Chapter 13

Chapter Thirteen

“ H ow was class?” Bear asked as soon as Addie and Eden were buckled in the SUV.

“Good,” Addie said.

Eden grumbled next to her. “That’s because you’re a math whiz. I’m pretty sure I flunked that quiz.”

Addie turned toward her friend. “We can study together more often now. You’ll get it.”

“Thank you. I appreciate your help. Math is not my friend.”

Addie was grateful for the distraction of the class and for having someone to talk to. It kept her mind off the fact that Joseph would be coming in to talk to Kade about his “bike” later that afternoon. As if he has any interest in bikes …

As soon as they pulled into the compound, Addie said, “I should get to the desk. I feel bad about abandoning Kade all morning.”

Bear stopped her before she could skip away. He wrapped an arm around her middle and hauled her in close. “Slow down, Angel. Lunch first, and then we’ll see what’s happening at the bike shop. You’re not going there alone, remember?” He lifted a brow.

“Yes, Sir.” She sighed. No sense arguing with him.

Gabriel was in the kitchen when they entered, and he immediately sent both Littles to put their backpacks in their apartments and wash their hands. Five minutes later, they were sitting at the table eating grilled cheese sandwiches cut into triangles and tomato soup.

“I’m getting spoiled here,” Addie said as she dug into her food.

Bear sat next to her with twice as much food in front of him. “That’s the idea. It’s how we keep our girlfriends around. Lure them in with food so they never want to leave.”

Eden giggled. “And spankings. Don’t forget spankings.”

Addie grinned. “I’m not sure I would stay just for the spankings. But the pancakes, sandwiches, and chicken nuggets have given me something to think about.”

Bear nudged her in the ribs before leaning in to whisper in her ear, “I’ll give you a few more things to think about as soon as you’re ready.”

Her cheeks heated as she dipped her sandwich in the soup and took another bite. It was a struggle not to squirm.

Eden set her spoon down and said, “You didn’t get a chance to try Bear’s hot chocolate last night. We managed to get in trouble before the popcorn and hot chocolate.”

Bear chuckled. “We’ll try again soon.”

When they were done, Addie said, “I really should get to the desk, Daddy. Kade is going to fire me.”

He took her hand and led her the other direction, toward the wing with the apartments. “Trust me, Kade is not going to fire you. Your job is safe.”

She tugged on his hand. “We’re going in the wrong direction.” If they went back to his apartment, they would end up kissing, and probably more, and she would never get to work.

“I want to talk to you about something first, Little one.” They reached his door, and he let them in before leading her to the sofa. “Sit.”

She sat next to him, worried now because he was so serious. “What’s wrong?”

“Nothing. I just wanted to tell you that I spoke to my PI while you were in class and to tell you what I found out.”

“Oh.” She sat straighter as Daddy took her hand in his.

“My guy isn’t done digging. He hasn’t had enough time to gather much information yet, but he did figure out that your ex is staying at the hotel on the edge of town. He also bought that bike from a junkyard, so you’re right that his story about the bike belonging to his father is fake. The question is, why is he here? I don’t like it.”

She frowned. “I don’t understand either. Do you think he knows I work here, then?”

“Definitely. He’s a wealthy guy. I’m sure he has his own private investigator who easily found you. I’d bet he knows the address of your apartment, your class schedule, and your job information.”

She shuddered. “Why?”

“We’re going to find that out. Now, here’s the question. Do you want to face him yourself when he comes in this afternoon? Or would you rather let me handle it?”

She shook her head. “I’ll talk to him. I can’t imagine he means me any harm. If he thinks he can talk me into coming back home and marrying him, I need to be firm and tell him it’s never happening.”

“That’s for damn sure, Angel, but I can handle that for you.”

“No. I should do it myself. I should’ve done it a long time ago. It was cowardly of me to run off right before the ceremony. I should’ve faced him and broken it off long before that.”

Bear reached up and tucked a lock of hair behind her ear. “You are my brave girl. You can’t beat yourself up over the past. You were under a lot of pressure. I’m proud of you for figuring out you were making a mistake before you walked down that aisle. Damn glad, too. I will allow you to talk to him, but not alone, understood?”

She drew in a slow breath and held his gaze. “Maybe it would be better if I met him somewhere for coffee or something.”

Daddy shook his head. “I don’t like it, Angel. I’d rather you spoke with him here at the compound.”

She lowered her gaze, thinking.

Bear lifted her chin. “I know it happened fast, Addie, but you’re my life. I can’t in good conscience let you do something that might be dangerous. Meeting up with your ex after he came into the shop under false pretenses doesn’t make me feel warm and fuzzy. Meeting up with him alone somewhere public makes me even more nervous. Can you understand how I feel?”

