Page 17 of Marked by the Protective Biker

My hands fist at my sides. What was Jack thinking? If he had something to do with this, he’s going to get himself right back in here. I grab my tote bag. “Yeah, uh, if you don’t care, I think I would like to work from home.”

He nods his head, and I swear he looks worried. “Of course, of course, take as much time as you need. If you need a few days off, just let me know.”

He has definitely heard about Jack’s declaration of protection. For the most part the Exiled Guardians do good things, but they’re not somebody you want to mess with.

To my surprise, the warden walks me to my car and waves as I drive away. The Exiled Guardians prospects are nowhere to be seen, so they must have figured I was going to be here for the day. I drive straight home. I spend the morning and most of the afternoon staring at my computer screen, and it’s midday when I hear the motorcycle outside.

I run out barefoot, excited to see Jack, but I’m surprised when it’s not him but someone from his club. I stop next to the bike. “Where’s Jack?”

He grips the handlebars. “Sorry. We just heard you got off work early. He sent me right over.”

I grumble, “Where is he?”

He strokes his beard. “At Heat & Ink.”

I nod and turn on my heel. I’m halfway up the stairs. “Don’t get too comfy. I just gotta grab a few things and then I’m heading out.”

“Where are you going?”

“To see Jack,” I call over my shoulder.

I practically run into my bedroom and change into jeans and a T-shirt. I put my boots on, a little mascara, and not five minutes later, I’m out the door, racing down my steps. I wave to the biker as I get into my car.

It’s not until I’m almost to Heat & Ink that I start to second-guess myself. All these negative thoughts start running through my head. Jack wanted one thing, and he got it; now he’s over me. He told me what I wanted to hear to get into my pants. He didn’t come see me because he regrets what happened between us.

I groan and smack the steering wheel as I try to push out all these ideas stirring in my head.

When I see the sign for Heat & Ink, I tense up. As soon as I pull into the gravel parking lot, I force myself to get out and put one foot in front of the other. When the bell rings as I enter, I hold in a breath and look around. The place is filled with drawings and colors. The woman at the front says hello. She looks me up and down but not in a judgmental way. More curious. “Hey. What can I do for you?”

I peek down the hallway, but I don’t see anyone. “I’m here to see Jack.”

Her eyes widen. “Felon?”

I gulp and nod. “Yes.”

She crosses her arms over her chest. “So you’re the one that’s got his panties in a bunch.”

I blurt out, “What?”

She laughs and nods. “Yeah, I’ve never seen a big burly biker get all twisted like he is. You must be Emily.”

I’m shocked that she knows my name. Has Jack been talking about me? I move closer to her desk. “Yeah, I’m Emily.” I squint at her. “Who are you?”

I notice the cut she’s wearing and that it has the Exiled Guardians logo on it.

“I’m Alice.”

I blurt out the first thing that pops in my head. “Are you a cherry?”

Alice busts out laughing. “Oh my God, I can see why he likes you. No, I’m not a cherry, and just so you know, don’t go calling people out like that. Some might be okay with it, but you call an ol’ lady or someone like me a cherry and you’re going to be in a fight.”

I know my eyebrows raise to my hairline. “What do you mean, someone like you?”

She tilts her head as if she’s thinking about it. “I’m family.”

When I just look at her, she continues. “My dad was president of the Texas chapter. When he passed, I came here.”

“Oh,” I say, still not understanding but deciding not to push it. “So is Jack here?”

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