10. Priest

When I head downstairs,Casey is finishing up and her and Bella are talking in quiet voices. I strain to hear what they're saying, but can't quite make it out.

I trust Casey; she's a good person and helps the club out a lot when shit goes down. She even took a bullet out of Rock once when he got shot protecting Jett. Still, she's part of the club by association with Crystal, and she's trustworthy. Not that she needs to know anything about Bella or why she's here.

"We all good?" I give Casey the heads up. I feel Bella's eyes on me but I don't look at her.

"Perfect, actually. I'll get some antibiotics for Bella and have them delivered to you later. There's no sign of infection but it is looking a little sore and swollen. Her knee is fine, just bruised and I've suggested to keep that ice pack on her face for the swelling on her cheek no more than twenty minutes at a time."

My blood boils. I haven't had time to think about fucking Rueben yet, but I will be making sure he never walks again. Hopefully he enjoys straws, because that's what he's gonna be drinking out of for the rest of his life.

I could also kick myself for not putting ice on Bella's face the second we got inside. I was too concerned about getting her into a safe space and making sure she had eaten.

I'm a fucking idiot.

"Keep that going for two to three days," Casey goes on. "Let me know if the swelling doesn't go down. She's lucky, no fractures or concussion."

"That's because he can't hit for shit," Bella says, shocking the shit out of me as I gape at her. I know she's trying to make light of the situation, but none of this is funny.

I also get the impression she's used to violence in her life. From the little bits of information she's shared, I know she's been a victim one too many times in her life. Well, that won't be happening again under my watch. No fucking way.

Finally, my eyes meet Bella's. She looks paler than when I left her, and guarded somehow. She has a frown on her face. Maybe she's uncomfortable having Casey here, but I had no other choice.

"Well, he did enough damage if you ask me," Casey says. "Luckily your self-defense kicked in. It could've been a whole lot worse."

"And it will be, for him," I mutter, shifting away from the island into the kitchen. "Casey, did you want a coffee or anything?"

She shakes her head. "I'd love to, hon, but I've gotta run. I'm still on the clock."

"Got it."

"Well, it was nice to meet you, Bella," she says. "Remember what I said, okay?"

Bella nods as I frown, watching them.

What did she say?

Was it about me?

Why would I fucking care if it was about me?

"It was nice to meet you too," Bella whispers. "Thank you for everything. I'm sure I'll be fine, but I'll take the antibiotics like how you told me."

"Good." Casey turns to look at me. "I'll see myself out. See you later, Priest."

"Thanks, Case." I give her a chin lift.

"Anytime." She takes her medical bag and leaves via the front door.

I lean my hands on the island and wait for Bella to turn to look at me. When she does, I say, "So, how did you like Casey?"

Her bottom lip trembles slightly. "I like her a lot."

"Are you sure? You seem… off."

She seems defiant when she says, "Why would I be off?"

I shrug. "Something she said or did?"

"Nope."

I rack my brain. "Something I did?"

"Nothing's wrong. I'm just tired and a little dizzy, that's all."

"Do you want to lie down for a while?"

She holds the ice pack to her face. "No, I'm honestly fine. And you have stuff to do, you don't have to babysit me."

No way am I letting her out of my sight. I get this feeling she might bolt for it the second I'm gone. Maybe Casey mentioned the MC… I didn't tell Bella just yet only because I didn't want her to feel scared. She's an innocent girl and I can only imagine what that information may evoke for her. Maybe I am shielding her a lot, but that's just the way I am. I will tell her when I feel she's in a better place to handle news like that and I can explain it to her without her feeling afraid of what it means.

The last thing I want is for her to feel like I'm a heathen. Not that Cash would look favorably on me keeping it a secret, but it's only short term. Until I know she's ready.

"I thought we could go shopping."

She stares at me. "Okay."

I honestly thought I'd get backlash. She's agreeing, but there's something behind her eyes. "Where would you like to go?"

"Aren't you telling the story?"

"I thought you may like some new clothes."

She continues to look at me with a determination I've not yet seen. "I don't have any underwear."

My eyes flick down her body before I can stop them. She's wearing my sister"s sweatpants and hoodie, and while it's big on her, she still looks cute as a button.

But no underwear? I guess she doesn't just carry spare clothes around in her purse.

My lips part as I try to keep the thrumming of my heart down. I don't know why the fuck I'm acting this way. I don't want this girl. She's much too young for me, plus she's in distress.

"We can get you new stuff."

"Panties and bras."

My dick kicks in my jeans. Fuck.

This is wrong.

"Okay. I'm sure you can find something if we go to the mall." I try not to picture my little dove trying underwear on. That won't help my fucking boner.

"And sleepwear. I have nothing to sleep in." The way she says it… like she's trying to be completely innocent, yet her mind may have the workings of a little devil. It makes my lips twitch.

"We can get you pajamas."

She smirks. "I usually sleep naked."

And there it is. She's fucking flirting with me.

