Page 75 of Reaper & the Lioness
He moved past me into the bedroom, and I noticed his limp.
“It’s nothing. You should go back to sleep.”
“Like hell I will. You’re hurt. You’ve been shot again, haven’t you?”
Reaper sighed as he sank onto the edge of the bed. “Yes, I was shot. It went all the way through. Didn’t hit anything vital. Doc patched me up before I came home.”
“What kind of club business involves you getting shot in the middle of the night?”
I stood in front of him, my arms crossed on my chest. His eyes flashed with irritation.
“This is my responsibility as VP. Sometimes it gets messy.”
“Who the fuck shot you?”
“The Rangers’ president.”
Rage coursed through me. “That motherfucker. I’ll kill him myself!”
“You’re too late. I already did.”
“Damn it. This is exactly why I wanted you to tell me what you were planning this morning. You could have died tonight, and I wouldn’t have known a damn thing about it!”
He ran a hand over his exhausted face. “I didn’t even think to tell you. I’ve never had to do this before. Sometimes, I don’t even think about the danger myself.”
“Well, you’d better start thinking about it,” I snapped, but some of the fight had left me. “I deserve to know when you’re in the line of fire.”
Reaper nodded as he reached to take my hand. I let him, despite my lingering anger.
“You’re right. I need to do better. But there are some things I can’t share. Not won’t—can’t. For your safety and for the club’s.”
“I can’t be kept completely in the dark. I need to know when you’re in real danger. Not every detail, but enough to know what I’m dealing with. Enough to not be blindsided when this happens.”
“Fair. You have to understand that this life … it’s not always black and white. Sometimes, the less you know, the better.”
I jabbed a finger into his chest. “I’m not some delicate fucking flower that needs to be shielded from the realities of what you do as a Maverick. I can handle more than you think.”
Reaper’s arm wrapped around me. He pulled me close despite my half-hearted resistance.
“I know you’re strong. This isn’t about that. It’s about keeping you safe. About not causing unnecessary fear and anxiety.”
“What about keeping my heart safe? I’ve already lost my mother and Jace. The fear of the unknown is worse.”
The memories of losing my mother and big brother sent a sharp stab of grief through me. Reaper stiffened as he considered my request, and his eyes softened as he gazed at me with love and empathy.
“I promise to tell you what I can. But you have to promise me you won’t push for details I can’t give you.”
“I can live with that. As long as you’re honest with me about the big stuff. Like, oh, I don’t know … getting fucking shot?”
He grinned. “Deal.”
“Let’s get you cleaned up.” I guided him toward the bathroom. “Pants off.”
He raised a brow at me suggestively, and I laughed. “You’re not getting in bed covered in blood. I’m going to help you clean up. Nothing more. You’re injured.”
Reaper ran his hands down the thin tank top I wore. My nipples pebbled at his touch, and I smacked his hand away.
“I’m still mad at you. Now, fucking take your pants off so you can come to bed.”
