Page 78 of Elling & Jackie

"About me leaving that day..." He caught her gaze. "Are you going to be okay with me not mentioning certain things while we're here?"

She nodded, understanding he wouldn't talk about either motorcycle club while in the company of others.

"I left to follow our friend that morning in the parking garage for the purpose of protecting my club." His hand came an inch off the table, emphasizing his words. "I had no idea our friend was going after someone else."

Her mouth dried, despite the drink in front of her. She was usually good at reading a person to tell if they spoke the truth, but Elling had her confused.

She wanted to believe him. Selfishly, she wanted to welcome him back into her life and pick up where they'd left off.

She'd gamble her heart away for another chance with him. But she had her family to think about, too.

"Let's say that's true and I'm not saying it isn't. There are reasons why I believe you now, and I wasn't the last time you tried to talk to me." She leaned closer. "I don't know anything about what you and my family have going on between you both or anyone's intent toward the other. I only know being with you wouldn't go over well. Can we concentrate on that right now?"

"Ja."

"It would be bad."

"I imagine it would be," he mumbled. "I don't back away."

"Neither do they." She inhaled deeply.

He took another drink and grimaced. She picked up her cup and turned the straw toward her. They were only going through the motions of working things out.

Coming here was a bad idea, but it was the only way she could think that they'd have an opportunity to talk without being alone together in the same room. Being around others kept her from losing her temper and saying something she shouldn't.

"What would happen if you made the choice to be with me?" He ran his tongue over his top lip. "Will they cut you off?"

"They're family. They'd never turn their back on me."

"Then, what stops you?"

Her throat closed and she stared at the table. She'd wondered the same thing. The worst thing imaginable was disappointing Chief. Her relationship with the whole family would shift. There would be no more Family Day at the clubhouse for her. She wouldn't know what was going on with Brikken—not that she ever knew the small details, but she knew enough. They wouldn't trust her with any information because of who she loved.

"They would never accept you, and I'd feel distant from them over time because my heart and loyalty would fall to you." She swallowed. "That's if they let you live."

He shifted on the seat and leaned toward her. "We would accept you," he said quietly.

Her pulse thrummed. She shook her head. "I don't want to be accepted by them. I only want you."

"I want you, too." He reached across the table, hooked the back of her neck, bringing her closer. "I walked out of the hotel earlier knowing I couldn't let you go. I won't."

"You did?" she whispered.

His gaze intensified, and he held her in front of him for several heartbeats. "I need to get out of here."

"You need to go?" She trembled.

"Nei." His fingers tightened on her neck. "I need to touch you."

She put her hand in her pocket and pulled out a twenty-dollar bill. Elling caught her wrist as she held up the money, trying to get the waitress's attention.

"Put it away." He motioned for the woman responsible for their table and slipped her money from his vest without letting go of Jackie.

He pulled her from the table, tucking her against his side, and walked out of the coffee shop. With her arm around his back, she leaned into him, thankful she changed into sneakers to keep up with his longer stride.

Now that she had her hands on him, she couldn't stop touching him.

She inhaled the leathery scent coming off him and sighed contently. It was a smell that brought her comfort and love. On him, it was thrilling and new.

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