Total pages in book: 44
Estimated words: 42959 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 215(@200wpm)___ 172(@250wpm)___ 143(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 42959 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 215(@200wpm)___ 172(@250wpm)___ 143(@300wpm)
“Now, that is not entirely my fault.”
“It’s not?”
“Nope. I had … club business.”
“Oh, was it legal?” she asked, smiling.
“Anyone ever told you that you’re a little strange?” he asked.
The smile was still in place. “All my life.”
And that, he found so fucking endearing and a little sexy.
****
Okay, so after Tank decided that he no longer wanted or needed her, and dropped her off at her lonely, gross apartment, she’d been upset. Bell didn’t even understand why she’d been so miserable. She and Tank had only a few chance encounters. Nothing lasting.
They were not lovers, and he certainly hadn’t promised her anything.
Meeting Tank late at night had become the highlight of her life. She’d asked her friend to stop picking her up, and then, the same day, Tank said he wasn’t going to see her anymore.
She’d been so humiliated, she hadn’t even asked her friend to come back and pick her up. It was like a breakup without even dating, making it even worse.
Walking home alone at night was nothing new to her, but it had made her miss him so damn much.
It was … embarrassing. Five days, she’d missed him.
This complete and total stranger, and that was exactly what Tank was, a stranger. She didn’t know him, not really. He wore club colors and had told her his road name, but other than that, nothing.
“I think you should go back home,” Bell said.
“Why?”
“Clearly, you’re feeling guilty or you’re alone or … I don’t even know what the hell is going on, to be honest. I don’t know you. You don’t know me, and I’m not going to play this dance, Tank. I’m not going to be used because you need to enjoy whatever ego trip this is.” She wanted to give in. To pump the air and be thankful he actually turned up, but what would happen when he decided that he had enough?
Was she just supposed to wait for him?
She spun on her heel and started to walk away. Her hands were clenched into fists. She could do this. This was going to be easy.
“I’m not used to this,” Tank said.
Bell heard footsteps, so she stopped and turned to see Tank approaching. He was so large. She wasn’t used to feeling small, but next to Tank, she was.
“Not used to what?”
“I’m not a good guy, Bell. You know the club. The reputation. You’re not a club whore, and you’re different. Crap, I’m not saying this right. You’re a good person, okay? And I’m the complete opposite. When I look at you, I’m … I don’t want to break you.”
“Break me?”
“Look at me, really look at me. This is not the face of a man who has had an easy life. This is the face of a man who knows hardship. Who knows what it’s like to bleed, to feel pain. There is no way I would ever want that kind of life for you.”
“So, why are you here now?” she asked.
“Because I keep trying to stay away. I know I’m not good for you. I know deep in my fucking soul, if I even still have one, that you need a good man. A kind man, and I’m not it, but I … I would like to walk you home. Every single night. That is all I can offer you.”
She stared at him for the longest time.
Tank was scarred. She didn’t care about that. There was no doubt that he was scary, dangerous, and could probably kill men with his bare hands, but again, she didn’t care.
Bell didn’t know exactly what it was, but she enjoyed being around him. She should send him away, because already, Tank was putting boundaries on their relationship, no, friendship, but she couldn’t bring herself to do it.
“Then I guess we have a deal,” Bell said.
“Do you want to climb on the back? I’ll drive you home.”
She shook her head. “Hell no. If hanging out with you is so dangerous, then I am not getting on that death trap again.” Even though she did enjoy it the first and last time, the only time she was on a bike.
Boundaries had to be set, and she was making sure to set some.
Nodding at the road ahead, she started to walk.
“So your friend is no longer picking you up?” Tank asked.
“I told her to stop.” Bell cringed.
“You did?”
There was no point in lying. “Yeah, I told her this guy was randomly meeting up with me, so she didn’t need to worry anymore.” Not that her friend ever did worry. Half the time, she failed to come and pick her up.
“You’re just rubbing it in how bad I was, aren’t you?”
“Not at all.” She chuckled. “Only stating the truth.” She shrugged. “The same day you decided you were too good for me.”
“I’m not, Bell. You’re too good for me.”