to leave. "This isn't over, bitch."

As soon as he was gone, I turned to Tank, my anger about to boil over. "Why the hell didn’t you let me handle him? I can’t be having him call you a bitch like that.” I was blowing my top.

She glared at me, her eyes burning. "Because it's not your fight, Boiler. It's mine. And I’m not ashamed. I’m a biker bitch and proud of it."

"I can't just stand by and let him say that about you. Watch him threaten you," I snapped. “And you’re still married."

“Did you not hear the circumstances? Do I need to explain further that the bastard won’t let me out?” She crossed her arms, her expression defiant. "I don't need you to fight my battles for me."

"Dammit, Tank, I'm just trying to protect you," I said, my voice rising.

"I don't need your protection," she shot back. "I've been handling Jeff for years. I can take care of myself."

I took a step closer, my frustration reaching a boiling point. "Why won't you let me in, Tank? Why won't you let me help you?"

She looked away, her jaw clenched. "Because I don't want to be dependent on anyone. Not again. Not you. Not anyone."

Her words knocked the wind out of me. I drew in a deep breath, attempting to compose myself. "I'm not trying to control you, Tank. I just... I care about you."

Chapter 20

Tank

Boiler's eyes were full of concern. He had every right to be worried, but I didn't want him getting tangled up in my mess. Jeff was my problem, my past. Boiler had enough to deal with without my baggage dragging him down.

"I'm handling it," I said, trying to sound more confident than I felt.

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