Page 12 of Mark Us Little Bear
I screw my eyebrows together in question.
“She almost hit me outside the club with her bike.”
“I hear shealmosthit you.”
“Not you too,” he gives me that disappointed tone and looks away, trying to hide that tug at the corner of his mouth. “What if she’s a serial killer?”
“Hmm… guys, I’m right here.”
“Does she look like a serial killer?” I point in her direction.
He cocks his head to the side and smirks, “They rarely do.”
I wave my hands all over, “We can’t send her home before she has the chance to explore,”please receive the memo and what I’m trying to deliver without actually saying the words.
“Serial killer? You see, Bradley is reasonable.” Amber is still processing the words but I think she got the memo.
“Rarely.” I correct. “But my conscience wouldn’t let me abandon you like this. Besides, Staten Island locals should support each other.”
“You’re from Staten Island?” Amber’s eyes light up. I know what it’s like to have someone who makes you feel at home when you’re away from it. Staten Island may not be that far but it’s different.
“Born and raised.” I proudly place my hands over my hips.
“Do you have someone here?” Ronnie deflects the conversation back to the problem.
Amber sighs, “Not really. I know Dylan, she’s a customer. We hang out sometimes in her shop. I assumed you know her because you said you ownHella Cluband her boyfriend, Luka, owns the building.”
“So we have mutual friends,” I explain, “I work in the tattoo shop upstairs with Luka. And Ronnie grew up with him, they are co-owners ofHella Club.”
“A club owner and a tattoo artist.” She contemplates, twitching the corners of her mouth as her eyes search between us.
Ronnie slides his gaze to me, finally giving in with a slow nod. It’s his house after all and he gets to call the shots. “You can stay with us if you want. We’re roommates and the third room is unoccupied.”
She came here for a reason and it’d be a shame to give up on it too soon. I had problems finding an affordable yet decent apartment until Ronnie helped me, it changed everything.
“Guys, I don’t want to impose and we just met that would be foolish.”
“Here me out,” I press, “She already kicked you out. You’re not going back home at two in the morning. And you don’t have anywhere to go according to you.”
“You’re very persuasive.” Her small smile fades when she looks down lost in thoughts and concerns.
I press two fingers under her chin and her gaze flies up. “You didn’t fail. You only need a little help on your journey.” Some words of encouragement wouldn’t hurt her right now.
“At least sleep on it at our place, and decide what you want to do in the morning.” Ronnie steps close and tucks a loose strand behind her ear. “What do you say?”
“I’ll make pancakes in the morning with extra maple syrup.” I coax, running my hand down her arm gently. “That was a lie, Ronnie will do that unless you want burnt pancakes.”
She chuckles. “Are you trying to seduce me with food?” Long lashes brush against her cheeks, she is immersed in the pleasant sensations we instill in her with the softest touch.
“Yeah… is it working?”
She nods, “Definitely.”
We slowly withdraw from each other, though we’re a little caught in our bubble.
“Text me your address,” Ronnie clears his voice. “I’ll go and get your stuff. My car is back at the club because Luka needed it this week.” His eyes dart to mine.
“Wait, no, I will come and help you.” Amber softly argues, stepping forward.
