Page 96 of Riot

I blink. This is moving fast, but I can’t stop myself from nodding. “I’d like that.”

“After dinner, I could run us a bath and you can tell me all about your day.”

Ooh, I like the sound of that.

I stare up at him. “My day?”

“Yeah, you know, who annoyed you the most and what you could’ve said if you weren’t an adorable, cute person who has to be nice to everyone.”

I laugh. “I don’t know about adorable and cute, but you do get some douchebags in customer service.”

“How’s Star and Tilly?”

“They’re good. Tilly has been talking about joining the Stiletto Riders.”

The Stilettos are the all-female MC in Texas who housed Tilly when she had amnesia and had no idea who she was. Tilly grew close to them, and I think we all had a feeling this would happen because it’s all she talks about.

“Oh shit, how does Star feel about that?”

Halo sighs. “She’s got mixed feelings. Of course she’s overprotective because the last time Tilly went out without her, she got drugged, kidnapped and was sold to a sex trafficking ring. I can understand her concern, but the Stilettos might be good for her. All the women in the club have suffered some kind of abuse, even Diamond herself.” Diamond is the club Prez and a mighty fine, kick-ass woman, if I do say so.

“I get that, but Star might not cope with Tilly bein’ all the way over in Texas.”

“I know, but she’s got to let her go sometime. I think Tilly is worried about upsetting Star, but I can’t think of anyone she’d be more at home with than the Stilettos; they really care about her.”

It’ll be interesting to see how all of that unfolds, but I know it’ll be a struggle for my best friend to let her sister out of her sight ever again. If I’m being honest, Tilly hasn’t really settled. She’s doing well in therapy, and she’s been helping Bella out at her studio downtown. It’s an organization Bella set up to help women who are down on their luck, and they often have workshops and a little hub where they can meet and have coffee to point them in the right direction. Once a month, a team comesin and helps women put resumes together and apply for jobs and housing. It’s really fantastic what they do, and I know that Tilly has been enjoying it and it gives her a sense of purpose.

“I know, but I think Star will have a hard time lettin’ go,” Riot echoes what I already know.He cups my face, planting his lips on mine again. “Tell me somethin’ new.”

I swing my arms around his neck. “I wanted to call in sick today and spend all day in bed with you.”

His eyebrows shoot up. “I like the sounds of that.” He presses a hand to my forehead. “In fact, I feel like you might be burnin’ up already.”

I smile. “If only I didn’t have so much to do tomorrow.”

He kisses me again. “I should feed you.”

I glance over at Cookie. “Will he be okay by himself?”

“I’ve got a doggie cam all set up.”

I lift a brow. “What?”

“Here, I’ll show you.” He drags me by the hand and then pulls his phone out, opening up the app. “There’s the camera.” He points across the room. “I’ve got a couple more around the living room so we can see him from all angles.”

I laugh. “Wow, you’ve really thought of everything.”

“Well, I knew you’d be worried. So we can see him and if he looks or sounds like he’s in distress, we can come right home.”

I feel a little shaky leaving him alone since he’s only been here today, but so far, he seems like a pretty placid dog. “Well, we could try it, maybe we could eat fast.”

Riot smirks. “Eat fast? Fine, I’ll eat fast at the restaurant, but I can’t promise I’ll do the same when I get you home.”

I blush, feeling the weight of his stare as I fidget awkwardly. His compliments come out of nowhere, and his dirty mouth sends me to heaven and back.

“Promises, promises,” I muse. “But I do need to change at my place first, and then I can get my stuff.”

I go to grab my purse off the couch and the paper bag falls out. I grab it quickly, stuffing it back in my purse. It’s the present I got Riot, but I’m not going to give it to him now. It’s dumb.

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