Page 14 of Ink's Devil

“We both are.” But there’s a hesitancy in her voice.

“You’re worried something will happen?”

Her head bobs up and down. “If I had a reason for why I miscarried last time, if I could be certain it was stress that had caused it, then I’d feel more relaxed. But I don’t. Yes, I’m worried.”

“If I can do anything to help…” I don’t know what I could do, but Mel’s my friend and I want to support her. “Anything,” I stress, genuinely wishing I could ease some of her burden.

She waves her hand dismissively. “Enough about me. Now I want the dirt on you and Ink. I saw you going off with him.” She winks. “Did you get the biker-loving you wanted, or did you chicken out?”

I’ve been thinking about that night all weekend. “I can’t deny it, can I, Mel?” My mouth curves up, then down. “Turns out you were right. He was only after a good time. But,” I say fast, “I’m totally alright with that.”

Her lips press together as though it was what she’d expected, and indeed, how she’d warned me, but still she asks, “Did you make any plans to see him again?”

I shake my head. “No, he made it clear from the start it was only going to be one night.”

She narrows her eyes as she looks at me. “Are you sure you’re okay with how it turned out?”

She’d call me out if I try to lie. I sigh. “Mel, you’ve known me for years. Ink caught my eye, and you did your part introducing me. But all Ink wanted was sex, he was quite clear on that. I accepted his terms. Maybe I did have thoughts I might change his mind, but he left me in no doubt there was no chance. If we did get together again, it would only be a repeat, no emotions involved.” Well, not on Ink’s part at least. “It is what it is, Mel. Ink is a once only man. He’s been there, done that. I can’t complain, the experience was worth it. He left me satisfied, and I’ve got memories to use when, well…”

Mel lightly slaps at my arm and I don’t need to complete the sentence.

Then she gives me a long calculating look. “It’s harder for women not to think with their hearts.”

My shoulders rise and fall. “What can I say? We see the whole package, they don’t. Ink only slept with me as I told him he could with no demands, to push for more now would only prove me a liar.”

“You know,” she says after a moment, “I was surprised you went through with it. After I took you over to him, I expected to find you hot on my heels demanding to know why I just left you.”

“You know me too well,” I grin. “Let’s just say tequila had a lot to do with it.”

“You weren’t drunk,” she says, sharply. “I’d never have…”

“No,” I touch her arm lightly. “We’d been steadily drinking all day, but eating too, so I was buzzed, but not falling on my face out of it. I was sober enough to make decisions.”

Mel looks relieved. “A confidence boost?” She doesn’t need my nod to confirm it. “People get you all wrong, don’t they, Beth?”

My lips press together. Even when I was a kid I was ridiculed; Christ knows how cruel children can be to someone who’s different. Boys didn’t like me towering over them, girls thought I was odd. Kids pick on the weakest, and though I was big, I was far from strong, and my rapid growth caused problems with my health. Grown folks expected me to be the adult in the room, even when I was with kids my own age. I’ve always felt a misfit, never rush to try and fit in, instead biding my time finding out who to trust. Approaching a stranger is so far out of my comfort zone, I’m not surprised Mel thought it strange.

Mel stands. “I suppose I better get back to my own desk and start work. Oh, by the way, it’s Demon’s birthday next weekend. Vi’s throwing a surprise party for him. She’s asked me to bake a cake and other goodies. Why don’t you come along?”

Her invitation surprises me, so much so I narrow my eyes. “You’ve always kept me away from the compound before.”

She exhales air loudly. “Only because I know what they’re like. Pyro’s brothers are set in their bachelor ways. I knew if you offered, they’d take. I didn’t want you to be hurt. But now, after Ink, you understand that and know what they’re like. And in at least one case, intimately.” She waggles her eyebrows, making me giggle. “So, keeping you from them is a lost cause. You never know, Ink might see what he’s missing.”

Hmm. I thought that might be behind it. “You’re barking up the wrong tree there, Mel.”

She nudges my arm with her elbow. “Oh, come on. It’s worth a try.”

Might he see me and realise he fell madly in love with me after one night? No, don’t go there. There’s no chance and anyway, I’d be a fool to go back again when it would only be sex. Once I might escape with my heart, but twice? No chance.

“It’s the prez’s birthday,” I start, hesitantly, looking for an excuse which won’t betray my thoughts. “They won’t want a stranger there.”

She nudges me again. “Hardly a stranger. You got to know the girls well at my wedding. I know Vi, Steph and Jay all like you. I can check with Vi if you want, but I don’t see a problem inviting you.”

I did get on fine with the women who were Mel’s other bridesmaids and had a few good laughs along the way, especially when I’d gotten to my knees so I wouldn’t stand out in the photographs. It’s not as though I’d be among people I don’t know. I bite my lip. “Okay,” I say at last. “But talk to Vi. If she’s onboard with the idea, I’d love to come.”

“Beth, that would be great.” She sounds really excited as she bends down and kisses me on my cheek. “I love my two worlds mixing.”

I suppose she would rather than having friends at work and a completely separate life with Pyro and his brothers. But after Mel had gone to her own desk, I quickly change my mind.Damn, why did I say yes? Now I can’t let Mel down.Though Mel, herself, asked me to go, what if Ink thinks I’ve wrangled an invite so I can chase him? I start hoping Vi will say that she wants Demon’s party to be club and family only.

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