Page 6 of My Reluctant Valentine

"You're my daughter's teacher.That makes you my concern."

"I don't need a protector." I start packing up again, but his next words freeze me in place.

"No? Then why've you been checking the exits every thirty seconds since you walked in?Why's your hand shaking when you reach for that wine?And why'd you choose the one table in here with a clear view of both the front door and the back exit?"

Because old habits die hard. Because Ian's reach is longer than I thought.Because--

My phone buzzes again. Another text.

Shari:

He's asking about the school.

This time, Ace sees the message before I can hide it.His jaw tightens.

"Here's the thing, Miss Leslie." His voice drops lower, meant for my ears only."I've got a problem that needs solving, and you've got trouble that needs handling.I'm thinking we might be able to help each other out."

"I don't make deals with MC presidents."

"Smart policy." He smirks. "But hear me out anyway."

Against my better judgment, I stay silent.

"My ex is getting married next month.To my former best friend." His smile turns sharp."She's threatening to tell Emma some things she doesn't need to know unless I bring a date.Someone respectable. Someone who'll make her look good for choosing my best friend over me."

"And you think that someone should be me?" I can't help the laugh that escapes."Have you lost your mind?"

"Think about it. You need protection.I need a date that'll drive my ex crazy.We fake it for a month, you get the safety of the club, I get to keep Emma from finding out ugly truths, everybody wins."

"Except for my reputation when the whole town thinks I'm dating an MC president."

"Sweetheart, the whole town already thinks whatever they want." He nods toward the bar where several people quickly look away."Might as well use it to our advantage."

"And what happens when your ex's wedding is over and Ian's still out there?"

"Then we renegotiate." He reaches across the table, his fingers brushing mine."But right now, you need immediate protection, and I need an immediate solution.Sometimes the simplest answer is the right one."

I pull my hand back. "There's nothing simple about you, Ace Hunter."

"No," he admits, smirking with a slight shake of his head."But I'm probably your best option right now."

As if to prove his point, the door opens and three rough-looking men in leather cuts walk in.Not Ace's crew--their patches are different.The temperature in the room drops again.

Ace's posture shifts subtly, but I recognize the change.It's the same way Ian used to look right before things got ugly.

"Think fast, darlin'." Ace's voice is barely a whisper now."Those guys aren't here by accident, and you really don't want to be unaffiliated when they start asking questions."

"You're blackmailing me?"

"I'm offering you a choice." His eyes never leave mine."Take the protection of the Saints, or take your chances with whatever the River Kings are selling.But choose fast, because they're heading this way."

I think of Shari's text. Of Ian's resources.Of the way he found his last ex-girlfriend three states away.

Then I think of Emma's smile this morning.Of how much she loves her dad.Of how this whole stupid plan could blow up in all our faces.

The River Kings are three tables away now.Two tables. One.

"Fine." I grab Ace's hand where everyone can see it."But I have conditions."

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