Free Zero by Sam Crescent Page B

had never changed. Alan needed to die, but until they found him, they would have to play his games.
    “Why did you do that to his face?” she asked. “I know you said you tortured him, but why do that? Why not just kill him?”
    “I intended to kill him, Prue. It was never my intention to let him walk free. I should have made sure he was dead.” His one biggest regret was walking away without guaranteeing he was dead.
    She settled next to him. “We’ve just got to wait?”
    “Yes, we’ve got to wait.”
    Zero felt her relax, and he watched the television. After an hour she finally settled into sleep. Assured she was asleep he looked at her face. Her skin was pale, and her complexion didn’t have a single blemish. Reaching out he cupped her cheek, stroking a thumb along her soft skin.
    “I’m always going to take care of you, Prue.” He kissed her cheek, feeling his cock pulse, demanding attention. Watching the television, he was at peace. Having Prue back in his arms settled something inside him.
    He wasn’t yearning for Sophia or begging for a fight. The beast he kept at bay was resting. The only time he ever felt so calm was in Prue’s arms. Ever since he realized his parents despised him, Zero had always felt some need to take out his aggression whenever he could. Learning how to shoot helped him build his confidence. The fights he got into were always worth the bruises. The pain helped him to feel free all those years ago. That feeling hadn’t changed even now. The club fought him when he needed it.
    When Prue told him about the bullies all those years ago, he’d loved the hours he spent training her. She never acted like all of the other girls or women in his life. Prue treated him like a friend. She didn’t blush or stutter in his presence, and she was never afraid to land him on his ass. When had he cut her out of his life? Over the years he’d tried to forget about her, only he found himself at her doorstep when he promised himself he wouldn’t. Nothing had changed inside him. Prue was all grown up now, and they were both having to face their old enemy together.
    Swallowing past the lump in his throat, he held her tighter knowing his life would be worse for losing her. She made living possible.
    ****
    What the fuck am I doing here?
    Butch sat in his seat at the back of the church. The candles were alight, and no one was around to see him. He looked at the man on the cross without feeling. There was no feeling inside him. Staring at the Bible, he wondered if he missed Cheryl. He asked Lash about her, but there was nothing his brother could say. Lash didn’t remember anything about the other woman besides the fact she did beautiful flower arranging that Angel enjoyed looking at. It was like talking to a fucking brick wall.
    “You’re back,” Cheryl said, holding a jacket in front of her. He noticed she had a bag on her shoulder.
    Putting the Bible back in place, he stood. Her smile didn’t waver, and neither did her gaze. She knew who he was, yet her gaze didn’t leave his eyes. All of the women he’d been with checked out his cut before settling on him.
    “Yeah, I’m back. I don’t know why.”
    She smiled. “It doesn’t matter why. Maybe you need some help in your life. Church is always open. I hope you find your answers soon.” Cheryl took a step toward him. “Good night.”
    His heart raced as she stepped around him. She didn’t try to rub against him.
    “Where are you going?” he asked, not wanting her to leave. The only reason he’d come to church was to see her.
    “I’m going home. It’s late, and I only help out at the church when I can.”
    “Can I walk you to your car?”
    “I don’t own a car.” She hadn’t looked anywhere but at his eyes. This was an entirely new experience for him. Most of the women were after the title of fucking a Skull. Cheryl didn’t look upset or expectant when she stared at him.
    “How do you get home?”
    “I walk.” Cheryl chuckled