Page 46 of Reaper & the Lioness
“We’ll have to decide on the spot if we give Poe the chance to write a new chapter.”
As we discussed ideas and contingencies, the air grew thick with cigarette smoke and tension. We hammered out a plan to send one last message to the Rangers and end the brewingconflict between our clubs. After two hours, Thane slammed down the gavel and passed around a fifth of Jack Daniel’s.
“Dinner at your place tonight,” Thane informed me after taking a shot. “Apparently, the ladies made plans.”
“Have they? This is the first I’m hearing of it.”
Thane grinned. “Rhetta says you’re in charge of the steaks. Apparently, Eva can’t be trusted in the kitchen.”
“Don’t I fuckin’ know it. I think she’d live off potato chips and chocolate if I didn’t cook for her. I baked her muffins this morning.” The words slipped out before I could stop myself. Fuck me.
Thane roared with laughter. “You baked muffins for her?”
“Shut the fuck up. If I don’t leave her with food, she’ll text me all day like I’m her snack bitch.”
Thane shook his head, still grinning. “Didn’t realize you were running a bed and breakfast. You’re a goddamn Martha Stewart. You’re losing your edge—going all domestic on me.”
“I’m not losing my edge. I’m keeping her alive, just like you asked. Feeding her is part of that.”
“You tired of pretending you don’t want more from her than this roommate situation? A relationship would be good for you.”
I shook my head. This wasn’t like me. I didn’t do relationships. I was Reaper, for fuck’s sake. Cold. Calculating. Lethal. No attachments. No distractions.
I fought the urge to defend myself further because it would only encourage him. “I need to get back to work. I’ll see you tonight.”
I flipped Thane off as I walked away, and the sound of his laughter followed me out of the clubhouse.
As much as I enjoyed having Eva locked away in my cabin, my brother still hadn’t updated me about where the Abells were hiding so we could end the threat on her life.
Me: Any updates?
Linc: Right after they put out the contract, they boarded a plane for a vacation in Switzerland. I’m guessing their plan was to return after she was confirmed dead.
Me: When are they scheduled to fly back?
Linc: Not sure yet.
Me: Okay, keep an eye on them.
Linc: Got it, boss.
Me: By the way, Thane and Rhetta are coming to my place for dinner. If you come, bring your own beer.
Linc: You sure it’s okay if I crash your double date?
Me: Fuck off. You’re not invited anymore.
I tried to focus on the road ahead, but the wind whipped past me with my running thoughts as I left the clubhouse. This thing with Eva seemed different than my previous hookups. Not just a quick fuck to scratch an itch, but something more. My chest tightened in an unfamiliar way as I thought of her. The touch of her lips. The sound of her breathy moans and gasps. The way she fit perfectly against me. It went beyond physical, though. Eva's clever quips and the way she laughed. Her sharp intelligence. Her fearlessness.
I'd watched her warm with every interaction with the club. Maisie already treated her with the same love and respect asshe did the other old ladies. She’d helped Jack feel comfortable on camera and defended us at the market. I'd even felt her eyes on me as I played with Tilly, Talia, and Leo at the cookout. She understood we were more than just outlaws with motorcycles. This woman drew me in. Every part of my dark heart wanted her. But could she want every part of me?
Ikicked open the door with an armful of groceries. Eva glanced up from her laptop, and her face lit with a smile that sent my heart racing. I could overhear a man regaling her with a story about the fish he’d caught that morning. I sat the groceries down and put the cold beer in the refrigerator until Hawk started tearing at the paper bags to get to the steaks.
“Hey, asshole. Get out of there. Those aren’t for you.”
I moved the steaks and potato salad to the countertop before Hawk could commandeer them.
The man paused mid-sentence. “Who’s there with you?”
