Chapter 12

CHAPTER 12

LONDON

The bell rings, and I sigh in relief. Normally, I don't mind when my class has its moments of not wanting to listen, but this week hasn't been easy. Mainly because it was the last days before their break for Thanksgiving.

I'm more than happy to get out there myself. I love teaching. I love working with them, however, this week they've been more than a bit rambunctious.

I also had a lot more on my mind than just getting through this past week. Most of that had to do with a certain man who was driving me crazy.

Diablo has nearly driven me mad since waking me up in his bed. We hadn't done anything other than kiss. He kissed me deeply. He kissed me sweetly. It was amazing but maddening all at the same time. His touches alone were enough to cause sparks to ignite all over my body.

Each morning I woke up to him next to me, holding me. He took me to work, picked me up, and we'd spend the evenings together. Sometimes watching a movie and other times making out. Between, we'd talk. It was nice. More than nice. Perfect.

I also had to think about the fact that some organization wanted to use me for whatever they wanted to use me for.

The other thing I had to deal with was the fact my dad informed me I was to bring Diablo to Thanksgiving dinner with me. Dad explained how Diablo had called him and told him what was happening. I'd lost it on both of them. They had no right to discuss me behind my back. I don't care if they thought it was for my own good. It still wasn't their decision to make. I'm more than capable of doing things for myself. They didn't have to discuss my relationship with Taylor/Craig/Dirtbag. I hadn't even really told my dad about him.

So, now that Diablo intervened, we were heading home to my dad's for a couple days, and I wasn't looking forward to it. Well, I was looking forward to seeing my dad, but I was nervous about the whole ordeal.

A knock on my door pulls me out of my thoughts as I pack up my things and smile at the sight of Tamara. "Hey, what are you doing?"

"I was going to ask you the same thing," she states, cocking a brow, smiling, and moving my way. "This past week you've been . . . well, I don't know how to explain it. You also left nearly as soon as school ended with Mr. Hunk-a-lious. You going to fill me in on him?"

Tamara stops directly in front of me, hands on her hips as she takes on the position that screams she's not backing down.

"Diablo and I just started dating." Dating isn't really the world I'd use. He hasn't actually taken me anywhere other than the clubhouse and his apartment.

"What kind of name is Diablo?" she scoffs, waves a hand, and shakes her head. "Wait, he's part of the Satan's Keepers MC, isn't he?"

"He is," I confirm and grab the strap to my case. "And I happen to like the name Diablo."

"Do you know his real name? Or is he keeping it to himself?" Tamara asks, watching me as I round my desk.

"I know his name, full name if you must know. I also know where he lives. I've stayed there every day this week," I tell her, somewhat annoyed about the inquisition. "What's with the questions anyway?"

"I'm just worried about you," Tamara states, walking with me out of the classroom. "You've been . . . I don't know how to explain it. First, you were seeing a guy, just seeing him. Now you're with another. I mean, what gives?"

"A lot's been happening," I tell her. It's not a lie, but I don't want to go into detail about it with her. Not right now.

"I see that," Tamara huffs and shoves through the outside door first. There's a slight chill in the air. Not enough for a coat, but perfect for a sweater.

Outside, I spot Diablo sitting astride his bike. Arms braced on handles, sunglass-covered eyes pointed in my direction.

"I don't get why he's bringing you to work and picking you up. It's like you're losing your independence. Or is there something wrong with your car?"

"My car is okay," I tell her as I look in her direction. "And I like riding on the back of his bike. It's fun. Freeing."

Tamara nods. "Whatever you say. Just be careful. I'm heading to my mom's place for Thanksgiving."

"I thought you were spending it with your boyfriend?"

"That was until I found out he was a cheating asshole," she mutters.

And there the problem lies with her.

"What do you mean? He cheated on you?"

"No, he cheated on his wife. With me," Tamara snaps, pointing at herself. "I was the other woman. His wife came home from a trip early and found us in his bed."

"Whoa." Talk about harsh. I don't blame her for being upset."I'm sorry, hon," I murmur, reaching out to take her hand.

"It is what it is," Tamara says, taking a step back. "I'll see you after the break. Maybe we can have dinner or something without the added addition."

I knew she was talking about Diablo. I get she's in a man-hating mood right now, so I'll let it slide, but I've got a feeling Diablo will be in my life for a good long while, and she can't hate him forever.

Leaving her to go to her car, I make my way toward Diablo. He straightens from his slouch and grins as I get closer.

"What was that about?" he asks, reaching an arm out to wrap around my waist, pulling me into him as much as he could.

"That's Tamara, and she's in a little bit of a foul mood at the moment. Don't worry about it," I tell him, wrapping my arms around his shoulders. "Where we heading to?"

I know where I want to go.

"We're headin' to the clubhouse," he announces. "Change of plan for location this year. Your dad and his men are coming here rather than us going there. Reaper's ol' lady wanted you to be able to experience Thanksgiving with us. Let him see that you're in good hands." He smirks. "He agreed to this without argument."

Who could argue with Ivy? She and the others, they're all a force to be reckoned with. You don't mess with them or their kids. You do, and you heed a heap of trouble.

"I don't know if that's a good idea. Having all of them at the clubhouse," I advise.

"It's happenin', Chiquita. Now, climb on so we can get the fuck out of here. They're not comin' until tomorrow, and the club's having a party tonight."

"They are?" I didn't know if I'd want to go to a party. I just wanted to go home and relax.

"Yeah," he answers, swats my rear, and waits for me to swing a leg over and adjust myself behind him.

I situate my case behind me and wrap my arms around him. "Ready."

"Good." He starts his bike, and it rumbles to life.

I squeeze my thighs around his, the vibration of the bike feeling good between my legs.

Diablo takes off, and I hold tight. I wish we were going to his place. I'd much prefer it to be a night for the two of us. Mainly because I made a decision and wanted to see it through. I couldn't do what I wanted when there were so many people around. I'd read the books. I'd done the research. I wanted this, and I wanted it with this man.

Unfortunately, it seems my plans are on hold ‘cause there's no way I could do what I want at the clubhouse.