Page 33 of Pike

“You sleep with them?”

“A few,” I reply, feeling like an asshole. I lied to him when I said I was only ever with Blake willingly. It was a lie I can’t take back, and now he knows the truth. My stomach knots as I think about it all. I should have been honest with him but I couldn’t do it. I couldn’t tell him I slept with other men for money. I didn’t have a choice. Blake would have kicked my ass if I didn’t, and I couldn’t do it. I couldn’t face him without getting what he wanted.

“I’m sorry.”

“For lyin’ to me?” he asks without ever looking over at me.

“Yes. I know I shouldn’t have, but …”

“I get it, Feather. It’s not somethin’ you’re proud of. That motherfucker forced you into it.” His knuckles turn whiter as he grips the steering wheel.

“I had a choice to make, and I’d like to think I made the right one. I couldn’t keep going to work covered in bruises from him.”

“I know.”

“But I’m still sorry for what I did. I feel disgusted for it, Pike. I’m no more than a worthless whore.” He slams on the brakes so quickly the seatbelt yanks me back. He pulls over on the side of the road, unbuckling his seatbelt as I try to figure out what the hell is happening.

“What are you doing?” I ask him as he jumps from the truck and stalks around to my side. He rips the door open and stands there staring at me, chest heaving.

“You ever say that shit about yourself again, and I will bend you over my knee, Feather. He forced you! He made you do shit!” He roars as his fists clench at his sides.

“It is what it is, Pike.”

“No, the fuck it isn’t. That’s different. They didn’t pay you; you stole it. You did what you had to do to keep yourself safe, and no one will fault you for that.” I can see the anger in his eyes, and I can’t help but slowly slip a little further for him. He reaches over me and unbuckles my seatbelt before pulling me toward him. He parts my legs and stands in between them, gripping my face in his hands.

“I never, ever wanna hear that shit come out of your mouth again, you hear me?”

“Pike,” I begin, but he cuts me off.

“No. No more bullshit, Feather. He forced this shit on you. That’s not who you are, and we both know it,” he says, slowly calming himself as he speaks.

“I’m sorry.”

“Don’t say sorry. You did nothin’ wrong but say those words. I’m gonna make him regret ever hurtin’ you, baby.”

“What are you going to do?”

“So many things.”

“Like what?”

“Right now, I’m gonna kiss you before I can’t hold back any longer,” he says before his lips crash into mine. I savor every lick, every touch, every part of this man. He drives me crazy in a good way, and that’s not something I’ve ever felt before.

When Pike pulls back, we’re both breathless. His eyes dance between mine before he steps back and runs his hand through his hair.

“You make me crazy.” Then he closes the door and walks back around to get in.

“The feelings mutual.”

Chapter 17

Pike

Knowing she’s in my space is doing shit to my head. I like it. I love it. I want her scent on everything in this place.

I watch her as she walks around, taking in the house. It isn’t much, and it doesn’t have a lot of furniture, but it should be good for her. Not that I want her here alone. I don’t. I want her with me, but I know that’s moving a little too fast for her. I don’t want her to be overwhelmed or pull away from me.

“You like it, Jailbait?”

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