Free Faith’s Temptation (Dueling Dragons MC Book 1) by Angie Sakai Page A

apartment.
    That’s still strange to think. My apartment.
    ***
    Ryder
    Closing the door to the apartment behind me, Faith’s words repeat over and over again.
    I don’t own you and you don’t own me . She said it so casually, like she doesn’t feel the connection and draw we have for each other
    Fuck. I kick the dirt when I reach the bottom of the stairs. What the hell am I thinking? This chick is just that—a chick. Why am I acting like I give a shit whether she likes me or not? I run my hand over my beard and walk toward the diner.
    Pulling the door open, I step inside and am greeted by a couple of the regulars. Making my way to the bar, I take a seat and wait for Layla to make her way over to me.
    “So, what did she think of the place?” Ziggy finds a seat next to me. “Did she go all girly and shit?”
    I shake my head, letting out a small laugh. “Yeah, something like that.” After all these years, you’d think Ziggy wouldn’t be able to surprise me, but the shit that comes out of this man’s mouth is comical, to say the least.
    “So, are you still taking that breezy out or what?” He slides a toothpick around in his mouth.
    “What the fuck is it your business?” I snarl. “But yeah, we’re talking.” I put my elbow on the counter and lean against it. “What’s your problem with Faith anyways?”
    Ziggy sits back in his chair for a second and then leans forward. “Ryder, you remember who you’re talkin’ to. You and I have been bros for years, but I won’t hesitate to kick your ass.”
    He leans back and continues. “I’m fuckin’ concerned because your thoughts are getting all fucked up with this broad. Do you know what tomorrow is?”
    I run my hand over my head, trying to think of what he’s getting at. “No, what’s tomorrow?”
    He reaches over and punches my arm. “Asshat, we have to be in Yuma to finalize things for the big run next month.” He shakes his head.
    “Ah, fuck. Okay, yeah.” Shit, I have been fucked up. “I guess I’ll take her to dinner and that’s it.”
    Ziggy nods just as Layla walks up. “What’ll you have, Ry?”
    “Anything. I’m not picky this morning. But I do need to borrow your office.” I decide I can make all my phone calls in her office without being interrupted.
    “Yeah, go ahead. I’ll bring your food back there. You okay?” She moves her head around to make eye contact with me.
    “Yeah, I’m fine. Just realizing it’s all gonna be over soon.” I give her a small smile.
    “Oh, I know. I can feel it. Your life will get that much better after all this is done, Ry. Just think of the possibilities.” She smiles a genuine smile that reaches her eyes.
    “I know, sis, I know. I’ll be in the office.” I grin at her and get up from the bar. Arcing around the end of the bar and through the swinging doors, I find Layla’s office and close the door behind me after I enter.
    Now, to get down to business so tonight I can focus on Faith.
    I want to make it a night she’ll never forget.
     

Chapter 9
    Faith
    I HADN’T HEARD FROM RYDER all day. I wandered around looking at all the clothes I have and determined that I have nothing to wear to dinner. I decided to call Layla a little while ago to ask if she had any clothes that I could borrow that didn’t smell like the diner.
    “Layla, help! I need your assistance. Hurry!” I say to her the second she picks up her phone.
    “Faith, are you all right? Is anything broken or on fire? Are you dying? Do you need 911?” She is all out of breath and is practically screaming into the phone.
    I start busting up laughing and can barely catch my breath as I stop long enough to huff out, “Layla, I’m fine. Nothing is on fire, and no, I don’t need 911. I need the fashion police. I left all my nice clothes back home, and I haven’t made enough money to—”
    She cuts me off by saying she will be right over and then hangs up.
    Five minutes later, she is busting through my door with the most