“You start anything you know there will be a war.” He tries to reason with Jesse, but from where I’m standing Jesse doesn’t seem to care.

“You don’t think there’s one brewing already? You have information I want. I’m already looking for a fucking reason to bring you down.”

“Even if I knew, I wouldn’t fucking tell you, cunt.” Danger spits, trying to shake out of Jesse’s hold.

“You think I’m fucking with you? You and I both know I can hand you your ass right now for touching my woman. But I’m willing to let it slide one time. You give me the name I want and I’ll let you walk away with some dignity.” Jesse doesn’t relent, holding Danger firmly in his grasp.

“You want me to go against my Prez?”

“I want you to fucking man up and help me find an innocent woman.” They hold each other’s stare, neither one giving in.

“Danger, just tell him what you know.” I try to plead, eager for the information, but also because Jesse’s hold is only growing tighter.

“You’re better off fucking shooting me. I’m not fucking spilling anything.” Danger doesn’t budge and I have to give it to him. He’s loyal.

“Jesse, please let’s just go. He’s not going to tell you anything.” I decide to focus on Jesse.

Jesse doesn’t say anything, but the tick in his jaw tells me he’s weighing his options.

“This here, it’s not over, asshole. You’re going to turn around, get on your bike and get the fuck out of my face. Do you get me?” Danger flashes a smile that hides his unease and nods, agreeing to Jesse’s order. Accepting his nod for his understanding, Jesse releases him with a shove. He turns his body away from Danger, dismissing him and giving me his full attention.

“The fuck you talking to that motherfucker for, Bell?” Jesse wraps his hand around my wrist and pulls me closer to him.

“What?” I ask, a terrified tremor in my voice.

“Fuck, baby, come here.” He takes me in his arms and folds me into his embrace. I sag against his hard chest, my heart rate racing to an all time high.

“Fuck, Bell. You had me worried.” He lets out a breath, holding me tighter.

“Why were you here? How did you…?” I try to focus, but my head is scrambled and my limbs become heavy.

“Tried to get you on the phone earlier, but it just went to voicemail. You told me you were finishing at seven. Something didn’t feel right, so I dropped by your house, spoke to your mom. She hadn’t heard from you either. Wanted to make sure you had left work.” He shakes his head, his eyes still burning brightly with anger.

“I’m glad you did,” I admit, brushing away thoughts of what might have happened if he didn’t.

“I’m taking you to the clubhouse. I’ll send Hunter for your car.” He takes my bag from my hands and moves to tuck me under his arm.

“I should just go home.” Not wanting to make a huge fuss, I pull back.

“I’m not letting you drive tonight.”

“Jesse, it’s not—” I start to argue that my mom is expecting me but his finger moves to my mouth, silencing me.

“Didn’t ask for your permission, sweetheart.” He squeezes me against his side and moves us to where his bike is parked.

“Thank you.” I stop and look up at him. “If you weren’t here…” I trail off, not needing to continue. He leans down and presses his lips to mine in a gentle kiss that in one breath soothes my burden, and manages to make me lose my fight.

“I would have killed that fucker, Bell.” He pulls back and places the helmet on my head.

“I think you managed to get your point across without committing a felony.” I straddle the seat, remembering how fired up he was seeing another man touch me.

“Don’t act cute. I’m still pissed.” He climbs on in front of me. Scooting forward, I place my arms around his middle and wait for him to start his bike.

“What? It was kind of hot.” I smile into his back waiting for his reaction.

“Yeah? Well, hold on to that thought, baby. My head might be calm, but my dick is still fucking seething from that cock sucker having his hands on you.”

I roll my eyes, but don’t stop my grin from growing. “Do you ever not think about your cock?”

“When I eat? Don’t like thinking about my cock then,” he jokes, and I let out a sharp laugh.

“I lo—” I start to say, the word becoming strangled when I realize what I started to blurt. Jesse stays quiet, the night air crackling between us.

“You do know I’m trying right, Bell?” He breaks the silence, without turning around.

I want to tell him maybe it’s not enough for me. Maybe I am selfish and I need more, but I don’t, because deep down I know it is.

I might never have all of Jesse, and maybe that wouldn’t be enough for someone else, but for me, it always would be. I would hold onto it with everything I had because it was more than he ever thought he could give.

“I do, Jesse.” A sigh moves past my lips as I rest my cheek to his back. He doesn’t say another word, the rumble of his pipes ending the conversation. And instead of worrying I’m going to run him away, I settle in against him knowing he’s trying.

‘Cause that is all I can ask for.

“Oh, God, fuck yeah.” Jesse groans, rolling his hips deeper. I keep my hands above my head in the same position he ordered me in.