Page 38 of Twisted Fate

“I know, the crew comes first. Thanks for not raping me or putting me in a fucking hole,” I snorted, watching him close his eyes for a moment with a sigh.

“I don’t want that for you, babe. I don’t want Skeet to have to hurt you, or for my guys to touch you. Believe it or not, but I hated having to hurt you today. I get why you were pissy at Skeet, but you can’t just take someone’s gun and take shots at people.”

“Why not? You guys do,” I threw back, making him groan as if I was irritating his peaceful evening.

“Yeah, but if we go and take shots at people in another crews territory, we expect to not always get out in one piece. It’s dangerous shit, Donovan. I don’t want you getting hurt like I know you will. You know what Skeet’s doing right now?”

I glanced away from him as I continued smoking, pretending I didn’t give a shit.

“Running fight night?”

“No, he passed it off to someone else tonight. He’s been sitting in the office, sulking like a bitch. Listen to him when he says things are dangerous, okay? He’s scared of what else you’ll do to get hurt.”

“So, I should listen to him about you touching me?” I asked without hesitation, watching as he ran a frustrated hand over his face.

I hoped I was annoying him, then maybe he’d just leave me be.

“You know I’d fuck you, but unless you climbed on me willingly, I’d never touch you like that. He has a right to be concerned though, because I’m not the nice guy you seem to think I am.”

“You honestly think I believe you’re a nice guy? You’re a dick, and that’s why I’ve put up with your shit. I always know to expect bullshit with you, because you’ve never led me to believe you’re a good guy,” I scoffed with amusement, earning an unnamed expression from him in return.

“Do us a favour and keep your head down for a while, yeah? The crew’s getting antsy about you not staying in line, and some of them are pissed off that you’re waltzing around with a crown on your head.”

“What do you mean?”

I was becoming annoyed with the conversation pretty quickly.

I butted my cigarette out on the grass and crossed my arms, giving him a dirty look.

He seemed frustrated for a moment before answering me.

“Some of them have lost their partners for less at the shed, and I let you walk out with only a few hits. Some of the older members are pissed at me because Skeet should’ve beat the shit out of you, or I should’ve raped you. I never want to fucking do that.”

“Lost their partners how?” I frowned, an irritated scowl crossing his face.

“Use your imagination, Rory. You shouldn’t have been able to walk out by yourself tonight, and I’m not kidding when I say if you cause a scene again, I won’t be able to hold anything back. You’ve had so many fucking warnings, and I don’t want to see Skeeter destroy himself for beating you bloody. I don’t want to beat you bloody either, but it’s a better option than the other two. I don’t want you raped or killed. I really fucking don’t.”

I sat still as he leaned forwards, taking one of my hands to uncross my arms.

His eyes softened, his voice cracking so gently that I thought I might have imagined it.

“Please, don’t make us have to do that.”

“I won’t stand back and be pushed around, Slash. You’d know that by now,” I whispered, flinching a little when he tucked my loose hair behind my ear, running his thumb over the tender cut on my eyebrow.

“I can’t keep making up excuses for you, and neither can Skeet.”

His gentle touch softened me slightly, and for a second I leaned into it as my voice came out at a whisper.

“Then stop making excuses.”

He looked conflicted, his fingertips running across my face as if to feel for more damage as he started to speak, a whole new gentle tone in his voice than I’d heard before.

“Babe, I…”

“The fuck’s going on out here?” Jensen growled, making me jump at the sudden loud noise, but Slash moved his hand back and met his gaze without hesitation.

“Just trying to convince her to stop doing stupid shit at the shed. The guys are a little bothered that we’ve been so light on her.”