Page 40 of Ruined (The Knights of Ruin)

He turned, his weird golden eyes glinting in the firelight. ‘What the fuck’s Smoke doing leaving you here alone?’

‘I had Leanne with me, but Big Red took her away. Smoke just went into the clubhouse.’

‘Huh. Fucking idiot.’ Tiger raised the beer he was holding and took a long swallow, his gaze never leaving mine. It was guarded, suspicious. ‘I’d better stay with you, then. Make sure no other fucker tries to take a shot at you.’

I wanted to tell him he didn’t need to, that I could take care of myself, but clearly that would be playing the ‘stupid’ card one too many times. So I said nothing, turning away and gazing at the gathered crowd of bikers as they whooped and hollered around the fire.

There were a couple of live-sex shows happening already and I could feel my face flaming.

I looked away, my heart hammering, wishing I was anywhere but here.

Tiger said nothing, guarding me silently, warning anyone who came near with a hard stare.

It was uncomfortable and awkward, and I was on the point of saying I’d go inside and find Smoke myself when an arm snaked around my waist, drawing me up against hard muscle and heat. But this time it was familiar and I leaned into it with relief before I could stop myself.

‘You okay, kitten?’

Smoke’s deep voice was in my ear.

‘Yes.’

I wanted to turn and lay my head on his chest, relax for a second. But I didn’t.

‘I’m fine.’

‘You shouldn’t have left her alone, man.’ Tiger was scowling. ‘Already had Bear trying to stake a claim.’

Smoke’s arm tightened around me and I was acutely conscious of the feel of him against my back. Heat and strength and the dark, earthy scent of a forest.

‘Leanne was supposed to be looking after her.’

‘Red decided he had other plans for Leanne,’ Tiger muttered.

‘I’m fine,’ I repeated, annoyed at being talked about like I wasn’t there and irritated by the relief I felt at Smoke’s return. ‘Tiger looked out for me.’

Surprise flashed in Tiger’s eyes, as if he wasn’t expecting that. Okay, so I didn’t much like the guy, but I appreciated him being there.

‘Thanks, bro,’ Smoke said. ‘I owe you.’

‘Yeah, well, you’d better hurry this show along.’ Tiger jerked his head towards the fire. ‘I got better things to do than guard women.’

Smoke released me, then took my hand. ‘Come on. Time we introduced you to the club.’

My gut twisted. I didn’t know what I expected, but clearly whatever it was that Smoke was going to do he was going to do it in front of everyone.

I tried to calm myself down as he led me over to the bonfire. People were turning to look at us and I felt self-conscious in my pencil skirt and stiletto heels. No other woman was wearing clothes like that and I felt overdressed. As we got closer to the fire, I began to feel hot and panicky.

‘Hey, assholes!’

Keep’s deep voice cut through the noise like a sharp knife through leather. He was standing on the other side of the fire and had obviously seen us coming.

‘Shut the fuck up for a second! Smoke’s got something to say.’

Surprisingly, everyone quieted, turning to look at where Smoke and I stood. His fingers, laced through mine, were warm, his grip firm, and I had a strange urge to pull away and start running. Get away.

‘To all those fuckers who’ve taken bets on whether Cat and I are together!’ Smoke shouted, his voice husky, gritty, with a thread of what sounded like triumph winding through it. ‘It’s time to either collect what you’re owed or pay up.’

He lifted his other hand and I saw he was holding something in it. A black leather vest, like the cut he wore. On the back was a patch that read Property of Smoke, Knights of Ruin MC.

---