Page 92 of Avenging Devil: Part 2

Chapter Twenty-Five

Niran

Jesus. What was that?

For a moment, I’m stunned. I never expected Saffie to come on to me, not that her approach wasn’t wanted, it was. But it had been forced, as if it was something expected. Sure, I’d willingly take her to bed, well, try and make it work due to my current limitations that is. But not when I sense it’s out of duty.

What had Kink said? That what she wants isn’t what she needs.

There’d been no scent of arousal in the air, no flush to her cheeks. No signs that she was physically into me, though her brain was driving her to pretend. It would have been too fucking easy to take advantage, but my honour had prevented me.

This wasn’t the way to win Saffie.

She’d tried to give me what she’d given to Duke. That makes me angry.

My first instinct is to rush after her, but I force myself to stay put and get my emotions under control, to work out why she’d make that impetuous offer.

Had it been because I’d told her Duke hadn’t died? Placing my head in my hands, I rub at my temples. Does she think I’ll get bored and leave her alone while he’s still out there somewhere? Does she think I need to be bribed to stay?

Oh hell. I’m proud to have Saffie as my old lady, even if she’s not in my bed in any meaningful way.

Had I held back too long?I’ve been treating her with kid gloves, hardly daring to touch her. Maybe that’s not what she needs.

Oh, Saffie.Internally I cry out in anguish. What do you really need?

When I’ve suppressed my anger, directed at Duke and not at her, I wheel myself out of the room and go in search of her.

I don’t need to look far. She’s in the clubroom, and so is Grinch dressed in his mechanic’s overalls. He’s got her curled up by his side, and she’s sobbing into his chest.

A tightness comes into mine, a sense of losing what I never had. Then I mentally slap my hand to my forehead. Grinch would never look at her like that.

Indeed, as soon as he sees me, Grinch carefully extracts himself from her, and stomps across to where I’ve come to a halt.

“You’re fuckin’ lucky you’re in a wheelchair.”

“I didn’t do anything,” I defend myself, while knowing it’s what I didn’t do that’s upset her.

“Grinch! He didn’t, he…” Saffie looks up, horrified as she too notices his bunched fists. “Don’t hurt him. It’s my fault, not his.”

Ignoring Grinch who’s at least become hesitant, I navigate around him and approach her. “Saffie, darlin’.” I don’t give a damn we’ve got an audience. “I didn’t reject you.” I know she took it that way. Knowing I’ve been too hands off, I lean so far forward I’m at risk of falling out of my chair, just to take hold of her hands. “I care about you, so fuckin’ much, Saffie.”

Her eyes meet mine, but she gives me no sign whether I’m saying too much or too little, or whether it’s far too late.

I wish I could get out of this chair, sit beside her and pull her close. But I’ve not so much as a leg to stand on. “I’m not saying no, darlin’. What I’m saying is we take this slow. You have no idea how much I want you. But I need you to want me too.”

Grinch clears his throat. “You fuckin’ hurt her, and I don’t give a damn you’re crippled. You’ll get a beatdown. You hear me, Brother?”

“If I fuckin’ hurt her,” I say without turning, “I’ll let you.”

There’s a pause before he says, “Then that’s my cue to get out of here. Talk to your man, Saffie.”

As I hear his footsteps fade, I squeeze the hands I’m still holding. “I want to make love to you. I want to take my time. I don’t want a quick fuck to get it out of the way. I want to worship your body.”

Her eyes finally meet mine. “Then why haven’t you made a move?”

“Because I wasn’t even sure we were on the same page. Now, I know, Saffie, let’s take this slowly. We’ll kiss, touch, explore each other. And only when we’re ready, then we’ll go all the way.”

“I was ready today,” she tries to object.

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