Page 9 of Trigger's Temptation

Which is why Aerianna is off-limits to me. There is something about her that doesn’t fit, and my brain is telling me to stay far away from her. But my little brain has other ideas, and that is why I cannot pursue her. She will bring havoc to my mind and body, even if my body wants her luscious thighs spreading for me while I lap, kiss, and nip at her tender skin, driving her wild with need as she does with me.

I shake my head and close the door, blocking out all conversations outside. I lean against it, with my foot propped behind me. After those thoughts of Aerianna, I crave a cigarette but don’t smoke around my sister.

“Tell me what happened,” I demand. Waiting for my sister to answer is like torture.

Elise blinks back tears before speaking, trying to hide her pain and embarrassment. “I was seeing this guy.” I growl low in my throat, but Elise ignores me and continues, staring out into space, her voice trembling. “Everything was going great until the firm I worked for gave me a promotion. That’s when things turned to shit. I started working late, bringing in a lot of money, and he was stealing it and gambling it away the whole time. I had no idea he had a gambling problem until his bookie showed up at my job.”

She gestures to her bruises. “The bookie’s men did this to me. It’s a warning. If I don’t pay his debt, they’ll come back andmake sure I don’t walk away next time.” Her voice cracks with fear. “My boss overheard everything, but instead of helping me, he fired me. So, I came straight here without stopping at my apartment and packing. I can’t go back, Carter.”

“How much does this asshole owe?” I ask through clenched teeth.

Elise hesitates, then she sits up straight, throwing her shoulders back, “A hundred grand due by next Friday.”

I blanch, “Fuck.”

“That’s what I said.” Her blue eyes, like mine, stare at me. The pain, the fear, the hurt, all of it is written on her face. “I don’t have anything left, Carter. My boyfriend destroyed everything. I’m lucky if I have ten dollars to my name.”

“First, you’re going to give me the name of this,” I hold up my scared hands and produce air quotes, “boyfriend,” I lower my hands, “and then the name of this bookie who threatened you. Then, your ass is staying here and not leaving this Clubhouse.” Elise opens her mouth to protest, but I interrupt her. “I know you don’t want yourlittlebrother telling you what to do, that you’re a grown woman, but this isn’t for my peace of mind. It’s for your safety. If these guys follow through, you’ll either be dead or worse, and I won’t have my little big sister hurt because she is a stubborn woman.”

Elise looks at me, stubborn and proud. “Okay. I’ll stay here. But I’m not sharing a room with you, Little Big Brother.” She smiles tightly, though I can see the weight of everything on her shoulders. “I really don’t want to bunk with my little big brother.” Elise agrees with a tight smile. She doesn’t tell me herboyfriend'sname, but I’ll get it, even if I have to get Red involved.

“Let’s go find Capone and see what rooms are available.” Elise rises from the bed, but her shoulders are still hunchedover. I pull her against my chest and hug her. “I will take care of this mess, Little Big Sis. Don’t worry about a thing.”

Elise hugs me back, and tears drip down her face and onto my cut. “Thank you, Carter. I knew I could count on you no matter what happened, and you wouldn’t judge me for it.”

I know exactly who she means. The townsfolk we grew up with are filled with prayers for someone to atone for their sins but are quick to judge you for your mistakes. I went through it when I was a teenager, which is why I left, and now my sister is going to go through what I did, and I won’t let them dull her shine.

“Stick with me, sis. I will protect you from the likes of those judgmental assholes.” I make her look into my eyes, “But you have to promise me something in return.”

Elise narrows her eyes. “What?”

“Stay away from my brothers. They’re out for one thing and one thing only. Especially Pretty Playboy. Promise me you’ll remain off limits to those Neanderthals who only think with their dick when it comes to beautiful women.” My head spins with murderous intent thinking about one of them putting their grubby hands on my sister.

“Ok, Carter. If it makes things easier for you, I will keep my distance from the single brothers out there. But I cannot guarantee they’ll stay away from me. Besides, I have to work on myself first before I even think about getting into another relationship. So, your fears can stay away.” Elise pats me on the chest, and we leave my room.

I find Capone, Danyella, and Nina playing pool with Torch, Daisy, and the twins. I kick my head to the bar when Capone spots me, and he kisses Danyella hard before sauntering over to me. Nina rolls her eyes at her parent’s display of affection with a wistful smile on her face. That young lady is going to give us all a run for our money when she starts dating.

“What’s up, Trigger?” Capone asks as we take a seat at the bar, his expression unreadable. Seth pours the three of us a shot of Crown before scurrying off. I need something to calm the rage pouring through my system.

“Prez, this is my sister, Elise. If it’s ok with you, she is going to be staying here for a while.” I don’t give a damn how he feels about it; I’m not asking for permission. But I still respect Capone.

He looks Elise over, assessing her carefully. If I didn’t know he was madly in love with Danyella, I’d probably knock him on his ass, President or not, that’s my sister. Ok, she can stay. There are spare rooms down the hallway since most of our patched members have built houses on our land now. She can take whatever room that’s empty.” He pauses, his eyes locking with mine. “But you and I need to talk. Now.”

“Let me get Elise settled, then meet you in Church in ten,” I say, giving Capone a short nod.

Capone nods his head, dismissing us. I guide Elise down the hallway opposite from mine. “Take whatever room you want. Keys are hanging up just inside the door to the unoccupied rooms.”

Elise opens and closes each door until she comes to the last one on the right. I’m not sure what she’s looking for in each room, but this one must meet whatever it is. “I’ll take this one.”

I look across the hallway to Pretty Playboy’s room. Oh, fuck no. “Why?” I growl, knowing damn well why she wanted this one. That isn’t going to happen under my watch. I will castrate Pretty Playboy and shove his dick down his throat if he touches or even thinks about my sister.

Elise steps inside and turns toward me, her blue eyes are brimming with tears. I know this is killing her because she hates crying. “This one feels the safest for me, Carter. I was violated, and no matter what I do or who I surround myself with, it freaksme out. This room is far enough away from anyone who can hurt me.”

God, my sister guts me something terrible and now I feel like a huge asshole for thinking she wanted to hook up with Pretty Playboy. “Ok, Sis. If this is where you feel safe, I will let you get settled. You know where I am if you need me.”

“Thank you, Little Big Brother.” Elise smiles weakly at me.

“There is everything you need in the bathroom, and I’ll have Danyella and Monica get some clothes for you to change into.” I kiss the top of her head. “Everything will be Ok, Big Little Sis. I’ll make sure of it.”

---