Trusting Nicole (The Last Hangman MC #4)(42)

“On and off for the past two years. We never really were together until these past couple of days.” I sigh, taking a big bite of chocolate cake.

“Right.” He chuckles.

“What?” I look at him, puzzled.

“The man had a wife and yet he was still coming to you. Even when he moved here he was coming to you, what does that say about him and his feelings for you?”

“That he liked the way we f*cked? I don’t know.”

“That he’s always wanted you to be his but couldn’t have you. Now he finally can and he seems more relaxed. I don’t know what you did to him, but it’s good.” He smiles at me.

“You do have a heart.” I grin.

“Shut up.” He chuckles.

“Alright, I’ll let you off this time.”

We keep snacking as we waited for Jase to come home. I’m half asleep leaning on Callum when I hear Jase clear his throat. I sleepily look up and gasp when I see the huge bruise on his face, his bottom lip is busted and so are his knuckles.

“What the f*ck happened?”

“What do you think?” He looks at Callum, not pleased. Somehow, Callum managed to wrap his arms around me while I was half asleep and didn’t move when Jase came in.

“Yeah, he’s into you alright,” he whispers into my ear and chuckles. “I’ll let you two talk, looks like you need it. Thanks for the food, Nic. I had a great time.” He kisses my head and smiles at me before heading out.

Jase stops him. “Don’t know what you’re playing at, if you’re trying to make me jealous or something, it worked. Don’t ever hold her like that ever again. I won’t hesitate to break every single bone in your body. Stephanie wouldn’t be happy about that.”

Callum chuckles. “I’m glad you’re reacting this way. She needs a man who wouldn’t be scared to face any of us if needed. Take care of her, and of that bruise and busted lip.” He leaves us and I can tell Jase is still reeling.

“Come here.” I stand up and wrap my arms around him. “What happened?”

“Aleck jumped me. He’s looking as bad as I am.” He chuckles.

“What the f*ck?” I giggle.

“Gabe and I were talking about my past and my feelings for you and Aleck didn’t like that, he suddenly punched me. I didn’t think and punched back. Next thing I know, Ant and Gabe are trying to break us apart. I might have elbowed Gabe’s face in the process.” He chuckles.

“Oh shit.” I shake my head. “Can’t leave you three alone together for a minute without you punching each other’s faces.”

“I didn’t start it.” He shrugs.

“Are you and my brothers good now?” I ask worried.

“As long as I don’t lie and hide anything from them anymore or hurt you, we’re good.”

“That’s a relief.” I kiss him deeply, making sure I don’t cause more damage to his busted lip.

“Why were you in Callum’s arms?”

“We talked, had food and watched some TV. I started to dose off and I must have leaned on him. No idea when he wrapped his arms around me though.” I shrug.

“Right.”

“You’re jealous.” I can’t stop the shit-eating grin from spreading over my face.

“Don’t be so happy about it.”

“Sorry. It’s just the first time you’ve shown any kind of emotion besides being horny or brooding around me.”

“That’s not true, I was being all nice and sweet the other day.” He chuckles.

“That’s true. And I forgot caring.” I smile, kissing him softly.

“And loving.” He rests his forehead on mine.

“Yes, very.” I sigh happily and cuddle into him. “I’m glad we don’t have to hide anymore.”

“Me too. Even though these next couple of days are going to be rough.”

“What do you mean?” I pull away and look up at him.

“Work, setting up a new plan to take down the Disciples, Sergei. Everything combined is going to take a lot of time and a lot out of me.”

“You’ve been doing it well up until now. Why would it change anything now?” I look at him in question.

“I don’t need distractions with what’s coming.”

“So I’m a distraction?” I raise my eyebrow at him, crossing my arms over my chest.

“Yes, but not in a bad way. For f*ck’s sake.” He rubs his face and groans. “Lewis called me and we got a tip that they were going to be moving into New Orleans through the Kings old territory in Kenner. We need stake out the route and stop them before they get here. We know they’re after the two of us and want revenge on the Hangman but we don’t know who they are going to go after first, so stopping them before they can do any harm is the best thing to do. It’s going to be dangerous and could last a couple of days. I won’t be able to be here or call you.” He sighs and looks at me.

“You could have said that from the beginning you know. I understand. I might not like you going out on club business or work related shit, but I understand and won’t bust your balls over it, well most of the time. I know you have to keep up the facade with your ‘job’ and that you need to report back to Sergei. Just be honest with me and we won’t have any problems.” I shrug.