Page 5 of Chaplain

There's an undercurrent in Diesel's voice that makes me glance up. Our eyes meet, and the air suddenly feels charged with electricity as I sense we're both very aware of being alone behind a closed door.

"I'm not entirely sure what you mean by that," I say, wishing I hadn't looked up into his brooding stare because now I'm stuck, unable to look away and admit defeat. "Was that meant as an insult or a warning?"

"Neither." His massive hand comes down on the back of the office chair. His knuckles turn white from the force he's using to keep ahold of himself. Is it me that has him so unnerved? "Look, Eden. Your uncle's a very trusting man." His jaw tightens. "Maybe a little too trusting. When you're with Ronnie or me, no one will think of touching you." His eyes lock on mine, and he leans closer. So close my lips tingle with the thought of his brushing along them. "But when we aren't around, you aren't guaranteed that protection. Out there, you're just another piece of property to be claimed. Understand what I'm saying?"

I try to meet the intensity of his gaze with my own, but it's impossible to look at this massive man and not feel humbled by his presence. "Completly."

Diesel clears his throat, taking a subtle step back. "Good, I'll leave you to get set up. Let me know if you need anything."

"Will do." My voice cuts off my comment as the words stick in my throat. Did Diesel just call me property?

He lingers a moment, looking like he wants to say something more. But finally just gives a nod and backs out of the room. The door clicks shut behind him, leaving me staring after him for a loaded beat.

With a shake of my head, I try to clear my muddled thoughts and focus on the expensive tech before me. But all I can think about is Diesel's hand on my back, how his presence took up the entire office, and the heat in his eyes just now. This assignment will require all of my focus and self-control if I hope to avoid his magnetic pull.

Sitting down at the main terminal, I crack my knuckles dramatically before diving in. It's time to put Diesel behind me and see what secrets I can dig up on the Demons. But even as code streams across the screens, part of my mind lingers on a few minutes ago, imagining what might have happened if Diesel hadn't left when he did. My thoughts drift dangerously until I force myself to concentrate.

One thing is clear - staying detached around that man will take every ounce of willpower I possess. And possibly more. But I've never been one to back down from a challenge. I don't intend to start now.

4

Diesel

It's past midnight when I finish my club paperwork in the dimly lit chapel office. Stifling a yawn, I lean back to stretch my stiff shoulders. It's been a long day, and it's time for some shuteye. As I make my way down the shadowy hall, I notice a thin strip of light glowing under the door to Eden's makeshift workroom. At this late hour, she must be the only nonmember still here.

Ronnie warned her about keeping late hours in the club. A fact I've also reminded her about. But she insists she's a big girl and can take care of a few rowdy members who may get the idea to put a claim on her. I consider heading straight to bed and letting her deal with what comes her way, but the allure of seeing Eden, even briefly, is too great to ignore. I tap softly on the door before shoving it with my shoulder.

The door swings open, revealing Eden looking tired but content, surrounded by the glow of computer screens. She gives me a little smile. "Hey, Diesel."

I cross my arms. "Didn't Ronnie give you a curfew?"

She unfolds herself from where she's sitting crosslegged in the office chair and glances at her phone. "Shit. I was following some data trails while the system traffic is low and lost track of time."

I can't help but snarl at her lack of self-preservation. "There's a reason he wants you out of the clubhouse before it gets too late, Eden."

"I know," she answers, her voice full of annoyance as she begins shutting down monitors. "But hacker hours aren't dictated by your club rules. I have to hit when I can, and the middle of the workday isn't going to cut it for what you guys want."

"Then you need to tell me when you're staying late."

Eden stops packing her bag and pegs me with a stare. "What. So you can beat members away from my door? Is this place really that barbaric?"

If any of the members feel the way I do about Eden, it will take a fucking army to stop them from storming her door. "No. But the rules here are different than what you're used to."

"And you're here to keep me safe." She cuts me off before throwing a strap over her shoulder. "For the hundredth time, I've got it." She rolls her neck, trying to work out a kink, and I fight the urge to reach for her neck.

"Let me walk you out to your car when you wrap up," I offer, telling myself it's another safety measure even though I'm the only member left in the club she should be worried about.

Eden's glare deepens. Just give me five minutes to shut everything down, and I'll be out of your hair."

I nod in answer and retreat down the hall to wait, pulse already quickening. We've been alone here plenty of times over the last week without issue. Usually, I finish my work around dinner and show Eden out before most of the members arrive for food and drinks.

By the time the partying begins, she's long gone.

But tonight, something has the hairs on my neck standing at attention. I'm not sure if it's the way she defies my orders with little care for her own well-being or how she tests my patients. But soon, something's going to snap, and she's going to wish she hadn't pushed so hard.

I push aside the tempting thought. This is just a simple walk to Eden's car, nothing more.

Still, eagerness coils inside me at the prospect of having her all to myself.

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