Page 30 of Seasons of Love
What the fuck?
My blood that had been simmering under the surface came to a boil. I took the money to the bar and gave it to the waitress. She tried to give me the pie slices, but I couldn’t think of anything food related right now. I told her to keep the pie money as a tip.
Slade wasn’t by his bike, so I walked around and saw a path leading to an empty kids’ playground. I found him sitting on the back of a bench on the other side.
"Got what you need?" he asked, standing up and not looking at me.
"Of course not, you dumbass."
He raised his eyes to meet mine.
"Do you think I was going to approach a group of men I don't know to ask them those kinds of questions just like that? Do you think I'm that stupid? Especially after you warned me?"
His shoulders sagged a little, but I wasn't backing down. I needed an explanation.
"I take it they're not that dangerous, considering you walked out knowing there was a possibility I might approach them."
The twitch of his lip told me I was right.
"Dammit, Aiden, what do you want?"
I went over to him and put my hands on his jacket, forcing him to look me in the eye.
"Would they have answered my questions?"
"No."
"Why?"
"Because they have a code of conduct and you're not part of them."
"And how do you know that?"
His eyes left mine briefly before they returned full of pain.
"Because I used to be one of them."
The statement didn't surprise me. The fact he didn't want to talk about it made me wonder how much he really knew about motorcycle clubs and why he didn't seem to be in one.
"You used to be in that club?" I asked.
"No, not that one." He took a deep breath. The wrinkles around his eyes suddenly seemed deeper. "It was a long time ago, Aiden. It's a part of my life that I don't want to remember. I did things I'm not proud of. But it's in the past. I've already shared with you more than I ever shared with anyone else. Doesn’t that count for something?"
I went on my tiptoes—because the man was a freaking giant—and kissed him. He relaxed and allowed me to deepen the kiss.
When his arms went around me, I knew we were okay…well, sort of.
"Slade, I don't want you to ever do anything that is painful to you. I know this might seem like just a book to you, but this is the most important thing I have in my life right now. I need to make it right."
He nodded. "Maybe I can help you." I smiled and was going to thank him when he put his finger over my lips. "I can't promise I'll be able to answer all your questions, but I'll try."
"Okay."
"In return I need you to make me a promise."
"Okay."
"If there is something I can't tell you, it's because it could put your safety in jeopardy. It means you can't go ask anyone else, especially not random bikers you might find at roadside diners."
