Page 100 of Their Property
“He’s not fluent,” T-Bone said softly. “He just…doesn’t like to use it.”
“I gathered that.” Kyrie spoke quietly, a coolness in her tone that was a shocking contrast to the warmth she usually exuded. “But it seems that's changed now?”
Everyone's eyes were on me, imploring and curious. Just the weight of their stares made me itch for a pen and paper. The written medium let me present my thoughts a certain way, made it easy for everyone to understand, even if it would never be second-nature to me like body language.
Signing used to dredge up memories of the one who’d taught me and the following events that happened because of me. Speaking with my hands felt like I was mocking her after what happened, so I refused to do it except for small hand signals here and there. Dyno and T-Bone respected my choice, and we’d all adjusted. It had never been an issue before.
Then I had to lose my eyesight for two days and feel Kyrie finger-spelling into my palm. I never realized how instinctual it was to speak using my hands. And now I slipped back into it without the sickening dread or memories that usually came along.
Everything was still there. I felt the dread and terror in my stomach now as I thought of it, seeing my only friend ripped away while my ruined mouth prevented me from helping her.
That moment would haunt me forever, but why it didn't consume me this time while I signed, I didn't know. The only difference in my life was Kyrie.
“I think I'll manage,”I signed in response to her question. The guys immediately looked at her to translate, but her focus was on me.
And a huge weight lifted off my shoulders when her warmth and smile returned. “I'm glad,” she said, using her mouth and hands. “What were you saying before, Grudge? Shadow wants to meet where?”
Shit, I didn't know the sign for bluffs, so I spelled it out and made a vague gesture with a cliff.
“The bluffs,” Kyrie confirmed, her gaze shifting between Dyno and T-Bone. “You guys know where that is?”
“It's a few hours' ride.” T-Bone scratched the beard on his chin. “Did he say when?”
“Sunset,”I reported.“He said it’s urgent.”
Kyrie relayed this to them, both of whom groaned and held onto her tighter, as if she might slip away.
“So much for another relaxing day in bed.” T-Bone sighed and kissed Kyrie's waist as he pressed up from the bed. “We should get going if we want to make it on time.”
“Should we get Chris and Tiff up?” Dyno asked, his head leaning against Kyrie's.
“Yeah. Depending on what Shadow says, we might not be coming back here. Pack it all up.”
They peeled out of bed slowly, pulling on clothes with half-hearted effort. Most of my stuff was still packed away, so I turned to give Kyrie some privacy, just in case it mattered.
“Hey, Grudge?” she called.
“Hm?” I took a cautious glance over my shoulder. She had the sheet over her chest, though it draped loosely, like she wasn't too concerned about me seeing her.
Her smile was still shy but no less breathtaking as she carefully signed a question. “Can I ride with you?”
“Mm-hm.” I jerked my chin in a nod and returned to looking away.
As if I could ever tell her no.
Even though theride took most of the day, it was too short with Kyrie wrapped around me.
I tried not to read into how easily she leaned into me on the turns, how her fingers tightened and her thighs squeezed around me. She loved riding and took to it like a natural, that was all. There was no intimacy here, and I had to stop searching for it in mundane things like this.
She asked to ride withyouthough.
Obviously, she likes variety. It still doesn't mean anything.
My trite arguments with myself dissipated at the sight of a tall figure leaning against a motorcycle up ahead. He looked to be standing at the edge of the world. Just beyond him, a sheer cliff face dropped to a river below. The sun had just set, and the fading colors sharply outlined his dark silhouette.
Excitement drove me forward, and I pulled up ahead of T-Bone so I could be the first to greet my half-brother.
Shadow, the Steel Demons MC assassin.
