Twisted Steel: An MC Anthology: Second Edition by Elizabeth Knox (top 5 ebook reader txt) 📕

know I don’t want you to refuse.” My fingers trace her neckline, why I’m not sure, but being this close to her sets my blood on fire.

She captures my hand and her chest heaves with a long breath. “I’ll do it, on one condition. I need a place to stay. I’ll pay half the rent if you let me room with you until I figure out what I’m doing next.”

“Done. Let’s seal the deal with a kiss.” I’m not letting her pay for shit, but I’ll say just about anything to touch her. Her sultry voice and soft curves call to me.

Angie runs her hands up my cheeks. “Honey, we may have a fake arrangement, but you’re not getting everything you want. Now, get rid of your mom, or I’m out.” She drops her hands and nods her head expectantly toward the door, holding it open. I take her hand in mine. The living room quiets down where half of the group is and the other half is in the kitchen. Mom set the dishes in the fridge and looks up at us. “We want you all to stay for dinner, but Angie is going to stay with me here. While I’m recuperating, she’s going to take care of me. I hope that’s okay with you, Ma?”

Mom’s mouth opens to plead her case to stay, but Jazz butts in first. “That sounds like a great idea actually. Angie is a nurse. She’s working on getting her RN. I can’t think of anyone better.” Angie’s grip tightens and I want to laugh. My girlfriend could have mentioned this, it is absolutely perfect.

“Teri, I don’t think we should impose on the couple. Let the kids do what they need to. We’ll stay for dinner and then get a room.” My dad uses his voice that begs my mom not to argue with him, and she snaps her mouth shut.

“I suppose that would be a good idea. I’ll just help get this food heated and get the group fed.”

Kat makes a clearing noise in her throat. “Thank you for the invite, however, we just wanted to check on Cowboy and bring him food. We have kids to feed at home and I’m sure everyone needs a little room to breathe. It was very nice to meet you both, but I believe the rest of us will be leaving now. Please reach out to us, should you need anything at all.”

Who in the fuck is this woman? I have never heard words leave her mouth like that in the last four years I’ve known her. But I’ll take it.

Vegas pulls out her phone and gets my mom’s number. She mentions she’s keeping Lucky for a few more days. Before she leaves, she offers a recommendation for a place to stay close by. I could kiss them all, especially Angie, which I plan on doing soon. But the pinch in my side from her says otherwise.

11

Angie

“Thank god.” I deflate after Cowboy’s dad convinced his mom not to stay for dinner and took her to the motel. “Don’t get me wrong, your parents seem nice, but I need a minute.”

“Hmm” is his non-committal reply. There’s clearly a lot going on, and my instant partner and I need to get on the same page.

The bomb is coming, so I’m just going to detonate it and get this over with. “Before this goes any further, we need to find out more about what our expectations are. And about each other, because I don’t believe for a second your dad was convinced.”

“You’re right, he wasn’t. He just played along to get my mom and himself out of here,” he agrees.

I nod and make my way to the kitchen for a beer. Cracking one open, I’m temporarily distracted thumbing through the papers the hospital discharged Cowboy with. I ask a few questions about his care and then I sit opposite him on the couch.

“First, tell me about your accident.”

“Give me a beer and I’ll tell you anything you want to know,” he taunts, eyeing my cold can. I want to taste the beer on his lips and so much more. Cowboy has the classic boy charm, dirty blond hair, muscles, and a pretty face. I could get lost in him for a few hours, but we can’t.

“No. Alcohol is a blood thinner, so no, not with meds. Why were you there and why did you drive home so late?” And I can’t, but I don’t say it out loud. Before I take an actual sip, I stop myself. My mind is so scattered with everything that just happened, I almost downed this beer and I’m pregnant. Guilt sinks deep inside and I push it aside.

“For not being a girlfriend, you sure are bossy.” He gives me some bullshit story about an accident and leaves the rest out. I cock an eyebrow, knowing he’s trying to avoid the hard shit.

Taking my time, I think over the limited-edition story he tried to feed me. Life is complicated and messy. “For this to work, you got to tell me more. Cowboy, we all have demons, lay yours to rest with me so I can back you up. Why did you leave Angus, and what were you doing before you wrecked? It doesn’t add up and not a soul is going to believe your bullshit. Your mom was all too happy to hear you had a girlfriend, you used me, and I want to know why?”

“Shit.” His head falls back on the couch. “I’m going to tell you a story. You don’t repeat the story ever.” He groans and the bob of his Adam’s apple does things to my lady parts. His scruff begs for me to touch it again. I want to trail my tongue up his throat and bite his strong jaw.

I fidget in my seat, trying to get my brain back on track. “Got it. What’s the story?”

“Years back, I was friends with Dylan. We grew up together, riding,