The Thunder Wolves MC - Petal (Book #12)

7

Finch

The guy was a complete i***t. There was no way in hell I believed he gave two shits about Petal's safety. Nor did I believe his story about seeing her car on the side of the road and then coming to the apartments to check on her. I mean, other than the fact I knew that story was complete and utter bullshit. He said when he didn't see her with the car, he came here looking for her along the way. There was no reason for her to walk all the way home when her car broke down. It would have made more sense for her to have walked back to the club, which is the direction he should have gone when he didn't see her with her car.

Besides all that, there was the fact the guy sized me up the moment I answered the door. Surprise on his face when he realized I could probably actually take him. I know I don't look so well-built with clothes on. One of the reasons I removed so much before answering the door. The other reason being to sell my story, which was more believable and threw him off guard. My guess was he did well to keep track of Petal's personal life. From what she told me and from feeling the guy out myself, I would bet my life on the fact the guy was up to no good, and it was a good thing she was listening to her gut feelings about him. I was also willing to bet he knew what was wrong with her car. Especially since he was already here and didn't know for sure that her car had broken down. Unless, of course, he did something to it to ensure it had broken down. I would also be willing to bet he didn't think she would have been brought home by anyone that was willing to stay. At least not someone he wouldn't be able to take on and do what he came here to do.

Watching the guy now from her front room window, there was no way anyone would be able to tell me this guy actually cared for his step-sister. At least not in the way a brother should care for his sister. He stood in the parking lot throwing a fit, kicking his car, starting the second I had her shut her bedroom light off. He believed my story and thought I had taken her to bed. Something I want to do more now than I did before. Her standing on the other side of the room with my shirt on and her lace panties peeking out was one of the sexiest sights I have ever seen. It was also something I wasn't going to do. I couldn't. I would lose my job. Sure, I could find another one either within the club or elsewhere. But not one that I could guarantee the schedule I had that worked out perfectly for my family or the pay I needed to support my little girl and myself and not rely on my parents' help for money. I know neither one of my parents would bat an eye if I needed help, but I liked being able to say I could do it on my own. I can take care of my baby girl and, get her the things she likes and give her the life she deserves. Well, as much as I can.

So, with that in mind, I allowed myself one good look at Petal in my shirt, then forced myself not to act on my basic needs. Keeping my attention on the dumbass in the parking lot that was now yelling at someone inside the car as he got in the driver's side. Slamming the door, I watched as he pulled out of the parking spot and sped out onto the road. When his car was out of sight, I did a quick scan of the parking lot from my place in the window. Nothing seemed out of the ordinary. I waited a good five or so minutes before feeling comfortable enough to say the guy had fully bought everything I had just sold him, and he would leave Petal alone for now. Though I hope she doesn't let her guard down and continues to watch out for this guy. He was definitely nothing but bad news.

Turning, I made my way back across the room, which was much harder to do than it was before. Her place got really dark with the lights all off. Though it could just seem that way. I was not used to there not being some kind of light source in every room of the house. I had nightlights in just about all the outlets in the house so Anna could see where she was going if she needed to go to the bathroom in the middle of the night. It also helped so I didn't have to bother with turning any lights on in my house if I got up to get something from another room in the middle of the night. Even with it being so dark, I made it over to the light switch without making myself look like a complete i***t.

"Should be good for the night."

Nodding, she ducked back into her room, turning back on the light. Shaking my head, I had to mentally scold myself as I watched her walk back into her room. My shirt moved up her hips as she turned, giving me a nice view of her ass. The lace panties didn't cover all of her ass. A nice section was left on full display. It was the right amount of her cheeks that would make the perfect handful. It was that kind of view that had the image of bending her over popping into my head. I had to scold myself for even thinking about it and force myself to look away while getting my boots back on. I really needed to get my shirt back so I could finish getting redressed and get myself home, where I should be right now. I had to think of Anna and not myself. I needed to keep my distance from Petal as best as I could. I refuse to lose everything I had worked for.

With my boots on, I made my way back over to the couch, where I left my cut, and got my phone out of the inside pocket. By the time she returned, dressed back into her pajamas and my shirt in her hand, I had my contacts open and ready to add her number. I would need to have it along with her mine so that I could carry out the rest of Jax's order to ensure she got to and from work over the weekend. Keeping my eyes on my phone, I added her number and sent her a text message so she would have mine. I did my best not to make eye contact as I took my shirt back and pulled it over my head before pulling my cut back on.

"If you need to go anywhere in the next couple of days, feel free to let me know. I can make sure you have a ride wherever while your car is in the shop. And if you don't end up needing a ride from me on Friday, let me know. Otherwise, I will be here to take you to work."

"Thank you so much for your help. I was planning on going to the store tomorrow, but I can hold out until I get my car back."

"I can come by tomorrow afternoon and give you a ride to the store. I should probably restock a few things as well. No need to wait."

I instantly wanted to take back my words. I didn't know why I just volunteered myself to take her grocery shopping. Maybe it was because I would have Anna in the afternoon. Her school had an early release tomorrow, and I could use her as a buffer, so I didn't do anything stupid. However, that was stupid also because I hardly knew Petal and shouldn't be bringing strangers around my daughter like that. I didn't need her to get attached to someone who wasn't going to be in our lives for long.

"If you really don't mind. You have done so much already."

Shrugging, I made my way over to the door.

"Not a problem. I will be here around noon."

Unlocking the door, I opened it and started walking out, but stopped just outside and turned back around before closing the door.

"Lock this behind me, and make sure all your windows and patio doors are locked before going to bed. And don't open the door for that guy. If he comes back, call me."

I waited for her to nod, giving me enough to know she understood. I even stood outside the door long enough to hear the locks move into place, letting me know she was doing as she was told again. Shaking my head at myself, I made my way out to my bike, forcing myself not to look up to see if her lights were still on before leaving. The whole drive home, I couldn't help but berate myself. First, I can't believe I even think of one of the girls from the club the way I do. She is off-limits. Unless she quits tomorrow, I can't be with her. However, that rule doesn't stop me from befriending her. I just can't do anything else. Second, I can't believe I thoughtlessly volunteered to see her again tomorrow. And third, I was involving my daughter. Lord, this was such a bad idea. If I am lucky, Petal will cancel, and I will be able to get out of this craziness.