Page 34 of Bear Hunt

“Damn right, little man. But you need to get permission from your mama, too. Can’t be kidnapping you ‘cause they’ll lock my ass up and throw away the key.”

“I will. I’ll ask her and beg her and then beg some more.” As we both stand back up, both of my knees pop, and of course, Paxton doesn’t miss a beat. “Dayum, Bear. You’re getting old.”

“Don’t make me go back on my promise, boy. Now, go on and eat lunch with your mama. Never let a woman eat alone if you can help it.” Just as he nods and hurries off as fast as he ran over here earlier, a rush of electricity skims across every inch of my skin and I just know. It’s like the moment before lightning strikes, when the air is charged and the world seems to hold its breath for a fraction of a second.

My eyes find her immediately.

On the outside, there’s nothing different about her. She’s the same force of nature who took my breath away, the same understated beauty that knocked me on my ass. But her smile? Fuck me. Her smile makes the sun seem dull by comparison.

“There she is.” As soon as she reaches me, I take her hand like I did this morning and raise it up to my lips where I drop a gentle kiss on her knuckles.

“Hi.” I fucking love it when she whispers that one simple word.

“Hi. What did Lucy want to talk about?” Fuck, I hope she comes through for her.

“She’d like to give me a trial run.” As she announces the news, her mouth breaks into a wide grin that shows all of her pearly whites.

“Nice! You did it!” I’m so fucking proud of her but I’m trying not to overwhelm her with my excitement.

“Well, I need my identification papers and all that. Something about the law and… insurance?” It’s cute when she’s confused about the basic ways things work in our society until I remember why that is.

The Firm owns her.

That singular thought destroys my mood.

“Are you okay?” When I shift my gaze back to her, I grin as well.

“Yeah, of course. Just thinking of logistics.” Meaning, we need to have a conversation that doesn’t end with her pulling a Mac on me.

“Hey, girly! I just had a quick convo with Lucy. Good job, babe!” Mac barrels in and hugs Athena like they’ve been BFFs for the better part of their lives right before she places the brand new driver’s license and passport in Athena’s hand. It’s discreet and neither says a word about it. Smart.

“It’s nothing yet. Just a test or something.” Athena shrugs and I want to take away her uncertainty and fill her with confidence. I know only time can do that but I’ll try my fucking best in the meantime.

“Not nothing. You’ll show up, do the job, and get hired permanently because you’re a badass.” As soon as the words escape me, I realize my mistake.

“Badass? Like a bad person?” Fuck my life. In my need to build her up, I’ve managed to kick the chair out from under her.

“Nah, bad here is good. Like you’re rocking it! Killing it! You’re gonna show them all your quick learning and thinking and I bet the cafe’s gonna triple its income, ‘cause you know these knuckleheads will be here every damn day.” And Mac saves my ass. We share a look that says she’s got my back and I’m grateful.

“Come on, let’s get it done then. I’ll even buy you a drink.” Opening the door for Athena, I take a whiff of her hair as she walks by and almost lose my footing. Fuck, she smells like springtime in the middle of winter. It’s fucking addictive. Now I understand why Psycho was so obsessed.

With her new ID cards in hand, I watch as she shows them to Lucy and fills out all of her paperwork, Mac sitting by her sideto help her out. They order and Mac convinces her to try a latte with a pinch of spice.

I don’t know what the big deal is with the pumpkin shit. I like my coffee without all the distractions. Black and bold… just like me.

Paxton and his mom are having what seems to be a serious conversation so I don’t go sit with them, choosing instead to take a stool two spots away from Mac. Contrary to Psycho, I try not to invade my woman’s space. Clearly, Mac has no qualms taking over as she points to the page and gives instructions. Lucy, who is probably in the loop by now, watches with kind eyes as Athena learns the basics of life in our society.

The urge to burn every motherfucker who put her in this position is strong. Overpowering, even.

By the time they’ve finished with the application, it’s been twenty minutes and I’m jacked up on coffee, but seeing Athena’s watery eyes as Lucy hands her an apron and a name tag tugs at the very fabric of my soul. Fuck, I want to make her that happy every day.

We say our goodbyes just as Kincaid and Jonesy show up at the entrance with their arms full of bags. Did these two go fucking shopping while waiting on us?

“Is it someone’s birthday and I forgot?” I’m scratching my bald head with my hand not holding my helmet, the club calendar running through my mind.

“Don’t let Mac hear you say that.” I don’t have time to ask Jonesy what the fuck he’s talking about before Mac snorts behind me.

“Of course you forgot.” Shit. What am I missing?

---