Shattered & Scarred: The Sacred Hearts MC by A. J. Downey Read Free Book Online Page B

have to do it if you don’t want to. No one expects it out here…”
    “…but we appreciate it.” Doc called from the doorway. Ashton jumped in my arms and I let her go, forcing a smile onto my face.
    “That we do.” I said. She nodded but wouldn’t look at either of us and continued picking up after the festivities.  She wore those black workout pants that kissed her every curve. She also wore a lavender tee that fit her like a dream. Her feet were clad in her new sneakers and her hair rode in a braid over her slender shoulder, a thick rope of auburn that I wanted to twine around my hand as I pulled her mouth to mine.
    God damn these were some intense urges for a woman I didn’t even know! I needed some distance, clear my head… the big one.
    “I’m going out.” I said abruptly.
    “Would you like me to fix you some breakfast or coffee?” her soft voice drifted across the common room to me, barely audible, but soothing to my frayed nerves.
    “Sure Babe, yeah. I’d like that.” I said. The fiery rush to get out of there cooled a bit. “I’m gonna grab a shower while you work on that. Okay?” I asked and she nodded and graced me with a watery smile.
    This was going to suck so hard but it was totally necessary. I went back to my room, picked up my shower caddy and my towel and went for the nearest shower. I turned on the cold water as far as it would go and showered in record time.  I dressed in my last pair of fresh jeans, a worn but comfortable USMC heather gray tee and my boots. I moved my wallet and chain and my belt over to the fresh pants.
    I sat on the edge of the bed that Ashton and I were sharing and propped my forearms on my knees. Okay. I couldn’t deny the total lust I was feeling for Ashton but damn. She deserved a hell of a lot better than the likes of me. I hung my head and closed my eyes. I was surprised to find that despite how hard I was kicking my own ass not to touch her, not to take her any place either of us would regret going that I didn’t for one minute regret picking her up off the highway, but man picking her up was a huge responsibility.
    She was seriously fucked up in the head and I didn’t always have the patience required for this sort of thing. Like it or not though, I was responsible for her and right now, the best thing I could do was get her out of the club. I was starting on that today. I sat up and there she was standing in the doorway, plate of food in one hand, cup of steaming coffee in the other. I smiled.
    “This is hard for you…” she whispered.
    I patted the bed beside me and sighed. She set the plate and coffee on the dresser and sat down obediently and it almost killed me to see it.
    “Not why you think.” I said and worry creased her brow.
    “Have I done something wrong?” she asked.
    “No.” I said.
    “Then what?” she asked and I let my gaze sweep her pretty, if troubled face.
    “I have a week to find us someplace to go, we can’t stay here forever.” I said. She nodded carefully.
    “I have to be back to work this afternoon,” I added “And I’m worried about leaving you here.” I frowned.
    “I’ll be okay.” She whispered.
    “You sure?” I asked. God I wanted to do bad things to her. I concentrated on the problem at hand.
    “I’ll stay in here if you like.” She murmured.
    “Yeah. Unless you’re with Doc or Chandra. Use the nearest bathroom and get right back in here. The T.V. isn’t hooked to cable but the DVD player works. Anything you like to watch? I’ll go get it for you.” I searched her face and she looked relieved.
    “Thank you.” She breathed.
    “For what?” I asked.
    “For not sending me away.” I blinked.
    “ Naw, not going to do that to you. Now what do you like to watch?” I asked.
    “I like musicals…” she said tentatively.
    “What like Phantom of the Opera?” I asked.’’
    “And Les Miserables.” She smiled and it was a genuine one and it changed her whole face.
    “Okay. I’ll get them for