Page 54 of Craving Her

Before I turn back around, Thea is already asleep, her tears still glistening on her face. I pull the coverlet up and put it over her body gently. Strangely enough, I feel better after talking with my sister. I can’t lie and say my feelings still aren’t hurt a little, over graduation. It doesn’t seem to matter that it was years ago. Still, I know it’s not just on them. I’ve always antagonized Mattie and Thea. I’m going to try to keep the past in the past from this moment on. That’s where it belongs. I’m just praying my future will still have Mattie in it.

I leave the room and softly close the door. With a sigh, feeling tired and heartsick, I turn down the hall and take the room that I’ve been assigned. I don’t even look at the bed, knowing it would be too tempting. I head straight to the shower and turn the water on completely hot. Hoping that will make me stop feeling so cold and alone. Once the water hits me, I sink to the floor, my back against the cold tiles. It’s then that I let all the tears I’ve been holding inside. I sob uncontrollably. I shed tears for my brother, for my family, and tears for Torin because no matter what, I love him with everything I am. There’s a big part of me, praying that he’ll tell me that I got it all wrong and he didn’t have sex with me out of pity. Right now, however, I just really ache to be in his arms. If he tells me everything is going to be okay, somehow, I think I’d find the courage to believe him.

Even if he is lying.

Chapter 30

Joker

I’m dragging ass by the time I make it in. I drove straight through and it’s now close to two in the morning. It’s clear that the club is on high alert, even if Bull and some of the others are home now. Guards around the outside are thick. Most of them are prospects and the newer members. I spoke with several members inside, but I didn’t ask them about Skylar. I need time to talk to Bull and the rest of her family before I announce her as my woman. I know the man and his old lady are going through enough right now. That means I’m going to have to keep my relationship with Skylar a secret for a little while longer. I don’t like it. I’m definitely not happy, but I just don’t have a damn choice. Right now, I’m busy trying to think of a way to spend time with Skylar and make sure she’s okay. I don’t want to let her go.

Fuck, I’m not sure I can.

Most of the club is asleep, except for those responsible for security and patrolling. I search until I see the guy I need to talk to. He’s standing across the room talking to one of the newest members. I forget his name. Then again, in my defense, I’ve had a lot on my plate. Raze frowns at me, but he nods slightly. I meethim in the corner of the room. He starts shaking his head before I even make it to him.

“Don’t start. Just tell me what room she’s in,” I mutter.

“Dude, the girl has been through a lot today. Maybe you should just give her some space for a day or two.”

“I’m going to be with my woman tonight. You can either tell me where she’s at, or I’ll just go through all the rooms until I find her. That might cause more issues.”

“You’re fucking insane,” he mutters. “The club is kind of a mess right now. You might want to take it easy instead of starting more drama. I’m not sure Bull and the others are in the right headspace for more shit right now.”

“How is everyone? Really?” I ask, feeling guilty.

“Worn out. We’re doing double patrols, so every member is pulling double shifts. The guys that came back from North Carolina are a mess. Most of us aren’t much better.”

“Yeah,” I answer, not really knowing what to say. “I drove straight through, and I’ve had very little sleep. I also need to clear up shit with Skylar. I’m pretty sure she heard me talking to you this morning—and if you only listen to part of the conversation and only one side …”

“Well fuck,” he mutters.

“Exactly. Let me have some time with her to clear the air. After, I’ll grab a couple of hours sleep, then relieve someone. Okay?”

“No worries, man. Our schedule is set for tomorrow. Go get some rest.”

“Well, I’m not resting until I have Skylar in my arms. So, tell me. What room?”

“She’s in the room beside yours. As hateful as you are, I should have put her beside Bull’s.” I flip him off and start walking away. He tried to talk me out of going to her side. He’slucky I don’t punch him. “You’re welcome,” he calls out, but I ignore him. I’m tired and I want my woman.

When I make it to her door, it’s locked. “Good girl,” I whisper. The lock won’t stop me, but it does make me smile.

I pull out my wallet and find an old, expired credit card I keep in there for emergencies like this one. It only takes me a minute to slide the card between the door frame, to force the lock to retract. Once I get it in position, I jimmy the lock loose and open the door. I gently close and lock the door, then replace the card in my wallet and toss it gently on the dresser by the door.

The room is dark, but there’s a soft glow of light from the attached bathroom. It’s just enough for me to make out Skylar’s frame on the bed. I quickly discard my boots and socks. Then finish stripping down. I could use a shower, but it will have to wait until tomorrow morning. I walk over to the bed where Skylar is lying. I look at her for a minute, just drinking in the sight of her. This is the first fucking time since she ran away from me today that I feel my breath coming easily. The tension in my body is finally lessening now that I’m close to her.

I carefully get on the bed, curling into her back. I slowly wrap my arm over her so that my hand rests against her stomach. I briefly wonder if she might already be carrying my child. The thought fills me with joy. As I snuggle into her, I can tell the exact minute she wakes up because she stiffens against me.

“Torin, please go away.”

I kiss the back of her head. “Get some rest, Peaches. I won’t do anything. I just want to hold you tonight,” I explain.

“I don’t have it in me to fight with you right now,” she mumbles.

I bend so I can place a kiss on the back of her neck and squeeze her gently. “Seriously. Sleep, Peaches. I don’t know why you left, but we can talk about it later. I just want you in my arms right now.”

She’s quiet for a minute, her body slowly relaxing. Then I hear her quietly sobbing. Wet, sloppy tears fall down against my hand. Immediately, I roll to my back, moving into a sitting position. I pull my woman into my arms and cradle her against me.

“Torin, I feel so lost,” she whimpers, her voice sounding so small with none of her usual spunk. Her silent sobs are causing her body to jerk, but she’s still doing her best to suppress the noise, not wanting to show weakness. Fuck, my woman is spectacular. Even I didn’t know how strong she truly was.

---