Page 95 of Outlaw Xmas
She looked down at the ground, her face turning soft shades of pink. “Thanks.” She clasped and twisted her hands as if washing them under an invisible faucet.
“You don’t need to be nervous around me.” He stepped forward and placed his hands on hers, stopping their constant motion. Sofia glanced up at him. “I got something for you.” He reached inside his cut and pulled out a silver box.
Staring at it, she brought her fingers to her collarbone. “I didn’t get you a Christmas present.”
He put the box in the palm of her hand. “You don’t have to.”
As she opened the lid, her fingers shook and he wanted to pull her into his arms and press her close to him, making her feel safe and cherished, but he just stood there watching as she stared at the sterling silver necklace.
“It’s so beautiful,” she murmured as her finger brushed over the open ring pendant. Taking it out of the box, she held it up to the light. “‘You’ve got a friend in me,’” she read. She clasped it in her hand.
“Do you like it?”
“Yes,” she whispered. “It’s the most beautiful thing I’ve ever received.” Wetness dampened her cheeks.
“If you ever need me, I’m here for you. Don’t ever hesitate to call me. You got that?” She bobbed her head. “Just remember that you’re a special woman, and no one can take that away from you.”
“Oh, Wheelie.” She wrapped her arms around him, squeezing him tightly, and he rubbed his hands up and down her back, inhaling her sweet scent and loving the way her body molded into his. She tipped her head back and he bent down and traced the soft fullness of her lips with the tip of his tongue, then his lips pressed against hers and gently covered her mouth. They stood kissing, holding each other as though it was the end of the world. After a few minutes, Sofia pulled away. He swept a callused thumb over her lips. They were warm and wet from the kiss.
“Where’s Sofia?” Tigger’s voice shattered their moment. Sofia jumped away from Wheelie as though he’d caught on fire.
“She’s in the bathroom,” Cherri said.
Sofia looked at the closed door then back at him. “I’ve gotta go. How does my lipstick look?”
Quirking his lips, he shook his head. “You need to reapply it.” He watched as she rummaged through her purse, took out a tube of shiny red, and ran the wand over her lips.
“I’ll have to hide the necklace,” she said, shoving it into her purse.
“I figured as much.”
She gave him back the silver box. “I love it. I really do.”
“I’m glad. When you decide what you want to do about Tigger, let me know.”
“What do you mean? It sounds like we won’t see each other again.”
“We’ll see each other at the club and at family functions.”
Sadness crept into her eyes and he hated that he was responsible for it.
“We won’t see each other alone?”
He shook his head. “You know we can’t. I’m an Insurgent. The club’s my life. It’s the blood in my veins. I can’t betray a brother. And if I see you alone again, I’m not gonna stop at a kiss. You’re too tempting. We’ll end up doing something we’ll both regret.” He scrubbed his face with his fist. “We can’t see each other as long as you’re still with him. And why the hell are you with him after everything he’s done to you?”
“He’s been real nice lately. Last week he made me ribs. He’s trying. And I understand about the brotherhood. I don’t want to be responsible for getting you in trouble with Banger or the others. I’d never forgive myself.” She brushed her hair back behind her shoulders. “I have to give my marriage a chance. Tigger’s really trying.”
“That’s good. You better go back to the party. Just remember I’m here if you ever need me to help you out.” She came over and kissed him on the cheek and then she was gone.
For a long while he listened to the gaiety of his brothers and their old ladies as a surge of anger, sadness, and emptiness raged inside him. Sofia had made her decision. Had he really expected her to denounce her husband and run gleefully into his arms? He shook his head. Life was a series of disappointments so one more wasn’t going to break him.
Exhaling a breath he wasn’t aware he’d been holding, he switched off the lights and went back to the party.
Chapter Twenty-Nine
Cara
Poor Wheelie. Hehas it bad for Sofia. I wish she’d do the right thing and kick Tigger’s ass out and hook up with Wheelie. She looks miserable except when she looks at him. I bet they were together. I hope they were. I know Hawk will be pissed if he even knows what I’m thinking, but I’ve got to talk to her and set her straight. She has to dump her asshole. Pronto.
