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Kingpin blew a slow, steady stream of smoke into the air.
“You have to stay at Big G’s place. He’ll keep an eye on you.”
Her gaze snapped to me. I hadn’t mentioned the bruise on Liss’s hip to anyone, if that’s what she was worried about. Everyone in this room knew what it was like to be alone in the world at one time, clawing out a meager survival. While she’d been cuffed to that shower, we agreed to lend her a hand until she got back on her feet.
“Why can’t I just stay here?” she asked.
“You won’t get a lick of sleep,” Kingpin said. “The clubhouse is usually noisy. And Spike is a loudmouth, whether he’s sober, drunk, fully clothed, or buried in pussy. Big G’s house is quiet, clean. You’ll get a decent night of rest there.”
Nobody mentioned the fact that Liss was my responsibility, per club rules. She touched my bike. I took her in. I fought to get answers out of her. I was the one who didn’t want to let her go when she was in some kind of trouble. If she stayed with another member of the club and they got hurt, that would be on my head.
“We would offer to put you up in a hotel,” I said. “Although that would probably be considered charity in your book. So, this is the next best option.”
Liss pressed her lips into a thin line, looking for all the world like she wanted to fight this tooth and nail. But she was tired, too. Exhausted. It was hard to live on the streets as a runaway, looking over your shoulder, startling at your own shadow.
“Just for a few days,” she relented. “I’ll get my backpack.”
“Crash can do it,” I said.
Crash ducked down the hallway. A moment later, he returned with Liss’s backpack hoisted over his shoulder. When she moved to take it, he relinquished it and quickly side-stepped away.
“Skittish,” she said with a hint of amusement. “I bet you’re thrilled I’ll be hanging around for a while.”
“I have no doubt you will continue to terrorize me and enjoy every minute of it,” he replied.
“Maybe when I leave town, I’ll take your balls with me as a cute little memento to remember you.”
Spike cackled.
“Jesus, Big G. Put a leash on your cat before Crash has a nervous breakdown.”
Chapter Four
Liss
I didn’t think this through. I was supposed to leave Buckeye Junction, not get involved with a biker and his gang. Sure, the money would help. My finances were stretched painfully thin, but it was too risky to stay here.
As soon as Gideon wasn’t looking, I’d make my getaway. He couldn’t watch me 24/7. At some point, he had to sleep. That’s when I’d bail.
I trailed after Gideon as he led me into the parking lot. The sun had set while we were inside, but a strip of russet orange light still lingered on the horizon. Mid-June in Montana was pleasantly warm, but the nights held a chill in the air that made me shiver. He retrieved a set of keys from the pocket of his leather vest and slotted one into the ignition with a pointed look.
“This is the proper way to get a bike started.”
“Duly noted,” I replied. “Steal the keys before I steal the bike.”
Gideon laughed softly and shook his head. My stomach did a little flutter at that sound.
Probably just ate too fast, I thought.
And yet, my gaze lingered for a few moments too long on the laugh lines that crinkled at the corner of Gideon’s eyes. The faintest impression of a dimple was visible beneath his salt-and-pepper beard. I’d have to be stone-cold dead in my grave if I didn’t admit that this man was hot as hell. Even if he was twice my age.
Gideon straddled his bike as he started the engine with a low, growling purr. It really was a gorgeous bike—a deep lush red, with buttery black leather seats, and polished so well that the chrome gleamed with a mirror-like reflection under the glow of the street light.
Gideon unhooked the helmet dangling from the handlebars and passed it to me. I didn’t see a spare helmet anywhere.
“What about you?” I asked.
He shrugged.
