Page 10 of Taming Trickster

Despite the ominous promise of violence in his words, I find an odd sense of comfort settling over me. Maybe it's the solid reassurance of his firm grip on my hand. Or just knowing that I have this dangerous man watching my back now.

Taking a shuddering breath, I manage a small nod.

"Thank you. Really, I...I don't know what I would have done if you hadn't come along."

Those words seem to strike a chord in Trickster. His intense gaze softens momentarily as he regards me.

"Protecting innocents like you is what I was born for. Just lucky I was in the right place at the right time."

I can't help the curl of curiosity that sparks inside me then. What could have happened to this man to make him feel so compelled to look after strangers? While at the same time seeking out violence and trouble with his motorcycle club?

"What...what made you want to join a club like the Rogue Riders?" I ask before I can second-guess myself. "Why take it upon yourself to try and keep people safe?"

A ghost of a smirk tugs at Trickster's lips as he clasps his hands behind his head and leans back against the couch, seeming to consider my question carefully.

"That's...a long story, sweetheart. One with a lot of ugly history behind it."

"I don't mind," I assure him quickly. "It's not like I have anywhere else to be right now."

Chapter 6 - Trickster

Me? Telling some pretty young girl I just met my whole life story? What is this, one of those cheesy movie moments?

Still, as Rose gazes up at me with those big, soulful eyes, I can feel my resistance crumbling. There's just something about her - an innocence and fragility that makes me want to bare my soul. To prove I'm not the heartless thug everyone assumes.

I'm just about to open my mouth and start spinning my tale of woe when a sharp ring from the doorbell cuts me off. Rose flinches hard, tucking her legs up to her chest in a tight little ball on the couch.

The poor thing looks like a scared rabbit again.

"Just stay put," I murmur, rising to my feet with a reassuring pat on her knee. "I'll go see who that is."

Snatching up the aluminum baseball bat I keep stashed by the door, I approach cautiously and peek through the peephole. Just the delivery kid balancing our order of hotdogs and curly fries.

I crack the door enough to stick my head out, keeping the security chain engaged.

"Yeah? What do you want?"

The pimply teenager jumps half out of his skin at the sight of me. I can't really blame him - I'm built like a brick shithouse and probably look like your typical back-alley mugger.

"J-Just the d-delivery… Sara's Eats?" he stammers, thrusting the greasy bag towards me with a shaking hand.

Grunting, I pass him a crumpled twenty, keeping one eye on the hallway to make sure Rose doesn't try anything silly.

"Keep the change. Now beat it."

As the door slams, I turn back to the living room, the smell of fresh food making my mouth water. But Rose isn't huddled on the couch anymore. She's standing in the middle of the room, arms wrapped protectively around her body, fiery hair obscuring her face.

"Everything okay?" I call out in what I hope is a gentle tone. "That was just the delivery kid, no need to..."

My voice trails off as Rose glances up at me. Even with her delicate features half-hidden, I'm struck by how damn beautiful she is. Like some fairy-tale princess who got dropped into the gritty reality of my world by mistake.

I'm not sure what possesses me in that moment. Maybe it's been too long since I had a woman's soft curves pressed against me. Or maybe there's just something intoxicating about this fragile creature that calls to the protective beast inside me.

Whatever the reason, I find myself crossing the room in two long strides. Dropping the food onto the battered recliner, I reach out to gently brush Rose's fiery tresses away from her face.

"You're gorgeous, you know that?" The words rumble out in a husky murmur before I can stop them. "Downright ethereal..."

Her crystalline eyes go wide, seeming to search my face as if gauging my sincerity.

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