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“Yeah! Yeah, I got it. I understand.”
Gideon let go of Ryan’s gun and guided me ahead of him. Kingpin and Vlad closed ranks around me.
Then Gideon hauled back and punched my brother in the face. Ryan hit the floor with a groan, blood and spittle staining his lips.
“The next time you want to use your fists,” Gideon said. “Pick on someone your own size. I’ll be ready for you.”
***
It felt so good to wrap my arms around Gideon as we rode. I didn’t pay attention to where we were going, with my cheek pressed between his shoulder blades, and my palm resting over his heart. He covered my hand with his own, rubbing his thumb over my knuckles.
To my surprise, we rolled up to the Blackjack clubhouse instead of Gideon’s place. Gatling lingered by the door, a can of beer dangling from his fingers.
“I expected you boys would have hellfire on your heels.”
“Give it time,” Kingpin said. “Big G threatened Coleman’s manhood and knocked out a few of his teeth. This party is just getting started.”
“Well, it’s nice to see Big G hasn’t mellowed out much in his old age,” Gatling replied.
After Gideon parked his bike, I used his shoulders to steady myself and climbed off. I chewed the inside of my cheek as I fumbled with my helmet straps. Guilt sat like a lead weight in my gut.
“Don’t do that,” Gideon said, brushing my hands away.
“What?”
“Beat yourself up.”
He unhooked the straps easily and removed the helmet, setting it aside. Then he cupped my face in his hands and kissed my forehead. I released a long, low breath and melted into him.
“I was so stupid,” I muttered. “Ryan was just waiting to pounce as soon as he could get me alone, and I gave him the perfect opportunity after storming off like a spoiled child.”
“You were upset,” Gideon said. “Next time, we’ll both be honest right from the start, okay?”
I didn’t say anything, struck speechless by how much my life had changed after meeting this man. Being honest always got me hit before. And yet, despite my screw up, despite my tantrum, Gideon wasn’t even angry.
“You’re not mad?” I whispered.
“No. A little disappointed though.”
I winced and glanced away.
“That’s worse.”
Gideon hooked a finger under my chin.
“If you really want to get out of Buckeye Junction and start fresh somewhere else, I understand. But you tell me that. To my face. You don’t just disappear on me, all right?”
I nodded. Gideon sighed and pulled me into his chest.
Deep down, I knew what I wanted. I could build a good life with this man. If I stayed in this little town though, I would be looking over my shoulder, waiting for Ryan around every corner. My past would haunt me and poison the happiness I’d found with Gideon.
“Your face is still red with your brother’s handprint,” Gideon said, his voice tight.
I touched my cheek self-consciously.
“It’s not too bad. I’ve had worse.”
He arched an eyebrow, displeased.
