Page 13 of Loyal
I knew then that she would need protection, and for whatever reason, I wanted to be it.
So I did something reckless. I bought the house on the spot for over the asking price so they would take it.
Then I moved in, and the rest is history.
They don’t know that, though. Only Bailey does, and she’s sworn to secrecy.
“It is a good cause,” I mumble.
Everyone agrees.
“All right, if there’s nothing else. We will meet again in two weeks.”
Savage adjourns the meeting. We all spill out into the clubhouse where the girls are chatting away.
“Don’t both of you have jobs?” Fang teases, walking up behind Cami.
Cami accepts his hug, but sasses him. “My boss is a complete jerk. I’m thinking about quitting.”
He growls something into her ear, but I look away. Viv gives me a small smile and holds out a beer. I shake my head.
I don’t want to drink right now. I want to get back on my bike and head home, waiting to see if I get a glimpse of her. That is pathetic, though, so I turn my attention to Bailey.
“I heard about the program you are starting. It’s a good thing you are doing.”
She gives me an understanding look. “People shouldn’t have to fear abuse of power. I’m only trying to level the playing field.”
I don’t get a chance to respond.
“You coming out with us on Friday?” Tiny asks, throwing his arm around me.
“I’ve got plans. Y’all have fun without me,” I tell him.
“He’s going to see that girl again, I bet,” Happy jokes.
“The cougar? I mean, shit, I’d love to get eaten up by a feisty, sexy cougar,” Tiny chuckles.
“I think it’s sweet. Unlike you two, he actually has a dating life,” Bailey teases them.
Neither has anything to say to that, so they turn away.
“How is it going with her?” Bailey asks softly.
“It’s rocky, but it’s going.” I keep my tone low as well.
“Does it not bother you that her daughter is only, what? Five years younger than you?”
I shrug. “Six. Not really. She’s a kid still, ya know? In my eyes she is a child. It doesn’t matter that she’s closer to my age thanher mother because to me she is and will always be my woman’s child.”
“She’s a lucky woman then. I know better than most that you might be twenty-two, but you are wise beyond your years. I hope she sees that too.”
Savage comes out of the meeting room just then with Fang at his side. I don’t miss the way Bailey’s eyes light up as he gets closer.
“There you are, Hellcat,” Savage murmurs before he plants a deep kiss on her lips.
Bailey accepts his embrace, matching his energy as she kisses him back.
I should look away. It’s a private moment between them even if they are doing it in public, but I can’t. Instead, I look on with envy. Not because of Bailey, but because of what they have.
