Page 57 of Desert Heat

I resumed my tiger-like pacing, just needing to confront River. To get out the building explosion and burn us both. Get the nuclear break up over and done so I can could start soothing the after burn.

“Hey,” Brandi walked in a few minutes later looking a hell of a lot better than yesterday,

“Hey, you ok?”

“Not really, “ she shrugged.

“You?”

“Not really.”

We shared a soft smile as Tank reappeared carrying a serving tray. I couldn’t help the soft snort that escaped me as the giant man wearing baggy jeans, a chain belt and a T showing off more tats than I thought he had served me fucking tea.

“Biscuits?” I eyes the plate speculatively as he sat the tray down on the dresser.

“Fresh outta the oven. The doc said no caffeine for ya’ ladies for a few days so hot tea with honey instead.”

“How fucking cute,” I snarked, still taking two biscuits and the cup of tea. I stared at Tank as I stuffed the first one in my mouth. Finally, my brow rose hoping he’d get the hint to go.

“Ok… you ladies relax. I’ll send someone to check on ya’ in a. Bit. Go easy on the Pledge.”

“You have a Pledge up here.”

“Nope, he’s from The Devi’s Glen. Anything ya’ need within reason he’ll get for ya.”

“Great, shoo.” I motioned with my hand.

“Be good. Both of you,” he warned.

I saluted him with my middle finger while Brandi avoided eye contact all together despite him gripping her chin and kissing her on her split lips.

“I love ya’ girl,” he growled low with one hand fisted when she didn’t say it back.

I pressed my ear to the door, counting twelve steps of his heavy boots going down the stairs before trying the handle. “He locked us in.”

I wasn’t surprised but definitely disappointed.

“I’m sorry. I just can’t pretend everything is okay and my varsity baller is really an enforcer in a motorcycle gang.”

“So,” I declared taking sip of the hot tea. “What are we unpacking first? Me and River or you and him?”

She sighed, throwing herself back on the bed. “The man held me all night. Wouldn’t leave. He even sat in the bathroom while I showered like a damn guard dog. I mean I always wanted an alpha man you know? Someone who would be hot, and a bit crazy about me but all this…. This is waaayyyyy too much.”

“I’m so sorry. I truly had no idea. They both fooled me when I pride myself on having a pretty good bullshit meter.”

“Yeah, well, the two of them… are a force. River all dark and hot and they way he looked at you...”

“Like an obsession? His enemies daughter whose heart he was out to slaughter?” I finished for her.

“No, like you were his universe. His own personal solar system that he spun around.”

“Damn,” I groaned.” It was like that. If only it was real and I wasn’t pretending. If he did want me it was the girl I was trying to be not who I really am.”

“And who is that?”

“A girl who grew up with dust under her nails, a mutt named Cabo, and a brother who died way too young. My mother was a hooker from Vegas who thought being an Ol’ lady to a motorcycle outlaw guy like my dad was hot as fuck. Until it wasn’t.”

“Damn. I need a cigarette for this story…,” she drew a pack with a lighter from the pocket of her hoodie. I recognized Tank’s favorite lighter.

---