Page 24 of Protected By the Bikers Next Door
“No, no, it’s nothing like that.” I take a deep breath and explain about the notes, being careful to downplay it as much as I can. “But you don’t need to worry, like I said, my neighbors are keeping us safe.”
She offers all the kind words of concern and advice, asking questions that I’ve asked myself a hundred times. When she suggests I move, I remind her that I sunk every penny I had into the house. I can’t afford to move. Plus, even with my government checks, this is the only place I could afford close enough to Jenny’s new school, one of the few in this area that is any good.
“Come live with us,” Mira offers. As lovely as it would be to live in her beautiful, state-of-the-art home, there’s no way I’m taking her up on the offer. It’s kind of them, but I couldn’t do it. My pride won’t allow it, and it’s not fair to them. I thank her for the offer and politely but firmly refuse. Mira knows better than to argue with me once I’ve made my mind up about something. “Alright then, but you let me know if there’s anything I can do to help, anything at all.”
“I will,” I promise.
“Now, I want to hear all about these neighbors of yours. Don’t think I haven’t noticed how evasive you’ve been about them. What are they like?”
“They’re… hot,” I reply, giggling like we’re back in college again, admiring the football team.
“Tell me everything!”
I describe the guys in detail, laughing and joking with Mira like old times, chatting about our latest crushes. She teases me a little about their nicknames and also makes sure to ask about the club, checking that they aren’t gangsters, which I assure her they aren’t.
“So, do any of them like you, too? Are you going to make a move? Have any of them made a move?”
“Well, that’s the thing… they already kinda did…” I take a deep breath and tell her about hooking up with Wolf and then with Bear. “I feel terrible…” I finish.
“Why? You had amazing sex with two guys that you’re really into, who are into you, and who have openly stated they’re aware and happy that you have hooked up with their friend and won’t even mind if you pursue their other best friend. I’m failing to see the downside here.”
“Really? You don’t think it makes me a slut and a terrible mom?”
She guffaws. “Of course not. First of all, the number of men you sleep with doesn’t diminish your value; that’s some patriarchal bullshit. And secondly, it sure as shit doesn’t make you a bad mom. Sounds as though Jenny loves the guys and you’re doing everything you should to make sure she’s safe and happy.”
“But still… It’s not normal, is it? I can’t actually be in a relationship with three guys. What will people say?” I ask anxiously.
“Fuck what people say.”
“It’s insane, though. I can’t be falling for three men at the same time. But I want them all. Is that crazy?”
“Harper, love isn’t crazy, it’s brave, especially when it doesn’t fit into neat little boxes. You deserve happiness, and if these guys make you happy, I say go for it. Fuck what anyone else says.”
My heart swells with love for my best friend. “You’re amazing, you know that?”
“I’ve been told,” she replies. I can hear the smile in her voice. “So are you. Better start believing it. Now, I gotta go to work, but don’t be a stranger, okay? I need regular updates about everything. Stay safe. I love you.”
“Love you too, Mira.”
Despite Mira’s words, I still have my doubts. Can I really do this? It’s hard enough to throw yourself into a new relationship and open up, being vulnerable. Can I really do that with three people?
Chapter 13
Hawk
People describe me as a man of few words. I’ve always been that way. Ever since I was a kid, I’ve been content to observe from the sidelines. I was good at sports, but not communicative enough to be captain. I’ve never minded that, being the second or even third in command. I’m good at being invisible, blending into the shadows while I take everything in. It made me a valuable asset in the Army and a great Sergeant-at-Arms for the Shadow Pack MC. My job is to enforce the club’s rules, maintain the club’s security, and manage members’ security data. We often joke that I’m the only one who actually does any work, even though Wolf is the Prez and Bear is our VP.
With Harper now under the Shadow Pack’s protection, her stalker is a security risk, so I’ve been tasked with looking into it. It’s frustrating that I seem to be coming up with dead ends. If I’m a shadow, this guy’s a fucking ghost. It makes me think that this is no ordinary stalker we’re dealing with. For starters, unlike a lot of stalkers, he doesn’t seem to be constantly following Harper, otherwise we’d have caught him by now. Unless he’s been scared off by our presence, a very real possibility.
Although he’s a twisted fuck, I can see why he’s obsessed with Harper because I am too.
Everything about her calls to me. I can’t shake the feeling that we’re meant to be together, that she’s perfect for me, for us. Because I know Wolf and Bear feel the same. I see her, truly see her: her insecurities, her strength, the way she tugs at herclothes when she thinks someone’s looking at her. Someone’s made this woman ashamed of her body —probably her ex—and it makes me want to hunt him down. Being able to focus on finding the stalker who wants to harm her stops me from hunting down her ex and beating the shit out of him.
From the moment I first saw Harper, I wanted to know everything there was to know about her. Her stalker gave me an excuse to look into her, though if I’m honest, I’d have done it anyway.
Harper is an enigma, which only intrigues me more. Her social media and online presence are practically non-existent, unlike her prick of an ex-husband, who likes to brag about his superficial life—the young girlfriend, the fast car, the big house, and the expensive watches. Whatever wealth he has, he evidently doesn’t share it with his daughter, who, interestingly enough, doesn’t share his last name, nor does Harper. I presume Harper kept her maiden name when they got married, although I haven’t been able to find any evidence to support that theory either way, and I don’t know how to ask her without seeming like I’m prying. Harper is pretty evasive about her past when we ask her any questions; it’s clear she doesn’t like to talk about it.
If she were anyone else, I’d be suspicious, thinking she has something to hide. If she is hiding something, I don’t care. I’m confident in my belief that Harper is a good person. That doesn’t stop me from trying to find out everything I can about her. She’s like a drug to me. I’m totally addicted, and yet I’ve barely managed to speak to her. The crippling shyness of my youth has come back to haunt me, and every time I talk to her, I find myself tongue-tied.
