Page 66 of Ghost

“Steel and sex appeal?” she giggled.

And there it was.

The smile I desperately needed to see. “The struggle is real.”

“It most definitely is.”

I lowered my mouth to hers, kissing her briefly before lowering myself back down on the bed. “Thankfully for you, it’s just for the night.”

“Yes, thank goodness for that.” Her smile faded as she whispered, “You promise to be careful?”

I leaned over and kissed her on the temple. “Always.”

I lowered my head back on the pillow, and it wasn’t long before I drifted off to sleep. I woke up several hours later to find that I was in bed alone. The sheets were cold where Cricket had been. I wasn’t surprised—she always slipped back to her room well before sunrise, but that didn’t mean I didn’t miss having her there.

I needed to get moving, so I swung my legs out of bed and got dressed. I put on my boots and cut, then checked my gear, making sure I had everything I needed. I knew I couldn’t leave without telling her goodbye, so I headed down to Cricket’s room.

I eased the door open and found her curled up in the blankets. Her breathing was soft, and her hair was a mess around her face. For a second, I just stood there, watching her and putting her beautiful face to memory. She was really growing on me—more so than I thought possible.

I leaned down, and when I pressed my lips against her forehead, her eyes fluttered open. A groggy smile swept across her beautiful face as she muttered, “Hey.”

“Hey. I didn’t mean to wake you.”

“I’m glad you did.” She eased up on her elbow. “You heading out?”

“Yeah, but I’ll be back before you know it.”

“I’m gonna hold you to that.”

“I know you will.” I started for the door as I told her, “Try to behave, and don’t give Zeke any trouble.”

“I’ll do my best.”

I stopped and looked at her one last time, trying to soak her in, then walked out and shut the door behind me, hoping she’d go back to sleep. I went out to my bike, and once I’d shoved my stuff into my saddlebag, I was on my way. Twenty minutes later, I was pulling through the gates of the clubhouse. I pulled around back and found Goose waiting out by his truck.

As soon as I’d parked, he came over and said, “I was beginning to think you weren’t coming.”

“I’m an hour early, asshat.”

“Still later than usual. Must be a reason.” A smirk crossed his face. “Wonder if it has something to do with the pretty, little brunette that moved in.”

“Don’t got time for your bullshit.” I charged past him and toward the back door. “We need to find Memphis and get the truck loaded.”

“He’s in the kitchen with Prez.”

I gave him a nod and continued inside. When we got to the kitchen, Memphis and Prez were sitting at the table with Grim and Creed. They were having their morning coffee, but the room was oddly quiet. Tense even, and that was rare in the Fury kitchen. Usually, it was a place to kick back and prepare for the day.

Goose didn’t seem to notice the unease in the room as he sauntered over to the counter and poured himself a cup of coffee. “Good morning, girls. How’s it shaking?”

“Morning.” Prez glanced over his shoulder at me. “You boys ready for the run?”

“Yes, sir.” I poured myself some coffee. “We’re about to get loaded up.”

“Good deal.”

Goose walked over and sat down next to Memphis. “Any news with Antonia?”

“Well, she’s stopped crying herself to sleep, so I’d say she’s doing better.” You could hear the worry in his voice as Memphis said, “But she still hasn’t been able to reach her father, and that’s fucking with her head.”

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