Page 42 of Unwrapped

“WHAT? You’re the one who invited me here.”

“I know. But Dev’s pregnant… this Christmas is special.”

“I’m not bunking out in the hidden safe room.”

“No need. A new bed and breakfast opened. I took Dev there on our first date. They have rooms.”

“…the one on Old Orchard Road?”

He smirks, “That’s the one.”

“Fuck, me. Fine. I’ll be out of here as soon as I finish this,” I raise the piping hot black Colombian goodness to my mouth. That old bastard is up to something. But if fate has me shacking up at the same place as fur baby…well maybe I’ll take the Santa suit with me… I grin like the devil as I finish my coffee.

“What?” Rog frowns. “I’ve seen that smug look on you before. I didn’t like it then and I hate it even more now.”

Dev strolls in wearing one of his plaid flannel shirts and a thick pair of socks.

“What’s going on?” She looks back and forth between us.

“Nothing. Get back in the bedroom,” he orders, smacking her on the ass. “We have company, put some pants on.”

“It’s just, Dare,” she rolls her eyes.

“He can still see your thighs.”

“Barely.”

“You have the sexiest knees I’ve ever seen and the sexiest bedroom voice,” I smirk, giving Rog’s woman bedroom eyes.

She smirks back and pours her own coffee, but Rog takes it from her hands before it touches her lips. “No caffeine. It ain’t good for the baby.”

“You pissing me off isn’t good for the baby,” she replies.

“Oh hush, woman, he growls cupping her ass as he lifts her high for a kiss. Maybe getting out of here is a good idea.

“I’ll off. I’ll be at Sassy’s tonight.”

“Great! We’re having a holiday party. Half-priced drinks until eight.”

“Is the whole town invited.”

“Practically.”

“Mind if I help myself?” I nod over to Rog’s gun safe. He nods and my fingers on the dial remembering the three digits. I’m going to need a few if I’m going to protect Sassy’s from unwanted guests. Old habits die hard. Rog introduced me to the MC life, but he was also the one who made sure I got out and mad something more of myself. I owe him.

I take out a Glock and check the clip. My movements steady and fast. In three seconds, I’ve morphed back into the ruthless man I was in the past. It was as easy as changing a pair of shoes. “Where is this hotel anyway.”

“Old Orchard Road.”

I nod. “I’ll see you later.” With that I tuck another gun into the back of my jeans, grab a few bullet boxes and go the guestroom to grab my bag. I do a quick search for this inn on my phone. It looks swanky for Springdale. At least it has an indoor spa and workout room. I ate so many damn cookies today I’d better workout. My black boots crunch the snow under my feet as I shut the door to Rog’s cabin and breathe in deep. My eyes look up at the evergreen surrounding the land. The air is crisp with a hint of woodsmoke. Silence surrounds me. Wistfulness churns in my gut. Home never felt like home. I live in a concrete jungle now but always wished I’d find peace in the wild North West.

Maybe one day.

Until then I’ll make a home with Freddie and fill it with the best things I can find. Shit like a puppy forgotten about, left in some kennel after the rest of the litter was picked. It’ll fit right in. A leftover. A forgotten one. But no more. I’m changing the road we’ll be on from the forgotten one to the found.

13

Shiloh

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