Page 93 of Roses and Skulls

I swallow hard and rush behind the bar. Draven follows me to the back. He tries to pull me into his arms, and I let him, because, well, because he still has his gun out.

“They know better, it won’t happen again.”

My head bobs up and down as I try to gently pry myself away from him. “Elijah’s waiting for me,” I say quietly.

“I know.” He spins me around. “What my VP said back there. Would you be okay with that?”

“Y-you mean, Elijah prospecting for the Devils?”

“Yes. I think it’s time you both break away from the warehouse. Things are going good for us here. My club is the strongest it’s been in years thanks to you and the profits from the bar.”

My heart is still swimming in bile as I try to wrap my head around what he’s asking. “Draven, Elijah can do what he wants. You don’t have to ask for my permission.”

His dark eyes spark. He runs the back of his hand over my cheek. “I just want you to be happy here.”

“I am,” I assure him. “It’s just, that guy scared me.”

“I’m sorry about that. Like I said it won’t happen again. You’re safe with me, little dove.”

I back away and offer him a small smile. “I know.”

“You guys could even move in with me. It’s lonely without Lanie at the apartment,” he offers.

Tucking my hair behind my ear, I start to walk away. “I’ll think about it over the weekend.”

He smiles wide. “Sounds good. We’ll talk more next week.”

As I’m walking out, I feel his eyes on my back.

When I get outside, Elijah instantly pulls me into his arms. “Did you see it?” he asks, nuzzling into the side of my neck.

“I saw it,” I whisper. “Take me home.”

Once we get the warehouse, Elijah tells me that he has some things to finish up for our date weekend. I smile up at him. “Come on, give me a hint.” I rub my hand over his chest, sliding it lower, hoping he will give me what I want.

He takes my hands in his. “Don’t think you can weasel your way around me, Rosie. I know you better than anyone.”

My bottom lip pushes out. “But..”

“But nothing. Go on, I’ll wait until you get inside safely and then I’ve got things to do.” He gently pushes me away from him, swatting me on the behind.

“Fine,” I stomp away from him. But I squeal to myself when I get inside. I’m so excited to be going away with him for the weekend.

The warehouse is dark, but I know where to find him. He secretly waits for me to get home every night. I’m sure the thought of us going away for an entire weekend is killing him.

I push the door open and flick the light on.

My dad is sitting at the head of the table, his fingers steepled in front of his mouth.

He doesn’t even jump in surprise. His stormy orbs climb up my frame, making sure I’m in one piece.

I drag my finger over the table and take the seat beside him. “You know you don’t have to wait up for me?”

“Who says I’m waiting up for you?”

My eyebrow cocks at the exact same angle as his. He chuckles lightly and sits forward, tucking my hair behind my ear. “Old habits, remember?”

I nod. “Old habits.”

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