Twenty minutes later, I’m still sitting at the desk, staring at nothing, when Jock enters.
“That’s why she’s locked in her room? Because of that asshole?”
“It happened so fucking quickly. She came barging in after learning about the party.”
“Oh shit!” He sits opposite.
I look him over. He doesn’t look too bashed up.
“I can’t talk to her because she won’t open the door.”
“Nine hurt her after you promised her she would be safe. Talking isn’t going to change that.”
“Tell me something I don’t fucking know!”
“Kinsley has no friends to attend a party. She doesn’t yet know why it’s being held.”
“I’m losing control, Jock, and I don’t fucking like it.”
“Then it’s time to get it back.”
I hold his gaze and say, “Yes, it is. If she doesn’t appear by morning, I am going to break down her fucking door. In the meanwhile, I want blood.” I stand and grab my leather jacket.
“I’ll keep her safe while you’re gone.” He cracks his knuckles.
I struggleto move my gaze from the girl sitting astride my bike. She had six motorcycles to choose from and she chose mine.
“I thought you were locked in your room,” I say.
She doesn’t react to my presence, which tells me she knew I was here.
“I wanted some fresh air.” Her voice is huskier than usual. That asshole Nine really did a number on her throat.
Giving in to my need to touch her, I move in beside her and tilt her chin upward. Her sad blue eyes find mine. I let mine drop and curse like hell at the bruising on her delicate skin.
“I’m so fucking sorry, Kinsley. Seeing you hurt kills me.”
Her lips tremble and tears slowly spill down her cheeks. I move and sit astride my bike behind her. I balance us and turn her in my arms. Her legs are astride mine as I bring her close, wrapping my arms around her.
“I wouldn’t have had that happen for the fucking world.”
“I know,” she whispers. Pulling slightly away, she mops up her face with a tissue that she pulls from her pocket. “Will you take me out on your bike? I’ve never been on one before.”
I contemplate the wisdom of what I’m about to do and think, fuck it!
“I will on one condition.”
She nods and waits.
“You do whatever me or Salem tell you to do. We have a meeting.”
“I’ll follow your orders, Tiberius. I promise.”
Salem comes up behind her and plants a helmet on her head.
I laugh. “Let me.”
Removing the helmet, I wait until she’s gathered her hair in the back, and then place the helmet on her, grinning all the while I’m fastening the protection.