Claiming Crusher (Savage Brothers MC #4)(53)

I go over to the bed and she’s asleep, a better man wouldn’t wake her. I’m a bastard though and I need her. I strip down quickly and slide into bed behind her. She wiggles that naked ass of hers against my dick and I nearly moan out loud.

“I told you not to get in bed with me this late. My boyfriend will be home any minute,” she whispers and I smile at the joy I hear in her voice. I did that. I bring her joy. She’s completely different with me than she is with everyone else.

“How long do you think we have before he shows up?” I ask, playing along.

“How long do you think it will take you to make me come?” She asks barely able to hide her giggle.

“One minute,” I answer, only slightly exaggerating. Over the months we’ve been together, I’ve memorized her. I know the sensitive spots and the ones that bring her the most pleasure by heart. Fuck, I dream of them. I’m pretty sure I could make her detonate in under three minutes. Good thing I’m not that stupid. I love bringing her along slowly, torturing her until her need overwhelms her.

She lets out this big sigh and I hear the laughter in her voice. “It’s not bad enough you short change ‘Junior’. Now you’re trying to become a minute man. I feel it only fair to warn you that women like men that last a long time.”

“I haven’t noticed you complaining,” I tell her pulling her back against me, so I can hold her tight.

“I didn’t want to hurt your feelings.”

“How thoughtful of you,” I say sarcastically, burying my face in her neck and breathing in her scent.

“I try. You doing okay? Did you get everything squared away?” She asks and I kiss her neck, tasting the slightly salty skin there, wanting more.

“Yeah babe, it was a quick run. Dragon wanted to make sure we were back for the party tomorrow,” I answer. Me, Dragon, Six and Gun all went to Gadsden, Alabama. We needed to personally oversee a shipment of guns that the parent chapter of Savage MC was sending through our state and up to Ohio. We’ve had so much trouble lately that this was one thing we could not have a f*ck-up with. That shit is getting embarrassing and makes our club look weak. We can’t afford more and risk the parent chapter wading into our local business. Luckily tonight’s shipment went well, since Dragon was dying to get back. There’s a party tomorrow to celebrate their upcoming wedding and the fact that Nicole is pregnant. Which brings me back to what I want to talk to Dani about.

“I think we need to announce that you and I are a couple tomorrow.”

Her whole body tenses up, “No.”

It’s one word, but hearing it so adamant even after all this time, pisses me off. I mean hell, I’m starting to feel like the dirty secret she’s embarrassed of and hides.

“Dani…”

“No. It’s Dragon and Nicole’s big day. That’s not the right time to tell the club about us, Zander.”

“Half the club already f*cking knows. It’d be better if Dragon and Nicole heard it from us, instead of others,” I argue but honestly, it’s the same argument I’ve been using since that day in her kitchen months and months ago. I don’t understand and I’m getting f*cking tired. I love this woman, but I’m not sure I want to continue with a woman who can’t even admit to people she wants me.

“Only Gunner and Freak know. Will you let this go? I told you I’m not ready, Zander.”

I shouldn’t have brought this up tonight. I’m tired and worn out and I should have just gone to sleep and let it be. Trouble is, I’ve been away from Dani for two nights. I missed the f*cking hell out of her and for some reason I thought us being apart even for two damn days might make her realize that it’s time we make it official. I had myself convinced she would be ready and the fact that she’s not sits bitter in my gut.

“I’m starting to think you’re never going to be ready, Hellcat.”

“I will, it’s just. There’s things I’m dealing with, things I need to make sure are over before I close the door on the past,” she says and her voice is small and hurting. Any other time I would cave, but her words just piss me off all the more.

“Fine, then tell me what the f*ck is in your past.”

“I’ve told you…”

“No, you tell me bits and pieces that leave me stumbling around in the dark.”

“I’ve told you more than I’ve ever told anyone,” she defends, her voice full of panic.

“Bullshit! I’ve spent over six months searching for this motherf*cker, Michael Smith. I’ve searched in Texas, and any state close to Kentucky. Hell, I’ve searched in f*cking Italy because you mentioned your mom had family there. Give me something, Hellcat. Jesus.”

The vibe in the room has changed. If I wasn’t so upset, I would have noticed it. Trouble is my anger is amped up and my frustration is so big that I don’t—until it’s too late.

Dani reaches over and turns the bedside light on. Her face is pale, her eyes haunted and the tears in them aren’t what finally gut-punches me. No, that would be the stark fear that is coming off of her in waves.

“You…you’ve been searching for…you’ve been trying to find Michael?”

“Of course I have. Do you think I’m going to let that motherf*cker live after the hell he put you through. I’m going cut a piece out of him every day for a month before I finally end the motherf*cker.”