Page 12 of Sentinel

“Over time, I lost my self-worth. I lost my confidence, that spark inside that made me special. And he capitalized on that every chance he could.”

I can see she’s lost in her memories, and it’s tearing me up inside. I go to her, sweeping her up in my arms and bringing her to my lap. I don’t know half of what he’s done to her, but I swear if I ever get my hands on this motherfucker, I will kill him—no questions asked.

She pulls back and looks me in the eyes. “But one day, I miraculously woke up. I saw the life I was gonna have if I didn’t get out right then, and I knew I had to go. I wanted to be that girl again, who was strong and independent and confident. And I couldn’t let fear keep me trapped in that place any longer. So, I planned my escape, and I left.”

I brush the backs of my fingers along her delicate cheek. “And here you are.”

“Here I am. I’m pretty bent and twisted up, but I’m not broken.” Her lips curl in a bit of a smile.

“Strong ones like you can never be broken, Emma.” I lean forward and kiss her, intending to be gentle. But that plan alters quickly when she straddles my lap and takes over exploring my mouth.

It’s clear she needs something from me right now, after baring her past scars and reliving the trauma. And I won’t deny her anything in this moment. If she needs me to fuck away her pain, then that’s exactly what I’ll do for as long as she needs me to do it.

10

EMMA

Iswipe on a coat of my favorite red lipstick and check my appearance one more time in the bathroom mirror. I see Gabe observing me from the doorway, and I blush a little, especially when I recall how he made me watch our reflections as he brought me to orgasm with only his fingers just an hour ago.

The past couple of weeks with him have been amazing, better than I could have expected or ever dreamed. I’ve taken over the office at the shop, and he’s given me complete carte blanche to run it how I see fit. Knowing that he trusts me with the business has helped to restore much of my former confidence, and I now feel like the old Emma I used to be.

And then, there’s all the time we spend just the two of us. Gabe’s been pretty tied up with club business, which he’s highly tight-lipped about. But when he’s not doing that, and we’re not working, we act like an old, married couple. Hanging out or watching movies or talking or cooking. Except… we have lots, and lots, and lots of sex. So much mind-blowing, toe-curling, earth-shattering sex.

“What’s got your cheeks all pink like that, baby girl?”

“Nothing.” I try to hide my smile as I close my tube of lipstick and slide it into my purse.

“I might need to spank your ass for telling lies.”

“Why’d you ask if you already knew what I was thinking about?”

“Because I wanted to hear you say it.” He closes the short distance between us, resting his hands on my hips and pressing his rigid cock against my ass. “Because I love it when your sweet little whore mouth talks dirty just for me.”

He brushes the hair away from my neck and kisses along the exposed skin. It feels so good to have him licking and kissing that delicate flesh; I’m instantly getting turned on again and can feel wetness pooling between my thighs.

He kisses his way upward, until he’s tugging the lobe of my ear between his teeth, then he whispers, “We need to go before I drag you back into that bedroom and fuck you again.”

“Mmmm… I’m pretty sure I wouldn’t complain if you did.” I sway my ass back and forth along his impressive length.

“Be a good girl, and I’ll bend you over the couch as soon as we get home, baby.” My eyes instantly close and I smile, thinking about what he just promised me.I can’t wait!

He kisses the sweet spot on my neck, right behind my ear, before clasping my hand and tugging me down the hall. We get our things and head out, making our way to his bike. I’m still not sure where we’re going tonight, and the anticipation is almost killing me.

“Where are you taking me anyway?”

“To a party, baby,” he says casually, as he extends his hand and helps me onto his bike.

“What? A party? Where? I thought we were just getting a bite to eat. You know, like at Pete’s Diner or a restaurant or something?”

“We’re going to the clubhouse. It’s fine.” He starts up the bike and backs us out of the garage.

As soon as we hit the road, my mind runs at a million miles an hour. I’ve never been to the clubhouse before, and I don’t know anything about motorcycle clubs other than what I’ve seen on TV and in movies. Gabe has told me a little bit, here and there, mostly about his friends and not so much about the club life itself. I basically know nothing.

I must admit I’m curious, but I’m also nervous. I know his brothers mean everything to him, and I’m worried about what they’ll think of me. He already told me they know about my past, and that they understand why I’m here. Still, I don’t want them to think I’m using Gabe or would do anything to hurt him or the club, especially after everything I shared with him about David.

I’m so caught up in my thoughts that I don’t realize how much time has passed, and before I know it, I see we’re approaching a large compound, in the middle of nowhere. A tall fence surrounds the perimeter, and there’s a man standing guard out front. When he sees me and Gabe pulling up to the gate, he immediately opens it and waves us in.

There’s an oversized garage to the left with rows of bikes parked outside. Up ahead is a two-story brick building that's more modern and updated, similar to Gabe’s shop. We park in front of the main building, and Gabe kills the engine.

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