Page 76 of Jake's Angel

“Yes, and also because there are things I believe could put you in even more danger.”

My gut tells me I should go with him and hear him out. So that’s what I do. I follow him down the driveway to a waiting blacked out SUV. He opens my door, and I climb in. He comes around the front of the vehicle and gets in. He starts the engine and begins backing us out.

“Unmarked black SUV with tinted-out windows. Is it bullet proof too?” I ask.

“This one is, yeah.” He’s so blasé about it.

“I was joking.” Gabe shrugs. “Do you really get shot at enough to require you to own a bullet-proofed vehicle?”

“That’s club business, sweetheart.” I don’t bristle this time with his use of the endearment.

Awkward silence fills the cab of the SUV. I know something’s wrong. I can tell by the white of his knuckles as he continues to grip the steering wheel. I don’t know if I should ask him or if I should sit in silence and let him stew, because he’s obviously upset.

Did something happen? Is Sadie okay? Is it Gramps? Has Eleanor figured out where I am?

My mind races with question after question and possible scenarios. Maybe he thinks I slept with Jake? We were gone a long time, and it’s not uncommon for the guys to screw the girls at the club. Maybe he thinks I’m like them. I need to get ahold of myself.

Oh God.

“I didn’t sleep with Jake.” I blurt.

The SUV swerves a little on the road.

“What did you just say?” Gabe asks, his voice strained.

“I-I-I didn’t have sex with Jake. We only went for a ride on his motorcycle. He took me to see my mother’s grave. Our graves. But that’s all.”

Gabe scrubs his right hand down his beard. “Avery, why did you think I was worried you slept with Jake?”

“I didn’t.”

“Okay, but you thought I brought you along for a ride to discuss you and my Sergeant at Arms sleeping together. Why? Did he do something to make you uncomfortable?” He asks, his voice is calm, but cold.

Before I can stop the train wreck from happening, I word vomit everything I’m thinking in one long breath.

“No. No. I-I-we were gone for a while today. And then you were waiting on the porch and said we needed to talk, but you’re sitting here white-knuckled and silent, and I guess I thought maybe since it’s not uncommon for your guys to fuck anything with tits and ass, or at least that’s what Liz and Sadie tell me, I thought maybeyou thoughtJake took me somewhere so we could fuck and now you want to yell at me for it or offer me a position as a club whore. I don’t really know. But the answer’s no if that was your plan. I don’t want to be passed around by your men.”

“Jesus.” Gabe throws his head back with a laugh.

The realization of everything I’ve said hits me, and I’m quick to cover my face with my hands to hide what I know is a red face.

Way to get ahold of yourself, Aves.

“Oh, shit. I needed that,” he says, slowly working to calm himself. “Okay, let’s get a few things straight. First, you are not now, nor will you ever be considered a whore of any kind, nor will any of my men will pass you around unless they have a fucking death wish,” he nearly growls the words. “Second, I’m going to have a talk with Jake about this kiss.”

“He didn’t do anything wrong.” I’m pleading for Jake’s life, apparently.

“No, but there’s a protocol with the club, and he knows better. You’re my daughter, and he needs to come to me if he wants to date you properly.”

“Excuse me!” I screech. “You may be the guy who impregnated my mother, but you only took up the job of being apresent parentthis week. Don’t think for one second that gives you the right to tell me who I can and can’t date.”

“That’s where you’re wrong, sweetheart. I’m the President of the Kings and Jake is one of my officers. My men know the rules. And the fact is,youhave no say. If I say you’re off limits, they’ll obey my orders.”

“Sadie’s right. You men and you’re fuckingclub bullshit.”

“Okay, this is not going the way I had planned. Can we please change the subject? I didn’t bring you all the way out here to argue with you.”

“Then why am I here, Gabe? And where is here, exactly?” I ask, turning my back to the window with my arms crossed over me. It’s the only armor I have at the moment.

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