I swallow hard, unsure of what to say or do. I mean, this is Bella. Not some chick from the club or some sweet butt. Not some chick I'd bone for the night and never see again. She's in my house because she needs safety, not so I can fantasize about taking her in my bed.

"That's, uh, well it can get a little chilly up in the attic." Did I really fucking say that? Oh, yeah, I fucking did. I clear my throat. "So you'll probably be better with something warm. You can wear one of my sweatshirts for now." I don't know why I just said that… Now that's all I can picture her wearing.

"Whatever you say." She smiles pleasantly enough, yet the vibes I'm getting are still off.

"Did you finish all your food?" I look into the bag. She ate my fries and I smile.

"Yep."

"Good girl." I don't even mean to say that, it just slips out. "So, we should go pretty soon? We can take my truck."

"I don't mind the motorcycle."

I smirk. "The truck will be better for shopping bags."

She falters, looking down at her hands. "I will pay you back, Priest, I promise."

"Don't worry about it."

I put the leftover takeout bag in the trash and then I hand her the phone from my back pocket. "So this is the phone I dropped off at the shelter. My number is programmed in there, along with Stella, Manny and Casey."

"Thank you, Priest."

"If you get into any trouble at any time, you can call any one of us."

"Okay." She takes it from me and shoves it into her sweatpants pocket. "I'm ready to go when you are."

We move toward the back door and I grab my keys off the hook. Locking the door behind me, we head to the garage.

Fifteen minutes later, we're downtown and I'm parking in the underground lot.

Bella was quiet during the ride. She looked out of the window a lot and didn't say very much. The entire drive I try to wash away all thoughts of this beautiful girl out of my mind. Especially the ones of her without underwear. Why the fuck would she say something like that? Is she not wearing any now?

Don't do this. She's innocent — she's not here for your enjoyment.

Of course, I'd never use her in that way. That isn't even in my vocabulary. But there is no mistaking that she's attractive; those blue eyes that seem to see into my soul and I can't run away from them. I also feel her pain. I see it in every look and smile, even when she's flirting. I would never take advantage of her, and she doesn't need to pay me back by offering herself up to me. I find that completely abhorrent. If I did have her in my bed — under different circumstances, of course — then it would only be because we both wanted it. Not because she feels as if she owes me. Her body is hers alone, and she doesn't have to share it with anyone unless it feels right.

The idea that she's still a virgin, though… I can't stop fucking thinking about it.

"Where would you like to go first?" I ask, turning to look at her. She's made no attempt to jump out. I thought she'd be a little more excited, but she's been subdued the entire ride here.

"I'm really not sure, I haven't been to the mall here."

"They have all the usual shops, designer to Target."

A small smile plays on her lips. "You're really going to shop with me?"

"Of course. I can't say I'll be much help, but I'll do my best."

"Target will be good for pajamas. They probably have some sweats, too."

"Alright."

We head out and I follow her around Target as she hesitantly makes decisions on socks, t-shirts, sweats and comfy pjs with teddy bears on them.

We do not visit the underwear section, not that I've anything against Target, but I'm kinda glad. We pass by a couple of generic shops and I get her a warmer jacket and some waterproof duck style boots. She'll be needing those soon.

"They're too much, Priest," she whispers. "I'm fine with my sneakers."

I glance down and frown. "Those need replacin'." I squint. Does that label say Gucci?

"I just… I don't like spending your money," she whispers.

"Like I said, you can help out at the Soup Kitchen a little if it makes you feel any better. Consider that payment, okay?"

We stop at the pharmacy and she loads women's products into her cart along with some Advil and ointment.

"What about skincare?" I ask. "Girls like moisturizer and shit, right?"

"I can't ask you to do that."

I give her a sideways look. "You can, Bella. What kind of stuff did you use before?"

"Chanel," she laughs. "And Sisley."

"Oh."

"I don't expect you to buy me Chanel or Sisley, Priest. I came from a wealthy family. I was spoiled for luxurious things, but all of that comes at a price."

"And you left with nothing?"

"I literally can't go back," she whispers. Taking a deep breath, she adds, "I can never go back. Not ever."

"And you don't have to," I say.

"I'll just get something here — they have good brands."

I stifle a laugh. "Not like Chanel, though."

She rests a hand on my arm. "I don't need that. I shouldn't have said anything."

"I don't want you to keep things from me." Even though I know she has many secrets, I want her to trust me. "I know it must be hard adjusting to this life, but it won't be forever."

"I know, but I also don't need expensive things. It didn't buy me happiness before." She picks up a generic brand and puts it in the cart.

I get the feeling this is a fall from grace that's bigger than I even imagined. How horrible could her family be if she'd prefer to live like this? She's so apologetic every time she puts something in the cart. I don't want to follow her around, but she looked worried when I said I'd wait outside.

Every time I think I have Bella worked out, she throws a curveball at me.

When we leave, she sees a Victoria Secret store and she bites her lip. She still hasn't bought any underwear yet.

"Did you wanna…" I thumb toward the store. "I'll wait outside."

"You don't have to wait outside," she says. "I'm sure you've seen plenty of women's underwear before. Even a man of God."

