Page 57 of Powerless
"Not even close." Reaper threw an arm around my shoulders and kissed my temple. "Welcome to life as an outlaw, sugar."
Twenty-One
MARIPOSA
Noelle and Jandro got Reaper and Hades well fed and hydrated. I cleaned Reaper's minor road rash, which turned out to be the most mild case of anyone I saw that day.
"How did everyone else fare?" he asked me as Hades snored by our feet.
"Some gunshot wounds, sprained ankles and dislocated shoulders, but nothing imminently life-threatening."
"Good," he sighed, visibly relieved as he leaned back on the couch. "And good thing you were here." He placed a hand on my thigh, looking at me affectionately. "You must be exhausted, sugar."
"I took a nap for a little bit. I sure as hell didn't go walking for miles all night."
"Yeah, a day with my feet up sounds great." A twinkle flashed in his eye as he smiled deviously at me. "I owe you a bath that's actually relaxing."
"That sounds amazing," I rested my chin on his shoulder. "I think I'll take you up on that."
"What are we waiting for?" His voice already grew husky, fingers kneading the flesh of my leg. Chances were we wouldn't be making it to the bathtub.
Jandro knocked on the conference room door and walked in just as we got to our feet.
"Shadow's on the patio by the pool," he said. "He kind of retreats to quiet places when there's a lot of commotion, but I think I convinced him you're not going to cut his dick off, or whatever he's afraid of."
"Oh, okay." I had forgotten about him for a moment after being so relieved that Reaper came back. I squeezed the president's hand and looked up at him. "I'll be quick."
"I'll get the bath started." He leaned down for a kiss, sensual and lingering. "Come to my room and meet me in the en suite." He squeezed my waist and whispered possessively, “You're not staying in the guest room anymore."
I smiled and gave him a gentle push to the door. "Go. Don't have too much fun without me."
"Never." He stole one last kiss before heading out into the hallway, Hades right on his heels.
Which left me and Jandro alone.
"I'm fucking glad he's back," he said with a sigh. "Honestly, I don't want the responsibility of being president. He's got his flaws but he's damn good leader."
"I'm glad, too," I said softly, unsure what else to say. What happened now? Was it going to be awkward between us? Were we just going to pretend we never kissed and never spent a night together?
"I'm happy for you, Mari," he added with a tight smile. "I'm glad you two are going to work it out."
"Jandro—“
"Do you need anything? Shadow knows you're coming. If you're good, I have a bunch of wrecked bikes I need to comb through in the shop."
"Okay. Um, yeah." I returned the tight smile. "I won't keep you. Remember to get some rest. I'll look at your sutures later."
"All right. See you, Mari." He said it warmly but walked off like he couldn't wait to get out of there. And with no kiss or hug, or any contact.
I shook my head at myself as I gathered up some fresh gloves and supplies.You just got back with Reaper. Jandro was a temporary distraction, but he's a friend.
It took a moment for me to find Shadow on the patio. He sat on a couch tucked back in a dark corner, nursing a large bottle of liquor.
"Good morning, Shadow," I greeted as I approached him. The sun had just rose over the far end of the pool and looked spectacular.
He didn't return the greeting this time, just watched me warily as he took a swig from his bottle.
"I understand you're not comfortable with women or people in general," I said as I snapped on my gloves. "So I'll make this quick. Sound good?"
