Page 28 of Bear Hunt

“Go home, Brock.”

“Only way I’m going home, Baby Girl, is if you come with me.” With a shrug, I put an end to that conversation.

“No, I don’t think I’d feel comfortable sleeping at the clubhouse. It’s… a lot.” Folding her legs, she brings her knees close to her body and rests her cheek on top so she can still look at me.

“I’ve got my own place, you know? It was my mother’s. It’s nothing massive, a simple three bedrooms, but it’s clean and well kept. Just the way my mama would have liked it.”

She smiles at that and my entire fucking world lights up.

“It sounds lovely.”

“It is. And if you’re tired of staying here, you can move into my home while I stay in my suite at the compound. It’s no big deal, just say the word.”

“No, I couldn’t do that, Brock. You’ve known me for less than a week, you can’t just offer to make me your roommate.” I frown because I hate the idea that she’d just be my roommate, but if that’s what she wants, I’ll respect it. Obviously.

“Just did, Baby Girl. But if you’re not comfortable coming back with me, it’s all good.” With a sincere smile plastered on my face, I hope she sees that, either way, it’s her call.

“You’re a strange one, Brock Bear, and as much as I appreciate your offer, I’m going to go inside and you’re going to go home.” As she reaches for the door, I place a tentative hand on her shoulder and wait for her to face me.

“Wait.” Her brows slant in confusion but I don’t have time to tell her anything before I’m jumping out of the truck and running around to her side, pulling open the passenger door. “M’Lady.” Extending an arm out then bringing it back in for her to place her hand in mine, my entire body hums with satisfaction at the sound of her giggle.

It’s my new favorite sound. I want to pour it into a bottle and keep it somewhere safe.

“Well, this is fancy.” As soon as her feet hit the ground, I bend at the waist and look up at her through my lashes. The carefree way she’s smiling is giving me life. I did that, I put that happiness on her lips and it’s making me feel like I’m a god.

The walk up the path to the house is quiet, the windows dark, which means everyone inside is asleep. Makes sense considering how late it is.

“Remember, if you need anything, I’m right here. Call me anytime.” Then it hits me. “Hand me your phone, I’ll put in my number.” Holding my hand out, I wait for her to slip her phone into it.

“I don’t have one.”

“Oh.” Without even making a conscious decision, I make a mental note to buy her one with a plan that allows her to do whatever the fuck she wants with it. “Well, no worries. I’ll be right out here if you want anything.”

With a nod, she reaches out and places a tentative, almost shy, hand on my forearm. I wish it were summer so I could feel the warmth of her skin on mine without my own leathers cockblocking me.

“Thank you, Brock.”

“Anytime, Baby Girl.”

Ten minutes later, I’m back in the truck with the covers over my chest playing a game on my phone when a notification gets my attention. It’s from Hoops and it’s in our encrypted chat boxthat Glitch had set up. When the Reapers came down from New York last year, they seriously made our lives a lot easier and safer. Now, we just need to get ourselves our own tech guy to make sure we’re up to speed with our security.

Hoops: Celia got a hit on Beaufort’s wife. Church first thing in the morning.

Not for the first time, I think about changing Hoops’s name to something that resembles his title of president. He’s taken over the role so smoothly after our beloved Prez was assassinated in cold blood last year, but I just can’t seem to change it.

Shaking off the sudden melancholy that always washes through me at the thought of Prez, I focus on the message. If the deputy sheriff has found the poor woman we almost killed last year for trying to kidnap Mac and destroying our town with dangerous drugs, then we definitely need to lay this shit to rest.

Me: See you in the A.M.

For now, I’ll be here, waiting, watching, making sure Athena is safe and sleeping soundly.

No one knows what tomorrow may bring.

Chapter Twelve

Athena

Today has been a day, but even though I feel like I haven’t stopped, I’m not tired. Not as I slowly unlace my new boots and slide them off my feet, not as I change into my freshly washed PJs—thank you, Maribel. And still not a hint of tiredness as I slip beneath the cool sheets.

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