She has no clue that I'm abstaining and seeing her in underwear would tip me over the edge. I may be a man of God, but I'm still a man. I've got eyes.

I clear my throat. "I can kinda… just hang back."

She giggles. "You're too funny, Priest."

I look down at her. "Why am I funny?"

"You look so… I don't know, embarrassed?"

"I'm not embarrassed. I just thought you'd like some privacy."

"They have chairs." She points to them in the middle of the room. "You could hang there."

I'm well aware of the ‘boyfriend' chairs, but I refrain from saying anything.

"Well, that's where I'll be. I've got a couple of emails to catch up on." While I try not to picture you in there naked.

She smiles. "Deal."

So I spend the next half an hour sitting on the ‘boyfriend' chairs, waiting for her. I glance up every now and again, just to make sure she's okay, and look back down at my phone. I don't know why I'm always on high alert around her. Like she could just flee at any minute. I guess that's the nature of being a runaway. The second anything gets too hard, they take off, and that isn't what I want for Bella.

She takes a bunch of stuff into the dressing room and I read a text from Dan telling me he'll be back mid-week. I haven't had a chance to fill him in about Bella. I didn't want to ruin his vacation, and it isn't like I haven't stepped up to take care of the situation.

I still need to talk to Rock and Jett about finding this motherfucker Rueben, but I might just go about my own investigations first. I highly doubt he'll show at the Soup Kitchen, but then again, he could just be dumb enough. If he thinks I won't touch him because other people are around, he's got another thing coming.

Another ten minutes goes by and I'm cracking my neck side to side, avoiding looking up because there are chicks everywhere looking at itty bitty panties and bras that seem to have not much to them.

Then I hear, "Priest!"

Shit.

I jump up, sprinting into the dressing room, passing by an attendant that gives me a surly look. I ignore her. "Where are you?"

"In here!" I see a hand wave at me from the door at the very end. I move faster than my legs will carry me. Realizing that she's in no danger, I come to a halt in front of the semi-closed door. I knock, even though I can see her through the crack in the door.

"Bella? Are you okay?"

"Priest, thank God!" She's climbing up onto the stool as my eyes shift from her face down her body.

Fuck me till Sunday.

She's wearing a pink and white set with lace around the top of the cups. And they're see- through. Her perky, perfect nipples stare back at me as I shift my eyes down briefly to her pussy…

I snap my eyes back up. "What's wrong?"

"Spider!" she yells, pointing to the ground.

"Are you shittin' me?"

"I swear I'm not, it's huge." She points again. "Just there!"

I squint. "That?" I shake my head, lowering down to let the tiny little insect crawl into my palm. It's about as big as an ant. "Seriously, Bella?"

"What? Don't bring it over here, take it outside! Or kill it."

"I'm not goin' to kill it. It's not its fault it ended up here." I chuckle. Keep your eyes on her fucking face, asshole.

I stand, letting the little critter run around on my palm.

Bella folds her arms over her tits and I make a move to the door.

When she turns, my eyes dip to her ass. A fucking G-string. I stare at her perfect, round butt cheeks and my mouth waters as I imagine gripping those hips and sliding into her from behind. The thought is wrong, I know it, and it doesn"t help my raging hard on.

Then our eyes meet in the mirror. She stares back at me and doesn"t look away. I back out of there like my ass is on fire and make for the doors as fast as I can.

Passing by the attendant, I say, "There was a spider."

She nods and gives me a small smile, backing away a little like I might throw it at her.

I get outside and let the little guy go on one of the plants in the middle of the walkway. Running a hand through my hair, I sigh. I mean, I was prepared for shopping with her, but actually seeing her in her underwear? Those sweet nipples peaking back at me, begging for my attention. Knowing she's a virgin makes me even harder.

Has she ever done anything? Has she let a man taste her? Suck on those pretty titties?

I know I'd have a field day showing her how good I can make her feel, how to play with her body until she's screaming my name. All the blood seems to have rushed between my legs and I need to get a goddamn grip.

I sit on the bench outside and compose myself. This is why I should never listen to my own advice about how abstaining is actually a good thing.

I can't be thinking about fucking her for pity's sake. She deserves better than that. I didn't bring her to my home to get into bed with her. I care about her. But my body also responds to her in a way that hasn't happened in a long time, and not just because I'm abstaining. I'm the kind of guy that likes to get to know a woman first, before we fuck. And Bella is pushing every single one of my buttons.

I look up when I see a pair of feet in front of me.

"Are you okay?" she asks. "You look a little pale."

"I'm fine," I reply.

"If it's okay… Uh, I need your card."

I stand abruptly. "Of course, sure." I hand it over as she smiles and wanders back into the store. I keep my feet firmly planted on the ground. I'm pleased she got herself something nice. And I'm even more grateful that I got to see her in some of it.

I am definitely not going to ask if she got the white and pink set.

Mind out of the gutter, asshat.

The sooner this shopping trip is over, the better. I've had just about as much as I can take.