I was relieved when Allie finally agreed that staying with me was the best option. She wasn’t exactly happy about the idea, but I could tell that this thing with Tony seriously scared her. The motherfucker was up to something. He’d played the game long enough to know that just giving the money back wouldn’t stop us from killing him. Once he betrayed the club like he did, he knew there was no way Cotton would let him walk away. There was another reason why he wanted that money from Allie, and I needed to find out what it was before she got hurt.
Later, as we laid in bed after another round of the best sex I’d ever had in my life, I looked down at her, all curled up next to me with her head resting on my shoulder and knew she was it for me. She was the one. I would give my life to protect her. She was mine now, and I wouldn’t let him or anyone else fuck with her. Her fingers trailed along my arm as she continued to talk about all the different things that popped into her head, giggling from time to time when she remembered something funny. I loved hearing her laugh. She was exactly the way I had always imagined she would be when we were messaging back and forth. So full of life… filled with hope that everything would turn out the way it should. I admired that about her. I’d always been the kind of man that expected the worst, and I was rarely left disappointed.
“You think you could take me for a ride on your bike sometime?” she asked. “I’ve never had the chance to ride on one before.”
“Maybe tomorrow.”
“Really?” She said with a huge grin spreading across her face. “You know, I’m actually really looking forward to seeing your house tomorrow. It’s going to be nice to see where you live.”
“You’re a curious one, aren’t you, All-Star?”
“Maybe a little, but I wouldn’t have to be so curious if you weren’t so mysterious,” she said with a laugh. “Sometimes I feel like you’re trying to keep something from me.”
“You’ll know everything you need to know soon enough,” I told her.
“See… so mysterious!” she said as she laughed again and nudged my side with her elbow.
“Allie, I’m not exactly a good guy. You should know this. I’ve lived a hard life… done some bad things, but I am loyal to those that I care about. I’ll do whatever it takes to keep you safe and care for you like no other.”
“You’ve already shown me that… about two hours ago,” she said as she snickered. “And I like you just the way you are.”
“Get some sleep, baby,” I told her as I kissed her on her forehead. “You’ve got work tomorrow.”
“Shit! I forgot about the.…”
“It’s done. I already emailed it to you.”
“Kane… thank you so much. You don’t know what that means to me.”
“I wouldn’t let you down, Allie. I know you’ve worked hard on this project. I’ll make sure everything is done right.”
“I trust you. I know it will be perfect,” she told me.
“Sleep, Allie.”
“Kane?”
“Yeah, baby?”
“I’m really glad I met you,” she said in almost a whisper. “You’re even better than I imagined that you would be.”
“You’re an amazing woman, Allison Parker. I’m going to spend my life reminding you of that every chance I get,” I told her as I pressed my lips against hers. The kiss was brief, but filled with promise… my promise to her.
*
Chapter 9
Allie
?
I spent my day at work in a complete daze. I was still trying to wrap my head around everything that had happened with Kane. I liked that he was so protective of me and wanted to make sure I was safe, but he couldn’t stop me from trying to help Tony. He was my brother, and I had to see if I could do something to help him.
I pleaded with every bank in town, trying to get a damn loan, and every one of them turned me down… every single one. It was like they knew they were going to tell me no before I ever started talking. I just couldn’t get them to budge. I was out of options, and I dreaded telling him that I couldn’t come up with the money.
At least there was one positive thing… Neil seemed pleased with Kane’s proposal. He was thrilled that it was below the budget, and he said he couldn’t wait to show the board on Monday. I was relieved to have him off my back. Now I would be able to focus on other things….
Kane was waiting for me in my driveway when I got home. He was eager to get my things packed and over to his house. Once we got everything loaded into my car, I followed him over to his place. I was surprised when he pulled into the driveway of an old historical home with a Washington Heritage sign in the front yard. It was the kind of house you would see in Better Homes and Gardens, nothing like I had expected.