Page 4 of Untamed Crow

She smiles, and for a moment, I let myself imagine what it would be like if this was real - if I was really her date, not just a stand-in for my brother. But that's a dangerous path to go down. Emma deserves better than a man whose life is constantly on the line, whose hands are stained with the kind of work the club requires.

So, I just keep dancing, holding her close but not too close, savoring these moments while trying not to want more.

"Is this odd to you?"

The question pulls me from my thoughts. "What's odd?" I ask, though I know exactly what she means.

"All of this," Emma gestures slightly with our joined hands. "The dancing, the suit, being surrounded by people who probably think bikers only exist in movies."

I can't help but smirk at that last part. If these people knew half of what goes down in Cedar Falls...

"I've been in stranger situations, doll."

She arches her eyebrow. "Care to share?"

"Most aren't suitable for polite company," I tease, enjoying the way her cheeks flush. Truth is, being here with her isn't odd at all - it's everything I've wanted for longer than I care to admit.

A group of her former classmates passes by, their whispers not quite subtle enough. I catch fragments about "dangerous looking" and "Emma's date?" but ignore them. I'm used to those reactions.

"They're talking about us," she says softly, a hint of worry in her voice.

"Let them talk." I spin her slowly, bringing her back perhaps a little closer than before. "Though I gotta admit, the suit feels like a costume."

She studies me for a moment, her brown eyes thoughtful. "You didn't have to dress up, you know. I would have been fine with you coming as yourself."

That's always been Emma's way - accepting people as they are. It's one of the things that drew me to her in the first place.

"Wanted to do this right," I say simply. The music shifts again, but we keep our slow pace. "Besides, you went through all this trouble to look even more beautiful. Least I could do was try to keep up."

The compliment slips out before I can stop it, but her pleased smile makes it worth it. Still, I need to be careful. Getting too comfortable, letting my guard down - that's not an option. Not with the club situation being what it is.

As if reading my thoughts, her expression turns serious. "Are you worried? About being here alone?"

I consider lying, but she deserves better than that. "Always gotta be careful these days. But I've got my piece, and the prospects do drive-byes every hour."

Her eyes widen slightly. "You didn't have to-"

"Yes, I did," I cut her off gently. "Club rules aside, I wouldn't risk anything happening to you."

I've said too much, revealed too much of my hand. But before either of us can address it, a tap on my shoulder breaks the moment.

"Mind if I interrupt?" Some clean-cut guy in an expensive suit stands there, looking at Emma with obvious interest. "We shared AP Chemistry, remember? Tyler Matthews?"

I feel Emma's hand tighten slightly in mine, but I keep my face neutral, waiting for her response. This is her night, her reunion. If she wants to dance with other people...

"Sorry, Tyler," she says, pressing slightly closer to me. "I'm actually good here."

The guy looks between us, clearly trying to figure out what someone like Emma is doing with someone like me. Join the club, buddy.

"Maybe later then," he says, retreating with a forced smile.

I wait until he's out of earshot before asking, "You sure? Don't want to keep you from catching up with old friends."

Emma looks up at me and smiles, "I'm exactly where I want to be."

The simple honesty in her voice hits me hard. I adjust my hold on her waist, thumb brushing against the silk of her dress.

"Good," I say roughly. "Because I'm not done dancing with you yet."

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