Page 49 of Property of the Hellfire Riders

“It’s best if I tell the truth to the others tonight. Come right out and say what’s going on.”

“What if they don’t believe me?” I ask.

“Time always has a way of sorting this shit out.”

Hawk…thesapphire eyes of their gang’s president flash before my eyes. Vance made it clear Hawk claimed me, whatever the hell that means. What will they do about Tank? Will they care that we slept together in a blind fury of passion?

“Come on,” Tank motions for me to follow him and when he reaches the door he opens it with a wink.

I follow behind him, wondering if all of tonight is about to bite me in the ass.

The hot water is nice,running down my back. I needed this shower. Tank left me to attend club business and said not towait up for the others. They wouldn’t be back for some time, so I figured no one would mind if I showered.

Lord knows I need one after today.

It slides down my closed eyelids, washing away the filth and sweat of tonight. The sex with Tank replays in my mind, like a never-ending loop. The way he looked at me with hunger and desire, the way I felt so... safe in his arms. I take a deep breath, inhaling the steam.

Laina’s the only person I can confide in about all this, but she’s not here to give me advice on navigating any of this. Laina’s fearless. She’d have all three of them on their knees doing her bidding. I’m more like a chicken running with its head chopped off, barely keeping it together.

It didn’t take long for them to figure me out. I just doubt they’ll believe me.

“What have you gotten yourself into, Izzy?” I ask under the pelting water.

I turn off the shower,it runs down my legs and into the drain then I grab the towel hanging over the bar. I scrunch the water out of my hair then pat my legs, humming mindlessly to myself.

“Where were you?” a deep voice cuts through the bathroom. I freeze.

I see his reflection in the steam covered mirror, standing behind me.

Hawk leans in the doorway with his arms crossed, studying me. His dark hair is slicked back, emphasizing his sharp jawline and piercing eyes. The edges of his form melt and blur into the shadows and clouded reflection, but the intensity of his gaze is clear even in the dim light.

“The hell?!” I spit out, quickly wrapping the towel around me.

“No reason to be so shy, Izzy. I’ve already seen every bit of you up close.”

“How long have you been standing there watching me?”

“This is my house, isn't it? I’m allowed to go where I please.”

“You're being a creep!”

“You're on my turf now, pretty girl. And the rules we play by are mine.” His voice is cold steel, unyielding as he walks closer. “Rules you insist on breaking.”

My breath catches in my throat, and I involuntarily take a step back.

He tilts his head, a smirk playing on his lips. "I wanted to see if you were alright."

“I'm fine.” I turn away from him, tugging at the towel tighter around me as if it offers some sort of protection from his gaze.

“Good. Tank reassured me that you spoke to him and told him what’s going on. But I had to see for myself. He’s quite smitten with you.”

“He did?” My cheeks redden and I'm not exactly sure what all Tank said.

“Your friend’s missing. And you think we have her?”

I nod slowly. “I thought, maybe…”

“You really think that’s the kind of guy I am, and the type of organization I run? One that kidnaps women?”

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