Page 18 of Filthy Devil

I would like to not worry about that shit, except that’s all I can worry about. I have nothing. I am nothing. And there is nothing I can contribute to this man, let alone society, except for what I can offer from between my legs.

“Nash,” I call out.

His eyes find mine. They hold my gaze for a moment in silence, and then I speak. “I don’t mean to try and manipulate you. I’m just scared.”

He hums and dips his chin, his mouth touching mine before he speaks. “I know you are, sweetheart. I got you. I’m not going to let anything happen to you that you don’t agree with or want. This isn’t about your mother. This is about the club. I was tasked with protecting you, and that’s what the fuck I’m going to do.”

He lifts his head, then, without saying another word, he releases me and walks around the front of the truck to the driver’s side. I watch him for a moment before I climb inside and buckle myself in.

This whole thing is so confusing, but I can’t deny that I want everything he’s offering. I want to be protected. I want to make my own decisions. I want a lot, but at the same time, I’m scared shitless.

CHAPTER

SEVEN

JAMES

The department storeis the perfect place for me to get everything I need, including a hairbrush. I don’t know why, but I expect Nash to wait for me at the front of the store until I’m finished. He doesn’t.

Instead, he stays at my side as I head toward the buggies. Then he does something that surprises me. He takes the buggy from me and casually saunters down the main aisleway of the store.

I stare after him for a moment, unsure of what’s truly happening. Then my feet move, and I hurry after him. I can’t believe that this man, this gorgeous, tall, strong, rugged man dressed in jeans and leather, is pushing a bright-red buggy as he walks through the women’s panty aisle.

He stops at the side of the lingerie department, his head swinging over to me, then he smirks. “I can pick them out for you, or you can do it on your own.”

I open my mouth to say something, then snap my lips closed. I want to ask him what exactly I’m supposed to be buying here.

A whole wardrobe or just essentials?

And what is my budget?

I have no idea, and at the same time, I’m apprehensive to ask. He called me out on my manipulation tactics, and I know that I was wrong, but…

“Sweetheart,” Nash murmurs.

I lift my head, and my eyes find his. He’s smiling down at me, his gaze focused on mine. I don’t say anything. Instead, I just look up at him. His blue eyes search my own. Then he brings his hand to my cheek.

“Get whatever you need to get you started. At least a couple weeks’ worth of shit. We got a washer and dryer at the club, and by the time you need more, we’ll have something figured out for you.”

Instead of verbally responding to him, I take a step backward, then turn toward the underwear and start shopping. It doesn’t take me long. I don’t go for anything wild and crazy.

Instead, I buy basics—jeans, plain shirts, tanks, and a few sweaters. Then I get some bras, panties, and a variety of shoes before I head toward the bath and makeup department. The entire time, Nash follows me around without saying a word about how filled up the buggy is becoming.

Once I’m finished putting everything in there, I turn to Nash. He is watching me, but I can’t begin to guess what he’s thinking. His blue eyes search mine for a moment. Then he clears his throat before he speaks.

“This all the bathroom shit you’re getting?” he asks, sounding confused.

I flick my gaze into the buggy, then swing it back to meet his, and I frown. “I have makeup, soap, shampoo, conditioner, razors, face wash, and moisturizer. Do I need something else?”

“James, I don’t know women that well. Haven’t lived with one in years, but I remember a hell of a lot more shit littered the bathroom counters and shower than this.”

I’m not sure the kind of women this man was with, but if I had to guess, they were ones who dressed in skintight clothes, wore heavy makeup, and had a fond affection for Aqua Net. I imagine they look much like my mother. It’s still weird to think of her like that, but shewasmy mother and that’s exactly the way she looked.

“I’m not into a lot of makeup and products,” I say. “I’m more into natural stuff.”

He nods a couple of times, then reaches out and touches my hand. Flicking my gaze to his fingers, I slowly follow his arm before my eyes find his blue ones. I love the color of his eyes. He’s absolutely gorgeous.

I was stupid to try and manipulate him. I should have known that this man could get any woman he wanted. He doesn’t give a shit about me, no matter my age. He’s not desperate for a woman to share his bed.

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