Page 49 of Hellfire

Stepping out onto the porch, I inhaled deeply and the scent of pine calmed me. I couldn’t remember the last time I had ever been happy. But a big part of me couldn’t stop the doubt from creeping in. I had this nagging feeling something was about to go terribly wrong, even though I had no reason to believe it. There was always something being thrown at me, another curve ball that would uproot my life. I couldn’t shake the feeling that something was going to happen.

“Mornin.”

The sudden greeting made me jump. I hadn’t realized I wasn’t alone. My gaze landed on a familiar mop of blond hair and a bright smile. It was the same guy who wanted to take me on a tour of the clubhouse. The memory of Tank stepping in filtered through me, the date we shared. Our first kiss.

I forced myself to smile back.

“Morning.” My skin prickled with awareness, and that uneasy feeling intensified. Something about this guy always felt… off. All I wanted to do was bolt.

“You don’t remember me, do you?” he asked.

“Um.” I quickly racked my brain for his name. “It’s Chris, right?” I replied after an awkwardly long pause. The door behind me opened, saving me from this uncomfortable conversation.

A pair of dark brown boots stepped out onto the porch, and dark washed denim hugged strong thighs. A deep red shirt clung to well-defined abs. I swallowed, my throat suddenly dry. When my ogling became too obvious, he snickered. The sound traveled straight to my clit.

My gaze flicked up to his face, and a mischievous glint was in his piercing gray eyes. His crow perched on his left shoulder, its beady black eyes studied me.

“You got a little something…” His thumb ran over the corner of his mouth.

Oh. My. God. What is wrong with me? He just caught me checking him out. Is one dick not enough, Katrina?

Unconsciously, I wiped a hand across my mouth. Steele laughed, clearly enjoying my embarrassment.

“I was not drooling.”

Even though this man was totally drool worthy. He didn’t need to know that. My cheeks flushed crimson as I scowled at him, lifting my chin in defiance.

“Are you sure?” he teased. I narrowed my eyes, but said nothing. Steele lifted his hands in mock surrender. “Not that I mind, sweetheart,” he whispered, his eyes tracing down my body dangerously.

Chris cleared his throat, drawing my attention back to him. “So, I believe I still owe you a tour?” he prompted, side-eyeing Steele.

“Um, I’m sorry, Chris.” My gaze flicked to Steele’s. “I’ve got plans for the day, right, Steele?” I raised an eyebrow at him, silently pleading for his agreement. It was complete bullshit, and Steele knew it. A smirk crossed his lips as he slung an arm over my shoulders. I tried and failed to suppress the shudder that ran down my body at the contact. Cyrus squawked at the sudden movement, his wings fluttered to maintain balance. I eyed the bird warily.

“That’s right, we’re going into town today. Gotta pick up a few things,” he told Chris easily. My shoulders sagged in relief as I watched Chris storm away. For a moment, I kinda felt bad for the guy, but just one thought of how slimy he was erased any trace of guilt I had.

Steele leaned in closer to me, his lips brushing against my ear. “You okay there, sweetheart?” he whispered, sending shivers down my spine.

I nodded, trying to ignore the way my body was reacting to his. “Yeah, I’m fine.” My voice was a little shaky.

Steele chuckled, his warm breath tickling my neck. “You sure about that?” he teased, his hand trailing down my arm. I pulled away, trying to hide the blush creeping up my neck.

“I’m sure,” I said, avoiding his gaze.

Steele just grinned, obviously enjoying my discomfort. “Alright, well let’s get going,” he said, grabbing my hand and pulling me towards the stairs.

“What?” I said, pulling my hand free from his.

His easygoing smile was back and full of confidence. As if he didn’t doubt that I would go with him. It was both intimidating and incredibly attractive.

“You and I are going to run errands. What? You didn’t think I’d let you get awaythateasily, did you, sweetheart?“ My stomach tightened at the sound of the nickname on his lips.

Damn him.

He was right to assume I wouldn’t say no. But I couldn’t let myself get too caught up in him. I had to remember that Tank was the one I was with, and I needed to stay faithful to him. As much as I enjoyed Steele’s company, I couldn’t let things go any further than they already had.

“Fine, but I need to go shopping.” Men hated shopping, right? “It could take all day,” I warned.

“Perfect,” he purred. “We’ll take my bike this afternoon. See you in a few, sweetheart.”

---