Page 36 of Tangled Threats on the Nomad Highway
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Einstein
Mother. Fuck.The easy way thatMarian followed him back to the bike belied the speed at whichshe’d tried to leave only a few minutes ago. No matter what hetried, he seemed to mess up with her. Being the sister of the newFreed Riders president’s old lady meant she would wield a certainamount of influence in the future, if she wanted.
That’s the only reason I’m so adamant to gether home safely.
The lie burned in his gut.
It didn’t have anything to do withleveraging today’s kindness against some far-flung moment ofneed.
No, the thought of leaving her here, orhaving her walk home, or having her ride on Horse’s bike—alltwisted through his chest like the gut punch of a fishhookswallowed deep. He didn’t know what it was, didn’t like it, andsurely wasn’t about to cultivate it—but he also couldn’t just lether walk away.
“First the helmet.” He held up a finger.“And before you argue, don’t. You’re wearing it, and if you ridewith me again”—what the actual fuck am I saying—“I’ll makesure I have two, one for each of us, so we’re strictly legal.”There wouldn’t be a second time. Shouldn’t be a first, but he’dboxed himself in neatly with his arguments.But for sure, nosecond ride.“I’ll get the bike running, then you come up onthis side, like a horse. Puts you opposite the pipes, which will behot. It’s good you’ve got jeans and boots on. They’ll protect you alittle bit against quick brushes against them, if it happens. Justbe careful.” She stared up at him from underneath the rim of thehelmet, eyes open wide as she listened closely to every word hesaid. “There’re two little pegs for your feet, to keep them fromgetting tangled in anything they shouldn’t. As long as you stay onbehind me and keep your boots on the pegs, you’ll be fine.”
She nodded, and he finished tightening thehelmet, tucking the extra length of strap back through the D-ringsto keep it out of the way. With the bike started, he settled in andthen gestured towards the seat behind him. Marian stared at him,then at the space between his ass and the back of the seat, andback to his face. He could tell she was wavering, reconsidering thedecision to ride with him, then caught the moment when hershoulders went back and her spine steeled. She hopped on one footto get her boot over the seat, taking his offside hand with a deathgrip when he offered it, levering herself into place with a bounceof the bike’s suspension.
“Where do I put my hands?” The side of thehelmet thudded against his head, and Einstein couldn’t helphimself. He laughed aloud, turning with a grin still on his face tosee a matching one on hers. “Sorry.”
“Hands at my waist, hold on to my belt.That’s best.” One of her hands settled into place, and he pattedthe hot spot he’d instantly become acutely aware of, tellinghimself he was just ensuring she secured her grip. “Literally youronly job is to not let go. Can you do that?”
“Oh, I expect I can manage.” Her smile waswide and genuine, and held enough amusement to light up thesky.
“Then let’s go home.”
***
Marian
Quiet steps carried her into the kitchen,and she flicked on the coffeemaker, watching for a moment to ensureit began its job. Careful not to make too much noise, she begangathering things for breakfast, smiling as she thought about theprevious morning. It had been nice working alongside Einstein.
The ride back had been nice too. Hiscautious maneuvering of the bike increased her confidence in himwith every turn and curve, and by the time they’d ridden up infront of Truck’s house, she couldn’t hide her wide grin.
Gunny had been on the porch, apparentlywaiting on them, and his gentle, “Little sister,” as greeting hadwarmed her insides.
Found family, she thought now,staring down at the eggs as she whisked them into a scrambledfroth.
Footsteps on the stairs pulled herattention, and she watched as Bane wandered down, yawning wide.
Glancing at the couch, she realized shecouldn’t see anything of Einstein and stared harder.
“He was up early to talk to Truck.”
Bane’s words were a surprising blow shedidn’t understand, and she busied herself with breakfast to hidethe reaction.
“Oh?”
“Yeah.” Bane poured himself a cup of coffee,only seeming to notice Marian’s lack at the last minute. “Want acup?”
Einstein wouldn’t have asked; he’d havejust poured and doctored it.He’d learned in the space of a fewhours that given a choice, Marian never asked for anything. Himjust doing for her had been a nice change, something she’d misswhen he left for good.
“That’s okay. I’ll get it in a minute.”
The eggs popped loudly as she poured theminto the ready skillet. No time to wonder if she was the reasonhe’d left the house early.
She had things to do.
Chapter Nine
