Page 33 of Steel

Climbing out of bed, I hurry over to lock the door and grab a towel and my bottle of lube. I drop my boxers before slipping back into the bed. Before I get too comfortable, I cast my phone to the TV and bring up the video Bailee sent me. Then I settleback against the headboard, press play and set it to repeat, and pull up my camera. Once it’s ready, I grab the bottle of lube, press record, and squeeze some out onto the head of my cock.

A groan rumbles from my chest as I brush my palm over the tip and then stroke down, spreading the lube. I keep my eyes on Bailee’s fingers as my hand glides over my length, matching her rhythm.

I work my cock faster, rougher, until my balls grow tight and tingles spread over my body. Not moving my eyes from the TV, I wait until I see the tells come over Bailee. As soon as the first drop comes out of her, my toes curl and a guttural groan shakes my chest as cum shoots from my angry cock onto my hand and abdomen. As I bring the camera to my face, I make sure to trail it over my body so she gets to see the mess she helped make. When it’s aimed at my face, I stare intensely into the camera.

“You’ve been repaid. Go the fuck to sleep.”

After making sure it sent, I toss my phone on the bed and grab the towel to clean up.

Thank fuck I use water-based lube. It’s not as sticky as the other shit.

I clean everything up, wash my hands, then go check on Lyric before climbing back into bed.

My mind drifts to the Night Skulls. Since I can’t bring the club in on this yet, I shoot off a couple messages to some people who run the streets, putting word out that I’m discreetly seeking information on the MC.

Hopefully, it won’t take long to get something back.

In the meantime, I’ll do whatever I have to so Bailee stays safe.

Shit like what just happened can’t happen again.

Chapter eight

I thought after gettingoff with Steel last night that I’d actually get some sleep. It’s always done the trick, but it seems even an orgasm can’t stand up against being a witness to murder and almost dying myself.

The men went from chasing me through the woods to chasing me in my dreams, leaving me with only a few broken hours of sleep. I’d never had a problem being alone before, but right now, the thought has me wanting to crawl out of my skin. I refuse to call Steel and beg him to come to me, though. It’s best if I keep my distance so he doesn’t break my heart again.

A knock startles me out of my musings, and I give the front door a wary glance. Knowing what I’ve been through, Steel would have announced himself. My body starts to shake as I glance around for something that can be used as a weapon. The only thing I can find is a knife from the kitchen, so I wobble my way in there as another knock sounds.

“Bailee? It’s me, babe.”

My shoulders sag as Reva’s voice comes through the door. I don’t know why it didn’t occur to me that it could be her.

“Coming,” I call out, using the wall to brace my weight as I slide to the door.

I slide the chain out of the lock, undo the deadbolt, and twist the lock on the doorknob in the opposite direction to unlock it. When I swing the door open, her smiling face greets me until she sees I’m shaking and the sweat is rolling down my temple.

Concern fills her gaze. “Let me help you.” I open my mouth to tell her I’m okay, but she narrows her eyes. “Don’t get sassy either. How long has it been since you’ve had pain medicine?”

“Sometime last night before I went to bed.” I shake my head. “I don’t like being dependent on them, and I don’t have any Tylenol.”

“Why the fuck not?”

I take a step back toward the living room, but my leg buckles and I almost crash to the floor. Thankfully, Reva rushes to my side in time to catch my fall.

“No wonder that man likes you. You’re as stubborn as he is,” she grumbles, taking my weight and guiding us to the couch.

After she has me settled, she stands straight and puts her hands on her hips. “I’m going to grab shit to clean your leg with, and then I’ll help you get some fresh clothes on.”

“You just want to undress me,” I tease, leaning back into the cushion with a sigh.

Who knew getting shot would be so damn exhausting?

Reva’s husky laugh rolls over my skin, leaving goosebumps in its wake. “That’s definitely not a con to this, but no, firefly, that’s not it. I just want you to have something clean on. I didn’t figure Steel got you any clothes, and we seem to be around the same size. If something you need doesn’t fit, though, it’s not like there isn’t enough of us to find something that does.”

She starts to walk away, but I reach out to grasp her wrist, halting her in place. “Thank you. You didn’t have to do this, and I know it makes you uneasy because of the Dirty Mavericks, butyou’re choosing to help me anyway. You chose to help keep me hidden and safe without knowing me or what I’m running from.”

“Of course, but I didn’t have to. Steel is a good man, though, and I trust him when he says he won’t let there be any fallback. I don’t want to be the kind of person who turns another away when they’re running for their life. I’ve been in your shoes, and I had someone lend me their hand when I didn’t have anyone else. I don’t have to know your full story, but I’m here if you need someone to talk to. Okay?”

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