Chapter 7

CHAPTER SEVEN

Doc

We stay locked together for a long moment, catching our breath, skin slicked with sweat.

Finally, I slide out of her and we clean up quickly, sharing a few languid kisses.

Pulling my jeans back on, I glance at her, taking in her flushed cheeks and sex-mussed hair.

Damn, she's a looker.

It doesn’t hurt she’s a wildcat in the sack.

My cock twitches just thinking about round two.

I tuck a strand of hair behind her ear. "C'mere, gorgeous," I murmur, pulling her into my arms.

She nestles against my chest, fitting perfectly, like she belongs there.

I've only known her for a few months, but something about this chick just gets under my skin in all the right ways.

Damn, I wish I had a kid with her and not Sassy.

She's not just a pretty face—though she's certainly got that going for her.

She's smart as a whip, with a wicked sense of humor that matches mine, and she takes no shit, a real spitfire.

Most importantly, she's great with my son Kash.

Doesn't mind that I've got baggage.

Hell, sounds like she's got plenty of her own, with her messed up family back in Cali.

As we exit the bathroom, I tug her close and press a kiss to her temple. "You're something else, you know that?" I tell her gruffly. "I'm damn glad you walked into my life, Mands."

She looks up at me, hazel eyes sparkling with mischief and something deeper. "Careful, Doc. Keep sweet talking me like that and I might never leave."

I chuckle, my hand sliding down to squeeze her ass. "Promise?" I wink at her.

She just laughs and shakes her head.

We make our way back to the bar, her tucked under my arm.

I'm not usually one for PDA, but with her, I can't seem to keep my hands to myself.

She just fits like a missing puzzle piece I didn't know I needed.

As we wait for another round of drinks, I lean in close, my lips brushing her ear. "Spend the night with me," I murmur, more of a statement than a question.

She shivers, goosebumps rising on her skin. "Okay," she whispers back, eyes darkening with renewed hunger.

I smile, triumphant. "Good. Because I'm nowhere near done with you yet, darlin'." I nip at her earlobe playfully.

Just then, I notice her body go rigid in my arms.

Her face pales and she sucks in a sharp breath.

I follow her gaze to see an older man approaching us, a leering smile on his weathered face.

"Amanda?" he calls out. "Well, well. Fancy running into you here."

I feel Mandy start to tremble against me and every protective instinct surges to the forefront.

I tighten my arm around her and turn to face the newcomer, positioning my body in front of hers.

"I'm sorry, you are?" I ask coolly, making it clear this asshole is interrupting.

His eyes flick dismissively over me before settling back on Mandy. "Oh, where are my manners? I'm Tony. Mandy's dear old dad." His tone drips with false sincerity.

"Step-father," Mandy spits out from behind me, venom lacing her words.

I glance back at her over my shoulder, noting the fear and revulsion playing across her delicate features.

Shit.

Whoever this prick is, he's bad fucking news to put that look on my girl's face.

I shift to further shield her from view. "Well, Tony," I say, letting disdain color my words. "It's been a real treat. But if you'll excuse us..." I turn to guide Mandy away.

Quick as a snake, Tony's hand darts out to grab Mandy's wrist. "I heard you've been in the adult content industry. Is that right? You takin' after your momma after all?"

I snarl, ready to break the fucker's arm, but Mandy wrenches herself free before I can react.

"Don't fucking touch me!" she hisses, eyes wild. "You lost that right after what you did, you bastard."

Tony holds his hands up in mock surrender, chuckling darkly. "Still holding a grudge, I see. It was years ago, Amanda. And we both know you brought it on yourself. Always such a little tease..."

White hot rage boils through my veins and my hands ball into fists.

I take a menacing step toward him. "I think it's time for you to leave," I say, deadly calm. "While you still can."

Something in my eyes must convince him not to push it.

With a final oily smile, he shrugs. "Fine, I can take a hint. See you around, sweetie."

He blows Mandy a mocking kiss.

The second he's out of sight, I turn and pull her into my arms.

She's shaking like a leaf, silent tears streaming down her face. "I've got you," I murmur into her hair. "You're safe, Mands. He can't hurt you."

She clings to me, fisting her hands in my shirt. "Take me back to the clubhouse. Please, Doc. I need to get the fuck out of here."

I don't hesitate, leading her quickly out to my bike.

I help her on behind me and we take off with a roar, tearing out of the parking lot like the devil himself is on our tail.

By the time we arrive back at the compound, her trembling has eased but I can still feel the tension thrumming through her.

I help her off and lead her inside with an arm around her waist.

Kat looks up as we enter the trailer I share with Shiver and frowns. "Everything all right?" she asks, taking in Mandy's red-rimmed eyes.

I give a terse nod. "It is now. Kash still out?"

She nods. "Like a light."

"You're an angel, Kat. I owe you."

She waves me off, hands me the baby monitor, and leaves. "Happy to help. You two go get some rest."

Inside, I search Mandy’s face, thumb rubbing soothingly over her knuckles.

"You wanna talk about it?" I ask softly.

She shakes her head. "No, not yet. Can you just...hold me for a while?"

