Page 27 of Cheshire

I narrowed my eyes at him, not liking where this conversation was going. “Eliza isn’t your business, Deputy. You focus on taking down Holmes and let us worry about her.”

Park shook his head, frustration etched into every line of his face. “You don’t understand. The entire town believed him when he said Eliza was too sick to leave the house. He hid her away, and we all bought it like a bunch of fucking idiots.”

I took another drag of my cigarette, considering his words. It wasn’t surprising that Holmes would pull some shit like that, but it still made my blood boil.

“Well, now you know the truth,” I said finally, flicking ash onto the pavement. “And you’re going to help us make that bastard pay for what he’s done.”

Park nodded, his eyes hard with determination. “Damn right, I will.”

We shook hands, a silent agreement passing between us. As I watched him walk away, disappearing into the shadows of the night, I couldn’t help but wonder what Eliza was going to do when all this was over.

Her old man was a piece of shit, but he was still her father. And if the club ended up putting a bullet in his head, that was going to leave a mark no amount of time or therapy could erase.

I sighed heavily, crushing my cigarette beneath the heel of my boot. It was a fucked-up situation, no matter how you sliced it. But at the end of the day, family was family. And the Underland MC took care of its own. Now that Eliza was here with us, she was one of ours too.

And I was starting to hope she’d be mine.

I stuffed my hands in my pockets and had headed off to find Eliza, my mind already racing with plans and possibilities. Once the dust settled and she was free of her father, would she be willing to stay here with me?

Chapter Ten

Eliza

I watched Cheshire from across the clubhouse, my heart pounding. He was talking with some of the other Underland MC members, that sly grin on his face as always. Every time I saw him, my stomach did flips. Suddenly, his piercing blue eyes locked onto mine. Shit, he’d caught me staring. A mischievous smirk spread across his face, and my cheeks went hot. Embarrassment and excitement coursed through me at the same time.

Cheshire said something to the guys and strolled over to me, his swagger oozing confidence. “See something you like, doll?” he asked, raising an eyebrow.

“I… um…” The words got stuck in my throat. Get it together, Eliza. Don’t let him fluster you.

He leaned in close, his breath hot on my ear. “Cat got your tongue? Or do I just have that effect on you?”

My face burned even hotter, but I forced myself to meet his penetrating gaze. Those damn blue eyes saw right into my soul. I was drawn to Cheshire like a moth to flame, even though I knew I might get burned.

I took a deep breath, steeling my nerves. “Can we talk somewhere more… private?” I managed to say, my voice barely above a whisper.

Cheshire’s eyes flashed with intrigue. “Lead the way, doll.”

He gestured for me to go first, that infuriating smirk still plastered on his handsome face. Weaving through the room of rowdy bikers, I made my way to a quieter corner of the clubhouse. The bass from the music pulsed through the floor, matching my racing heartbeat.

Once we were alone, I turned to face Cheshire, my hands fidgeting anxiously at my sides. “Look, I…” God, why was this so hard? “I thought you were…”

“Devilishly handsome? Wickedly charming?” He grinned, stepping closer. “Tell me something I don’t know, sweetheart.”

I rolled my eyes, even as a smile tugged at my lips. “You’re impossible.”

“And you love it.” His voice dropped an octave, sending shivers down my spine.

He was right. As much as Cheshire frustrated me, I couldn’t resist his magnetic pull. The way he looked at me, like he could read my every thought… It was unnerving and thrilling all at once.

I opened my mouth to reply, but the words died on my tongue as Cheshire reached out, tucking a stray lock of hair behind my ear. His touch lingered, rough fingertips grazing my skin. “What’s on your mind, Eliza?” he murmured, blue eyes searching mine. “Tell me what you want.”

My pulse raced under his intense gaze. What did I want? I wanted him, all of him, but admitting that out loud terrified me. Even admitting to myself was scary. I’d never known the kind touch of a man. Never dated. I had a feeling Cheshire was far more than I’d be able to handle, and yet… I still wanted to try.

“I…” My voice trembled. “I couldn’t stop thinking about you, Cheshire.”

“Is that so?” He leaned in closer. “Glad to know I’m not the only one.”

I shivered, equal parts aroused and unnerved by his proximity. “What are you saying?”

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