Page 5 of Seduction
I hope she doesn’t make good on her threat, but if she does, I’ll be there to make sure she’s safe.
***Ellen***
Stupid, Ellen.I should have known Einstein wouldn’t be any different. I’m doomed to be alone forever. That is, unless I leave Stony View. Leave everything and everyone I love behind, removing Mikey from the only environment he knows, the only family he has. Eddie was estranged from his family so I never even met them. They know nothing about me and Mikey.
It sucks balls growing up in a small town. Everybody knows everybody, and that’s my problem.
After my little talk with Einstein, I came back to the reception and kept myself busy. If I didn’t, I would have done something that is not in my nature, like sleeping with strange men. I was a virgin when I got with Eddie, and he’s still the only man I’ve been with. But I need some lovin’. The only reason I’ve thought of hooking up with someone in the MC is because I know them. I know none of them would hurt me—physically, at least. I don’t intend for it to be more than a mutually beneficial sexual relationship; I’ve had an old man, and I’m not looking for another one. However, none of them have even looked in my direction.
When Raven suggested Einstein, I thought for sure he’d be the one. He’s practically part of the family. Daddy and Aunt Nita love him. Not to mention he’sgorgeous. I always thought he was cute, but lately he’s seemed so much more. He’s always so neat. There’s never a stray lock of his dark hair. His hazel eyes seem to sparkle, and the man has a pair of lips I would give anything to feel on mine… and other places. Even his black-rimmed glasses are sexy. He’s so tall, too. And after our dance, I’m pretty sure there’s an amazing body lurking under that suit. I’ve been giving himallthe signs for weeks now, so either I’ve lost my feminine wiles, or he really just sees me as his friend’s sister.
With a heavy sigh, I pull my phone out of my purse to check on my baby. Daddy left with him right after the bride and groom ducked out, along with most of the guests. That’s just like my brother, too, to run out on his own party. There’s a text from Raven, so I read that first.
Raven: Sorry for leaving early but… you know your brother.
Ellen: Don’t worry about it. Just enjoy your wedding night.
A part of me crumbles as I type the words. I’m happy for Gage, and Raven’s been my sister long before they got married, but I wish I could have had that with Eddie. We were engaged when I got pregnant with Mikey, but we decided to wait until after he was born to get married and get our ink. Eddie was killed three weeks before Mikey came into the world. My poor baby will never know his father.
Raven: I will! Gotta go. Gage is coming back. Time for round 3! Lol
Ellen: Ewwww!! I don’t want to know about my brother’s sex life.
She sends me back a smiley with its tongue out and an eggplant. It makes me smile, but it also reminds me what I’m not getting.Crap.I check in with Daddy, then tie things up with the venue owner.
Time to head home.
As I walk to my car, I notice the new prospect following me. No doubt my father gave him that task. It’s great having someone look out for you, but sometimes I just wish I could escape from the shadow of my family and the Death Dealers. After the short drive, I pull into my driveway, waving to the prospect on my way to the front door. I consider him for a moment. He’s cute—dirty blond hair just past his shoulders, dark, brooding eyes that give him an air of mystery. He’s a bit skinny for my taste, but I don’t exactly have the luxury of being picky.Stop, Ellen.I shake my head, reminding myself he’s only nineteen. Younger men don’t appeal to me.
“Thanks, Tyler. See you tomorrow.”
“Welcome, ma’am.”
As I lock the door, I hear him ride off. I drag myself upstairs and take a shower. Today was a bad day. I miss Eddie every minute of every day, but ones like this? They’re extra hard. Finding one of his club T-shirts in my drawer, I trail my fingers over the letters printed on the front—“Watchdog.” He earned the name because he was fiercely protective of his brothers. Eventually, he was the same with me. It’s one of the reasons I fell in love with him, and why he was Gage’s sergeant. My brother trusted him above all others to have his six.
The MC. That stupid club, with its stupid rules, and stupid… everything. Sometimes I loathe it. I was born into the life; before Eddie, I wouldn’t have traded it for the world. Then it stole everything from me.
I slip into the shirt and climb under the covers, hugging his pillow the way I do every night. He died before it could even behispillow. We’d moved in for about a week before he was taken from me.
Eddie, I miss you. Why did you have to leave me?
The tears stream down my cheeks, and my heart breaks all over again. I loved that man with every fiber of my being. Still do. The only reason I kept going after he died—why I keep going—is my son. Eddie was my one. My forever. I lost him before we even had a real chance at a life together. I clutch his shirt, wishing I had him to hold on to instead.
I miss him. I miss his scent. I miss his overprotective alpha attitude, and the way he made sure everyone knew I was his. I miss lying in his arms at night, planning our future.
I just miss him.
Yeah, todaysucked.
CHAPTER 2
***Einstein***
I ride into the clubhouse compound, and it’s a beehive of activity. The reception last night was just the tip of the iceberg—the real party starts tonight. Allah is set up at his DJ booth, playing music for the people already here. Charters from all over the country are coming in to celebrate the nuptials of the MC’s most notorious bachelor. A part of me still can’t believe he took the plunge, but I’m glad he did. He deserves to be happy.
Making my way through the women milling about, I go in search of my best friend.
“Hey, Dr. E!” Raven waves at me from behind the bar, flashing a bright smile, and tossing her long, blue-streaked, dark hair over her shoulder.