She nodded. What if Bear’s ex, Valerie, showed up in town and asked Bear to meet her for drinks, and he took off and left Addie stewing? She’d be livid. “You’re right.”

He grabbed the back of her neck and pulled her in for a quick kiss that made her toes curl.

Kade stuck his head into the reception area an hour later. “He’s on his way. Said he’d be here in five minutes.”

Addie’s hands shook as she straightened the folders in front of her for the millionth time. She wasn’t a very good employee today. She was far too worried and distracted to focus, and that added to her stress. She needed to apologize to Kade for her horrible work ethic today. He wasn’t paying her to bring her ex-fiancé drama into his shop.

“You okay?” Bear asked as soon as Kade ducked back out. He was sitting on a tall stool next to her behind the desk.

“Not really,” she admitted.

He jumped down from the stool, grabbed the back of her jeans, and tugged so she had to stumble backward against him. As soon as his arms came around her and his lips landed on her ear, she calmed. “I’ll be right here the entire time. I won’t let anything happen to you. If he’s not polite, I’ll ask him to leave. If you get uncomfortable, you walk right out the door behind us.”

“Okay.” She liked the way he distracted her with his huge hand on her tummy, his thumb grazing the underside of her breast. Maybe it was ridiculous that she could be tempted by him while she was under this much stress, but she appreciated it anyway.

Two minutes later, Bear was back on the stool, and Addie watched out the front windows as Joseph strolled toward the office and stepped inside.

His eyes widened as if he was surprised to see her. “Adelaine.” He rubbed his hands together as he approached the counter.

She bristled at the use of her full name. Not a single person from her old life, including Joseph, had ever honored her preference for Addie. “What are you doing here, Joseph?”

“You don’t look surprised to see me.”

“Nope. I was here when you came in yesterday. I just didn’t show myself. I know your father never owned a bike, so what are you doing in town?”

He sighed. “I wanted to talk to you. Can we go somewhere private?” He glanced at Bear.

Addie didn’t need to look over her shoulder to know that Bear was probably shooting daggers at him with his eyes. He didn’t interrupt, though. Bless him. He’d said he would let her handle this up until it got out of control, and he was honoring his word. “No. You can talk to me right here.”

Joseph nodded toward Bear without looking at him again. “You don’t need a bodyguard, Adelaine. I’m not going to hurt you.”

“Addie.”

“What?” His brows furrowed.

“I hate the name Adelaine. I go by Addie. I told you that when we met, and several other times, but you didn’t listen.”

He winced slightly. “I’m sorry. Your mother?—”

Addie’s heart rate sped up at the mention of her mother. She planted her hands on the counter and leaned forward. “My mother is single. Why don’t you marry her if you’re going to follow her orders like a dog.”

Behind her, Bear’s breath hitched. Addie was pretty sure he chuckled.

Joseph’s eyes widened. “You’re right.”

“Thank you. Now, what are you doing here?”

“I was hoping to talk some sense into you.”

Addie stiffened. “Pardon?”

He sighed. “Please, Adel…Addie. Just talk to me. We make sense, you and I. I know I didn’t handle things well. I should’ve spent more time with you, but I see that now. I’m sorry. I’m here to apologize. I want you to consider coming home with me. We can build something meaningful.”

She scrunched up her face. “We make sense? Do you know how ridiculous that sounds?”

He winced again and ran a hand over his head. He glanced at Bear again. “Could we please talk alone somewhere?”

“No.” She shook her head and crossed her arms in front of her. “It’s here or nowhere.”

Joseph turned to face Bear. “Do you mind? She doesn’t need some giant biker bouncer protecting her from me. If you’re worried about her safety, at least step out front so we can have some privacy.”

Addie was actually impressed by Joseph’s suggestion, but she knew Bear would never go for it.

“Not a chance,” Bear growled, his first words since Joseph had entered. “Speak your peace and go.” At least he didn’t move from his perch on the stool.

Addie didn’t look over her shoulder at Bear. She knew if she did, she would lose her composure. She may have been a weakling for the past five years, but she was done with that life. She was stronger now. She loved that she had a man she could count on who would take her in his arms and soothe her while she fell apart after this confrontation was over, but she wanted Joseph to see a strong, independent woman. Even though she had a Little inside her, who adored the pampering that came with having a Daddy, she wasn’t that girl who’d let everyone trample over her. Not anymore. Joseph needed to know it.

Joseph sighed dramatically before turning his attention back to Addie. “Adelaine. Addie. Think about this. Our families are equal members of society. Uniting them will make both of our families more powerful. It’s a logical union.”

Addie stared at him. Was he insane? “Why would two people get married just to make their families more powerful? This is the twenty-first century. Who does that?”

