Page 52 of Reaper & the Lioness
Thane let out a rumble of laughter. “Why do I get the sense the two of you aren’t doing much talking anyway?”
I flipped him off. “Enough about Eva. Is everyone ready to head to Austin?”
The humor vanished from Thane’s expression. “Yeah, but this could go south fast. That’s why I want you to lead the operation.”
I nodded, the familiar adrenaline rush coursing through me at the prospect of action. “Send a message to the Hickok that we’ll meet in one week. That buys us time for planning. We’ll need intel, manpower, and a solid exit strategy.”
As I headed out to check on the drywallers at one of the houses down the street, I shot Eva a quick message.
Me: Want to go to the clubhouse for dinner tonight?
She responded immediately.
Eva: YES!! Can we bring Hawk?
Me: Sure. We’ll just have to take my truck.
Eva: Or you could get a sidecar. I could buy Hawk some of those cute little goggles.
Me: I am not putting a sidecar on my Harley. Be ready at 5:30, Lioness.
A smile tugged at my lips as I pocketed my phone. This evening would give Eva the chance to integrate with my world.
Chapter Twenty-One
Ibuzzed with excitement to get out of the cabin for a night. I’d texted Rhetta, convincing her to stop at my house to bring me a few things I’d need to be ready.
“All right, spill,” Rhetta demanded as soon as she walked through the door. “I want all the juicy details about you and Reaper.”
Hawk bounded over, tail wagging as he greeted her.
She followed me through the cabin and dropped the bag on the bed.
I glanced at her as I finished applying mascara, careful not to smudge the smoky eye makeup or the dark, sultry lipstick. “What’s there to tell? You already figured out that we’re hooking up.”
Rhetta rolled her eyes. “Oh, please. I want more than that. How’s the sex? What was this elusive prize he won Saturday night?”
I couldn’t help the grin that spread across my face as I dug through the bag. I pulled out the outfit I had in mind for tonight.
“The sex … mind blowing. Like, earth-shatteringly good. He cuffed me to the bed and … I don’t even know how to describe the experience.”
“I knew you had a kinky side hidden under that business suit! But, come on, it’s more than just sex, isn’t it? I noticed how you two were looking at each other. I’ve never seen either of you like this before.”
“Yeah, this thing with Roman feels different.”
“I still can’t believe you call him that. Most of the guys in the club don’t even know his real name.”
A small smile played on my lips. “I know we’re moving really fast. But I’ve never experienced anything like this before.”
“I felt the same when I first met Thane. It was like everything just clicked. We moved fast, too, but when you know, you know.”
“And you’ve never regretted it?”
“Not for a second. Sure, the club life can be tough, but Thane and I are a team. We face everything together. You know, Reaper doesn’t let many people in. His childhood was rough. He took care of his mom and Linc. They even spent some time in a shelter before his dad went to prison.”
A pang struck my chest, pieces of Reaper’s life he hadn’t told me falling into an unfinished puzzle. “He hasn’t talked about that yet.”
Rhetta nodded. “He wouldn’t. I only know what Linc has shared with me. But I’m so excited. You fit into this world so well.”
