Page 23 of Rebel

Rio’s eyebrow arched.“Didn’t take you for the spiritual type.”

“I’m not,” I said with a half-smile.“But I’ve been around long enough to know coincidences are rare.”

She studied me for a long moment, weighing, assessing.I could almost see the calculations running behind her eyes -- the risk assessment, the cost-benefit analysis of trusting someone after God knows what she’d been through.

“One night,” she said eventually.“I’ll stay one more night, and then I’ll decide.”

I nodded, careful not to show too much reaction.Something told me it would be longer, but I wouldn’t press the issue.“Fair enough.”

Jordan and Josie exchanged glances.I knew them well enough to realize they felt something was off with Rio, as if she wasn’t quite herself.

“I need some air,” Rio said abruptly, setting down her barely touched drink.

“Hang a right off the porch and you’ll find a picnic area,” Josie offered, pointing.“Quieter out there, unless a bunch of kids are there.”

Rio nodded her thanks and moved away, her stride purposeful.I watched her go, noting how the brothers made space for her as she passed, respect already forming after word spread that she was former military.

“What are you doing, Rebel?”Jordan asked once Rio was out of earshot.

I glanced at her.“Helping someone who needs it.”

“Is that all?”Josie pressed, arms crossed.

I didn’t answer immediately.The truth was more complicated than I was ready to admit, even to myself.

“She’s running from something,” I said finally.“Or someone.I’d rather she ran to us than keep going alone.”

“And if she brings trouble?”Jordan asked, always the pragmatic one.

I shrugged.“Then we handle it.That’s what we do.And just FYI, Charming is already aware of what’s going on.”

Josie studied me for a moment longer, then nodded slowly.“I’ll tell Jackal to keep an ear out, see if anyone’s looking for her.You know he has friends at the bars in town.”

“Appreciate it,” I said.

I looked toward the door where Rio had disappeared.Through the window, I could see her leaning against the railing, staring out at nothing, her posture alert even in this moment of solitude.Looked like she hadn’t wanted to go over to the picnic area.She might say I was a stranger, but I got the feeling she felt safer with me nearby.

And for reasons I wasn’t fully ready to examine, I liked that I made her feel safe.

Chapter Six

Rebel

Rio had been here longer than she’d planned.Not that I was going to rush her off.I liked having her in my house, which made me realize I really wouldn’t mind it being a permanent thing.Ridley had taken to her and made sure she had appropriate clothes for riding a motorcycle, seeming to know Rio belonged here with us.

I spotted Rio across the parking lot before she saw me.Her focus was entirely on her riding gear, fingers testing straps and pockets with the precision of someone who trusted nothing to chance.Good.She’d need that attention to detail for what I had in mind.The sunlight was nearly blinding, but it was a great day for a ride.I only hoped she liked the surprise I had for her.

The lot was empty except for us.I stepped closer, letting my boots scuff against the ground just enough to announce my presence.

Rio’s head snapped up.Her strawberry-blonde hair caught the light as it shifted around her shoulders.Those blue eyes narrowed, assessing me in a heartbeat.She didn’t relax when she recognized me.Smart girl.

“Thought you’d be inside,” she said, nodding toward the clubhouse behind us.Her Georgia drawl made the words sound almost friendly.Almost.

“Had something better in mind.”I stepped aside and gestured to what I’d parked behind me.

The Harley-Davidson Nightster sat like a coiled beast waiting to pounce.All sleek black lines with just enough chrome to catch the afternoon light.Brand fucking new, with pipes that would wake the dead when fired up proper.Not my bike -- mine was built for power, not seduction -- but this one had a different purpose.

Rio froze, her gaze locked on the machine.Her face didn’t give much away, but I caught the slight parting of her lips, the momentary pause in her breath.

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