“Lots of people do. Don’t be na?ve, Addie.”

“Don’t be condescending, Joseph,” she shot back. “I’m not marrying you. End of story. I’m sorry I didn’t come to my senses sooner, but I’m glad I realized what a mistake I was making before I walked down that aisle—and you know it, too. You can’t possibly have feelings for me. We hardly spoke before the ceremony. This is the longest conversation I’ve had with you, cumulatively, the entire time I’ve known you. Plus, you’ve never once looked me in the eye before. I wasn’t even a human being to you. I was just some girl your parents told you to marry.”

He cringed. Good. “And I’m sorry for that. I realize my fault in all this. I want to try again. I can be better. I can do better. I promise. Give me a chance. What are you doing working here at this used bike repair shop for a gang, Adelaine?”

So much for remembering her name.

Bear growled. “Watch it, asshole. This is a motorcycle club. Not a gang. And every member of this club is a bigger man than you.”

Joseph ignored him, which was impressive considering that it was almost certain Bear had his hands fisted and his face contorted in a menacing way. Bear could take Joseph out with one swing—he wouldn’t even need to. He could pick the man up by the shirt collar and toss him out on the street without breaking a sweat or taking a single swing.

The thought made Addie fight a giggle. In fact, she had to cover her mouth because she was grinning like a loon.

“What’s so funny?” Joseph grumbled.

She swallowed and straightened. “Nothing. Look, we’re not getting back together. It’s not happening.”

His nostrils flared. She hadn’t thought him capable of that level of emotion. “Addie… Honey.”

She blinked.

Bear growled again.

Joseph cleared his throat. “You can’t hide here in this dinky town forever. Your mother will cut you off completely if you don’t come back with me.”

“Ohhh. So, you did plot with my mother.”

“Don’t twist this around, Addie.” His frustration was growing. Good. “Of course, I spoke with her. So did my parents.”

Addie rolled her eyes. “Nothing has changed. You all met to discuss my life as though any of you have any say in my decisions. I don’t care if my mother cuts me off, Joseph. In fact, I’ll be relieved. It’s tidier. I don’t need servants, designer clothes, fancy jewelry, expensive cars, manicures, spa treatments, steak restaurants, and a country club membership. I don’t even want those things.”

“So, your plan is to waste away in that dingy apartment in this stupid nowhere town, working for a gang of bikers for the rest of your life?”

“Yep. Sounds like heaven to me. These people treat me with respect. They talk to me as though my opinion matters. They look me in the eyes. They do nice things for me. That’s worth more than all the money in the world. You can tell my mother I don’t want her money.”

“You’re her only heir, Adelaine,” he shouted, throwing his hands up.

Addie chuckled. “Then she should take some nice vacations and leave her wealth to a homeless shelter or bury it with her. I don’t care what she does with it. I’m not coming home. Case closed.”

She was pretty proud of herself. Addie had never in her life been so confrontational with another person. She hadn’t been sure she’d had it in her. Apparently, she had more of a spine than she’d thought.

“I think it’s time for you to go, Joseph,” Bear growled. “You heard the lady. She’s not interested in what you’re selling.”

Joseph shot a glare at Bear. “Stay out of it.”

Addie didn’t need to look over her shoulder. She felt Bear’s presence as he rose from the stool and stepped behind her. She didn’t mind if he staked his claim on her in front of Joseph, but she thought she would appear more independent and firm if she didn’t use Bear as a reason she wasn’t going home.

Sure, she was falling head over heels in love with the giant, growly man at her back, but meeting him and becoming his woman had nothing to do with the fact that she would never return to her former life. He was the icing on the cake.

She could feel Bear’s heat, but he didn’t touch her. He just imposed his huge presence behind her.

“You should go, Joseph. We’re not getting back together. We were never together in the first place. You have no feelings for me. You’re just being a lap dog for your parents. It’s not attractive. Why don’t you find someone you actually love and then get married? It’s not going to be me. Your life will be so much more fulfilling if you marry someone you choose instead of letting your parents do it for you.”

Joseph stared at her for a long time as if she had two heads. “I’m not leaving without you, Adelaine.” He’d given up honoring her request entirely. “I’ll go for now. I’ll give you some time to think about what a colossal mistake you’re making. When I speak to your mother tonight, I’ll tell her we’re working things out. I won’t tell her about this shitty job you have or the rundown apartment you’re living in. You think about how much better your life would be with me, and we’ll talk again.”

She opened her mouth to tell him not to bother, but he spun around so fast and walked out the door that she didn’t get the chance.

Bear’s hands were on her shoulders before the door fully closed. “Do you have any idea how fucking hot I am for you right now?”