Page 13 of Chaplain

But Diesel simply clears his throat and steps back.

"Take care of yourself, Eden," he rumbles softly.

I try to ignore the pang of disappointment. With a last lingering look, Diesel turns and strides away. I watch his broad shoulders disappear around the corner, taking with him any hopes I had of something more between us.

8

Diesel

Ioversee the dismantling of Eden's equipment room, ensuring every hard drive and device is properly destroyed. The club can't risk anything leading back to us.

"I hate to see her go," Prospect Shane says as he rips cords from a server rack. "She really knew her stuff."

I shoot him a stern glare, and he averts his eyes quickly. Nobody's allowed to talk about Eden now that she's gone. Especially not him after I caught his eyes wandering over her too many times.

Heavy boots thunder down the hallway as Ronnie enters the room. "Chaplain, just the man I need," he says, clapping my shoulder. "I've got Eden's payment ready to go, and since you already know where she lives, I want you to deliver it. The fewer members knowing where she lives, the better."

I stiffen slightly but keep my face neutral. Being sent to see her again is the last thing I expected. But I won't question Ronnie's orders. With a short nod, I follow him out, ignoring the tightness in my chest. This is strictly a delivery job.

Nothing more.

I pull up outside Eden's apartment, an envelope of cash in my jacket pocket. My knuckles rap sharply on her door.

When Eden opens it, I'm momentarily stunned by how soft she looks out of her usual formfitting tee shirts and jeans. Her dark hair is swept up in a messy bun, with a few tendrils framing her face. She has on an oversized sweatshirt that slopes enticingly over her full breasts. A pair of leggings hug her every curve, and she's barefoot. I've never been one to notice feet, but when I glance down, I can't help but imagine how cold they must be on the bare pavement, and my cock twitches at the thought of them running along my legs.

Somehow, her casual look is even sexier than that tight black dress she wore at the club. I can't take my eyes off her curvy thighs or the way the sweatshirt drapes over her body. She just looks so warm and inviting. It makes my chest ache with wanting.

I shouldn't think about her this way when I'm here to make a simple delivery. But seeing Eden like this, so cozy and beautiful, I can't resist her. Not when she's looking at me with those big hazel eyes, begging me not to hurt her again.

Surprise flashes across her face. "Diesel. Who let you off your leash?"

I let the comment slide. She's pissed at me, and she has every right to be. I clear my throat and hand her the envelope. "Your payment. From Ronnie."

Eden takes the money, her fingers brushing against mine. A jolt of electricity shoots up my arm, and I have to fight the urge to pull her against me. She looks up at me, her eyes searching mine. I can see the hurt and anger there, but also something else. Something that sends a surge of heat straight to my groin.

"Thanks," she says tightly, stepping back from the door. "You can go now."

I don't move. I can't. I can only stare at her, the desire building like wildfire. "Eden," I say softly, taking a step towards her. "I know it's hard for an outsider to understand, but the club's safety is in my hands." When she rolls her eyes, I wipe a hand over my chin and reconsider my words. "When we confront the Demons, I'm one of the guys on the front line."

That gets Eden's attention.

"I owe it to my brothers to be focused on getting them in and out without a screw-up, and I can't do that with you distracting me."

"Are you admitting that you think about me?"

"Fuck, Eden. I can't stop thinking about you. Can't stop wanting you."

"Diesel..." she breathes.

As Eden gazes up at me, her hazel eyes are swirling with desire, anticipation, and a vulnerability that tugs at my heart. Her lips are slightly parted, soft and inviting. Unable to resist, I brush my fingers along her cheek, our eyes locked together.

In this charged moment, all the unspoken words and pent-up feelings between us rush to the surface. The rest of the world falls away, and it's just me and her. Eden's eyes flutter closed, and she leans into my touch, aching for more contact.

When she looks at me again, her longing matches my own. The last threads of my restraint snap. I slide my hand around to cradle her neck and pull her in, slowly at first. Our breaths mingle, lips just barely touching. The tension is exquisite.

Unable to hold back any longer, I capture her mouth fully, kissing her with a fiery hunger that steals my breath away. Eden's fingers tangle in my hair, kissing me back feverishly. The kiss escalates quickly, both of us pouring all our shared desires into this one perfect moment.

Eden's eyes blaze with carnal hunger as she looks up at me. Her chest heaves, nipples straining against the thin sweatshirt.Unable to stop myself, I run my hand roughly over her breast, feeling her peak harden under my palm.

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