Page 60 of Paladin's Hell

“So nothing needs to change?”

“Your pace, your needs, Doll. I’ll be here and will be whatever you want.”

But for how long?

“You looking forward to starting school? Getting back to normal?”

It’s Paladin, no reason to put on a brave face. “Not really. I won’t know anyone, and I’ll be a new girl. I’ll be in a lower grade than others my age, and I won’t want to tell anyone why.”

“Hey, Doll. You’re beautiful and intelligent. Might have fallen back on some of your schooling, but you’ve a good fuckin’ head on those shoulders of yours. They’re going to love you.”

I have no illusions about how cruel teenagers my age can be. Find a weakness and pick up on it.

“Hey, first day of semester, how about I take you there on the back of my Harley? Make a grand entrance and a point that you’re under the Devils’ protection.”

I grin. “And, a point that I’m taken? My boyfriend dropping me off?”

He chuckles, “Doll, you see right through me. Thought I was hiding it better than that.”

I don’t mind. I don’t want to fend off unwanted male attention. Showing that I’m spoken for would make it easier.

“Thanks Pal.” I smile. “It would be like old times. And, if something comes up and you can’t make it, I’ll understand, okay?” He won’t be able to drop everything here like he was able to do back home. I need to grow up and understand that. I’ve said the right thing, his face relaxes.

As if on cue, his phone pings. He takes it out, reads the message, and shakes his head.

“You got to go?”

“Dynamics babe. Said I don’t know what they are. Cad’s asking to see me.”

I interpret what he’s saying. In Tucson, he knew which brothers he had to jump and respond to. Here, he hasn’t yet figured that out. “You have to go then.” I paste the most genuine look I can on my face. “It’s okay, Pal. I really do understand.”

His crooked smile is both of appreciation, and of regret he’s having to leave. He softens it by asking, “Want to go for a ride, when I get my new seat fitted?”

Do I? Of course I freaking do. Trying not to bounce up and down in anticipation, showing my eagerness like a young child, I keep my voice as even as I can when I reply to his question, “Sure. Why not? Sounds fun.”

He stands, leans over and plants a gentle kiss to my forehead, then picks up the empty beer bottle and looks around for the trash can. I already know where it’s hidden away, so I stand and take it from him. Being so close to him, I take advantage, driven to do something I’ve never done. Going up on tiptoe, I press my lips against his cheek.

His smile is worth it. “Thank Moira for the beer for me, will you?” Then, after one last lingering look, he’s gone.

“So that’s your young man?”

Abruptly turning, I see Moira standing in the door way. I nod at her question which doesn’t need an answer. Her speedy appearance proving what I thought all along. She’s been listening to every word.

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