Page 26 of Bratva Hunter

Chapter 7

ROSA

Light fills the room. It’s not Melanie’s bedroom. I jerk more awake and realize a warm cocoon holds my body, and I remember. Rory. His scent permeates my nose with the scent of sex to remind me of the wee hours in the morning. This is the safest I’ve felt since Prague. His strong arms wrap around me. Nothing can hurt me so long as he’s here. The need to pee drives me out of his arms.

“Baby?”

“I’ve got to pee.” His chuckling feels so right. I move to the bathroom and relieve myself. Glancing in the mirror, I’m naked, and my hair looks like I’ve shoved my finger in a light socket. I’ve got nothing to smooth it down. The shower looks so inviting, but my only clean clothes are across the hall.

A knock startles me. “One second.” I move to answer the door.

“Here are your clothes.”

The man washed and dried my clothes. I stare at the basket and then raise my eyes to his. “Thank you.” I reach for the basket as he smirks, edging around me into the bathroom.

“Grab a shower. I’ll rustle up some breakfast.” He kisses my forehead before he exits the door, leaving me staring at his retreating backside.

Standing in the shower with the water streaming down, I can’t get the man out of my head. To be honest, I haven’t been able to forget him. My body hums. What he did with my body this morning and in Prague, fills my soul with happiness. I finish my shower and put on fresh clothes. Is today the day they find me? Dread creeps up my spine as I walk out the door.

The table is set for two people and Rory stands next to the table like an expectant child waiting for a present. “Breakfast should be here soon. I got a sampling of everything from the diner down the block.”

“I’m starving. Thank you.”

He motions for me to sit as I catch his scent again. Would I be a slut if I jumped him right now? The tapping at the door prevents me from answering my own question, but it hangs in the back of my mind. I want him. To be honest, he’s the only man I’ve ever wanted.

He sets the bags on the table and dishes out the food. “You’ve lost weight since Europe.”

I glance down at the tank top and boy shorts I put on. “It’s been hard to stay on a routine. I’m afraid.”

His hands wrap around me, pulling me onto his lap. “You don’t need to be afraid anymore. I’m here now.”

Could it be that easy? I rest my head against his chest. The luscious aroma teases my nose as I lean for the plate of food and my fork. “My favorites.”

“I’m glad you like what I ordered.” He adjusts me on his lap so I can eat off my plate, and he can eat off of his. “Are you ready to tell me all about what’s going on?”

His tone compels me to speak. I open my mouth and jump when a loud bang slams in the hallway. Rory grabs his phone. He’s looking at a view of the hallway. He has a camera? I stare at him while he watches the screen.

“I always set up a camera to guard my door. It just happened to cover your door across the hall as well.”

I nod. “It’s them.” Men in black motorcycle leather with ‘Phoenix Inferno’ written on the backs. The emblem is different from the guys at the bar. My hand instinctively goes to my mouth.

“You’re okay.” Rory moves me back to the bedroom. “Stay here.” He closes the door as I sit in the closet with my fist against my mouth.

It’s an eternity until Rory is back. He’s dressed and has my clothes basket in his hands. He sets it on the floor next to the closet. “Get dressed and throw your clothes into my black bag.”

“I’ve got stuff in the apartment.”

“Yeah. I guessed that. Is the thing you stole there too?”

I shake my head slowly. “It’s with me.”

“Okay. Be ready to leave in a few minutes.”

“Really?”

“We’ll be okay. Trust me.”

I take a deep breath. I do. I can’t explain why, but I do.

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