Page 45 of Rebel

“You don’t have to. A good thief can get in and out without a trace. I’m just pissed I didn’t think to look for it before this shit happened. I’m sorry, Nikki.”

“No,” she shook her head. “This isn’t on you, and we have enough to worry about without your extra guilt.”

I smiled at her. “Thanks. I needed to hear that.”

She folded her arms, a smile still curving her lips even as she wore a defiant expression. “We’re still not leaving.”

“Stubborn woman,” I grumbled and spun her around as I gently pushed her back inside.

“I’m sorry Logan, I know this makes your life a hell of a lot more complicated and I’ll understand if this means we’re on our own.”

“Don’t even fucking say that to me.” I paced the length of the living room while my mind raced through scenarios. If it was just Nikki, I’d just drag her kicking and screaming to my place or to the clubhouse. But I wouldn’t do anything to traumatize Livvy. If she wouldn’t leave, there was only one option. I stopped pacing and smiled as I took out my phone and texted my brothers.

“What? What’s on your mind?”

When I looked up, Nikki was nibbling her bottom lip with worry. “Not much. Just texting the guys to bring me a few things since I’m gonna be here a while.” My lips curled into a teasing grin that only widened as her expression grew more shocked by the second.

“What?” She shook her head. “No offense, but you can’t just move in.”

“Why not?” I took a step in her direction and cupped one side of her face, loving the way she leaned into my touch. “We’re already sharing our bodies and Livvy’s already seen me in your room.”

“Logan,” she sighed.

“And if she has questions, we’ll just tell her a version of the truth, I’m protecting you guys from those bad men.” No matter how scared she was, Nikki loved her daughter and would do whatever it took to keep her safe, even if it meant having me under foot.

“You just have answers for everything, don’t you?”

“Not everything.” I didn’t have an answer for the things she made me feel. For the softness that formed in my chest when I was with Livvy. It was confusing as hell, and I didn’t have time to find answers right now.

“Fine, you can stay. There’s no guest room but there’s a small office on the first floor.”

I pushed my lips out. “I can’t just sleep with you?”

“You can,” she grinned. “But only after Livvy goes to bed.”

I held out my hand and wrapped it around hers. “You have yourself a deal.”

“Mommy? Mr. Rebel?” Livvy appeared at the top of the stairs, eyes sleepy and still red with tears. She sniffled. “I heard yelling.”

“We weren’t yelling,” I reassured her. “Your mom is stubborn and sometimes forgets to use her inside voice.”

That made her giggle, and she came down the stairs one step at a time. “Are we still gonna make cookies,” she asked hopefully.

I laughed because I couldn’t help myself. “You are a very determined little girl so I guess I accept your mommy’s apology so that we can all make cookies.”

“Yay!” She leapt off the bottom step and right into my arms. Seconds later she was chatting about cookies as if this was a typical Saturday.

I headed towards the kitchen and stopped, turning to Nikki. “You coming?”

She flashed a smile that didn’t reach her eyes. “Yeah, I need a minute. I’ll be back in a minute, yeah?”

I nodded and hoisted Livvy up on my hip. “We’ll be down here making a mess of your kitchen. Take your time.” I winked and distracted Livvy with cookie ingredients. “So, what should we make first?”

“Chocolate chocolate chip, please!” She clapped her hands as I set her on her feet. “Chocolate is the best. Is it your favorite too?”

“No.” I kept my expression serious as I turned to her. “Chocolate is good, buteverybodylikes chocolate. My absolute favorite is peanut butter cookies. Nothing tastes better.”

She looked up at me as if I had two heads and five eyes. “No way! Really?”

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