CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
Lake
It was both a relief and a disappointment to find Blaze asleep on the trundle when I got home from the Banana. He was on his back, snoring softly, and I took a moment to just look at him. Undeniably handsome and sexy as hell, the biker was a man who’d be easy to fall for, particularly since I was beginning to realize he was truly a nice guy. Remembering the way he’d touched me and how his cock had felt against my skin had me flushed and squirming in no time.
I turned away. Blaze didn’t need me in his life. I wouldn’t make a good boyfriend. I was difficult to be with a lot of the time, and my life was a mess.
I grabbed a pair of clean shorts and a T-shirt and took them into the bathroom with me. After a quick shower, I brushed my teeth and paused in the hallway. Other than Hung watching something on television in the living room, the house was quiet.
Slipping into the bedroom, I silently climbed into bed, exerting a huge amount of willpower not to crawl into Blaze’s bed with him. I turned my thoughts to how much I’d need to save for a down payment on a place and the first month’s rent. I didn’t want to live in a dangerous area, but I had to be close enough to The Yellow Banana and the cafe to get to and from work easily. I couldn’t sponge off people forever.
I rubbed my eyes. For now, it felt good to be in a safe place with a full stomach. I’d deal with everything else when I had to.
***
I awoke to my phone alarm at six-thirty. I had the early shift at the coffee shop, and I needed to make sure I had a ride. Rolling to my stomach, I looked over the side of the bed to find Blaze gone and the trundle pushed out of sight.
The living room was empty and so was the kitchen. I started a pot of coffee and went to get dressed for work.
I heard the front door close as I was taking my first sip of coffee.
“Hi.”
I wasn’t thrilled to see Matteo. Something about the guy made me uneasy, although I still had no idea what it was. Maybe he reminded me of someone, but who? Possibly some prick I’d dealt with at the club.
“Morning,” I answered.
“Blaze told me to ask you if you needed a ride today.”
“Where is he?” I’d been hoping Blaze would drive me to work.
“He went to visit someone. He’ll be gone all day.”
“I can call a cab,” I said, wondering who Blaze needed to visit. An old girlfriend, maybe? Jealousy took hold before I could remind myself that I had no claim to Blaze.
“No need. Hung has errands to run and can take you. When do you need to leave?”
Relieved it was Hung who would be taking me and not Matteo, I said, “Thirty minutes.”
Matteo nodded, poured a cup of coffee, and stood watching me as he drank it.
“Do you mind?” I finally said. When he raised a brow in question, I added, “You’re kind of giving me the creeps staring at me like that.”
Matteo smiled. “I like you, Lake. I think you’re good for Blaze.”
I didn’t know what to do with that comment, so I remained silent.
“But if you hurt him, I won’t be happy.”
I put down my mug and stared at him.
Matteo’s eyes bored into mine. “When my best friend died, I swore to myself I’d look after his kid brother. Blaze is that kid brother.”
“Well, I doubt anything I could do would hurt him,” I said. “Besides, I’m only staying here a few more days.”
“Sounds to me like you’re already on your way to hurting him, then,” Matteo said, putting down his cup. “Blaze likes you.”
I opened my mouth and then closed it again. What was I supposed to say? That I was no one special? That Matteo was wrong? That Blaze had only just figured out he was attracted to guys and would move on to someone better? That whether Blaze liked me or not, I wasn’t good enough for him?
Matteo rested his hand on my shoulder. “It’s simple, Lake. Don’t hurt Blaze.” He headed for the door. “Meet Hung outside in fifteen.”
I sat staring into my mug for several long minutes before rinsing it out and heading outside. Funny how hanging onto Ax or Hung on their bikes didn’t feel anything like molding myself against Blaze on his. I wished it was Blaze I was riding with instead of Hung and wondered again who the Hedonist president had gone to see. Maybe it wasn’t a woman, but something more dangerous. Worry niggled at me, and when Hung let me off his bike, I decided to just ask. Worst the guy could do was tell me to mind my own business.
I handed Hung the extra helmet and watched him attach it to the bike. “Has Blaze gone to talk to someone about the problems you’re having with that rival club?”
Hung pulled out a pack of cigarettes from his pocket and lit one, studying me. “Maybe. Why?”
I scuffed my shoe against the concrete, a frown tugging at my lips at having to explain. “I guess what I’m asking is, is he going to be okay?”
Hung grinned, transforming his face from dangerous and suspicious to something entirely different. “Yeah, of course. Besides, he’s got Ax with him. If anyone has cred in the prison, it’s Ax. What time do I pick you up?”
“Five. I don’t have to work at the Banana tonight.”
Hung gave me a jaunty wave, revved his bike in a way that was sure to annoy cafe customers, and peeled out of the parking lot.