Page 50 of Property of Bones

“Because he’s married,” he says simply.

And just like that, my heart gives one ridiculous little flutter.

“Where are your house keys?” he asks. “I’ll head over and pack your things. Text me a list of what you need.”

“I can come with you,” I offer quickly.

“Not happening, Sunny.” He’s already standing.

“Well, I don’thavemy keys, remember? All I have are these pajamas that I’m ready to change out of. Plus, you broke down my door. I’ve probably been robbed by now.”

“Hey there, darlin’,” Tank says as he walks up, holding out a set of keys to Jack. “Thought you’d already left, Bones. Was about to come find you. I didn’t have a chance to give these to Sunny yet.”

“Thanks, brother,” Jack says, taking the keys. “Keep an eye on my woman? I’ll be back in a few hours.”

Some kind of silent caveman biker telepathy passes between them, then Jack leans down and presses a kiss to my head.

“Be back soon, baby.”

Then he’s gone.

“Your stuff wasn’t taken,” Tank says after a beat. “I went over yesterday to fix your door. Had to put a new one on.”

“Oh. Thanks.”

“No problem.” He smiles kindly. “So... he’s taken to you pretty deeply, huh?”

I glance over at Jack, now talking to Riley and Abby near the clubhouse. My face heats up.

“Has he?” I ask, trying for casual. “Maybe he just really likes rescuing damsels in distress. He always seems to be there when I’m in the middle of something.”

“Nah,” Tank chuckles. “He’s been smitten with you for months now. Ever since he first saw you at Marv’s.”

“Whatever you say, big guy.”

“Hey, Tank,” Abby calls as she and Riley return to the porch with a smiling Asher.

“Hey, Abby,” Tank replies, voice soft as silk.

Abbyblushesand coughs to cover it up.

Interesting.

“You girls enjoy your lunch,” he says, backing away. “I’ll be in the clubhouse if you need me.”

Then he turns and strolls toward the largest building in the compound, just as calm and cool as you please.

The porch is quiet now.

Jack is gone, and with him goes the tension that had wrapped around my lungs like barbed wire.

But weirdly, I kinda miss it.

Not the fear. Not the pressure. Just...him.

His presence. The way he watched me like I was the most unpredictable grenade in the compound, and he wasn’t sure whether to smother me or salute me.

I stare at the space where he knelt.

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