My heart clenches as if she even needs to ask. "Of course, darlin'. C'mere."

I lead her to my room and we stretch out on the bed, curled around each other.

I stroke her hair and press gentle kisses to her forehead as she tucks her face into my neck.

We lay there in silence for a long time before she finally speaks, voice small and muffled against my skin.

"He used to hit me," she whispers. "When he drank. Which was all the time. And my mom, when she wasn't too fucked up to notice. But she never did anything to stop it."

I go cold all over, arms tightening around her protectively. "Jesus, Mandy..."

"The last time...I thought he was really going to kill me. I barely got out. Went to my best friend's house and her mom helped me leave town that night. I haven't been back since. All over 20 bucks. Fucking ridiculous."

White hot fury courses through me, warring with heartbreak for the lost, broken girl in my arms.

I want to find that sick son of a bitch and rip him limb from fucking limb for ever laying a hand on her.

I know that's not what she needs from me right now.

So, I take a deep breath, reining myself in.

I tip her chin up to look at me.

"You listen to me, Mands," I say fiercely. "You did what you had to do to survive. To get yourself out of a shitty, dangerous situation. And fuck anyone who says different. You're one of the strongest women I know."

Fresh tears well in her eyes but she smiles tremulously. "Thank you," she breathes. "For everything tonight. I'm really glad you were there."

"Anytime, babe," I murmur, using my thumb to wipe her tears away. "You're not alone anymore, okay? I'm right here. I've got you."

"Doc," she whispers, her voice shaking. "I've never... I've never told anyone that before."

"I know, Mandy... and I'm honored that you trust me enough to share that with me," I say, stroking her cheek gently.

She nods, wiping the remaining tears from her eyes. "Thank you, Doc... for everything. I... I think I need some air. Mind if we step outside for a smoke?"

"Yeah, of course. I could use a smoke too." I stand up, grabbing her hand and leading her outside.

The cool night air hits us as we step outside, and I light up a cigarette, offering her one too.

She takes it with a grateful smile.

We stand there in silence for a moment, both lost in our own thoughts.

"So, Mandy... I need to ask you somethin’. You and Zoe… what’s up with that?" I ask, exhaling a cloud of smoke.

She hesitates, looking torn. "It's... complicated, Doc. I mean, I love her, but... I she’ll never love me the way I love her. She’s my best friend, but, I’m bisexual so I’m complicated.” Mandy laughs.

"Ouch. That sucks, Mandy. I'm sorry." I put my arm around her shoulder, pulling her closer. "What’s that mean for you and me then? You just fool around with her for your content, or what?”

"Yeah, for content. It’s all it’ll ever be… and I’m finally okay with that. Someone special has come into my life.”

I bend to press a soft kiss to her forehead.

I take her hand, leading her down the short hallway to my room. "Come on, let's get you to bed. It's been a long day."

She hesitates in the doorway, glancing up at me uncertainly. "You sure you don't mind me staying? I can always run back home.”

"Not a chance in hell," I cut her off firmly. "I wouldn’t have asked you if I didn’t want you here with me. Unless you're not comfortable with that?"

"No, I am," she assures me quickly. "I just...didn't want to put you out or anything."

I shake my head, tugging her into the room and shutting the door behind us. "You could never. I like having you close."

Something shifts in her gaze, a flicker of heat beneath the vulnerability.

She steps closer to me, hands resting on my chest. "Yeah? How close are we talking?"

My hands find her hips, thumbs stroking over her hipbones through her clothes. "As close as you'll let me get, darlin'."

Mandy rises up on her toes, arms twining around my neck as she molds her soft curves against me. "I think I'd like to get very close indeed, Doc," she purrs, nuzzling her nose along my jawline. "If you're up for it."

I groan lowly, hands sliding down to palm her perfect ass. "Sweetheart, I've been up since the second I laid eyes on you.The question is, are you sure this is what you want right now? After the night you've had?"

She pulls back to look me dead in the eye, pupils blown wide with desire. "I'm sure. I want you, Doc. Want to feel something good."

That's all the encouragement I need.

I walk us backward until her legs hit the bed, bearing her down onto the mattress as I claim her mouth in a searing kiss.

Our tongues tangle together, a hot, desperate dance as we both try to make up for lost time.

Mandy moans into my mouth, hips arching against me, grinding against my hard length.

I'm on the verge of losing my mind when a soft whimper brings me to my senses.

Shit, I can't be this selfish.

We just had sex earlier tonight.

Disappointment flashes in her eyes, but she nods, understanding. "Oh, okay…yeah, um…”

"Don't do that. It’s not that I don’t want to," I assure her, running a soothing hand down her spine. "I just gotta savor you, darlin’."

Mandy smiles wistfully and nods, untangling herself from my arms. "Yeah, I got you.”

She adjusts her pants, smoothing out the wrinkles as I do the same to my jeans, both of us trying to erase any evidence of our near-indiscretion.

"Listen, Mands," I start , "if you ever need to talk or... you know, whatever, my door's always open."

She gives me a grateful smile. "Thanks, Doc. I appreciate that."

“Now come on, let’s get into bed.”