Page 26 of Desert Heat

I had a duty to protect her from the threat.

Even if she is my enemy’s daughter.

“I’m the real threat to you, baby girl. But somehow, I think you might be the biggest threat to me too.” I stared up at the night sky, realizing the stars look the same way here as they do at home.

CHAPTER 7

“Pancakes.Make me some, woman. Coffee, too. Stong and dark.”

“I’m not your damn waitress.” I slam the cupboards, ignoring the giant on the couch in my living room.

“Eggs, bacon…”

“I’ll take a stack with a side of toast,” another deep voice rumbles.

“The fuck?” I spun around as Tank ambles in my kitchen, bleary-eyed, wearing only his boxers.

“Put some clothes on,” I gestured, spatula in hand.

“Admit it. You like my bear-like body.” He winked, making a muscle pop in his right arm.

I rolled my eyes. “Clothes on. You have too much body hair to be near the food in my kitchen.”

“What? Women love my manly chest hair…”

“We sure do.” Brandi, wraps an arm around his waist, smacking his lips with a hungry kiss.

“Well, at least now I know where your shirt is.” His T hangs past Brandi’s knees.

“I’ll help,” she smiles politely at me, looking way better than I thought she would after last night. Brandi is the type of girl I pegged who only looks good before midnight and like shit after.

“I thought you’s have raccoon eyes with splotchy skin.”

“Lash extensions and my spray tan. They both last well past beer goggles.”

“I’m hitting the shower.” Tank announces, scratching his six pack.

“You might want to go wake up sleeping beauty,” I reply cracking an egg in the hot frying pan. The sound of it sizzling fails to drown out Hunter’s voice from the other room.

“Did she just call me beautiful? I knew it.”

I felt his presence at my back a few minutes later but I couldn’t turn around. Something is changing between us. Something I’m not sure I’m ready for.

“You’re going to need more eggs.”

“I never said any of this was for you.”

“Feed me woman. After all I did save you twice last night.”

“Twice?” I finished scrambling the eggs before turning to face him.

“When did this happen?” Without meaning to, my fingers grazed the bruise on his right cheek.

“Oh this? Just two cars of drunk Beta Phi’s showing up after three ready to show you their version of a good time.”

I felt my face pale. Despite my bravado, I knew if he and Tank hadn’t stayed a woman’s worst fears could’ve happened to me. I live so far out in the woods the police would’ve been too late. That’s assuming I even got the chance to call.

“Thanks. I was a bit pissed last night. I took pills to help me sleep.”

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