Page 19 of Fear the Reaper
“Maverick Forge is very easy on the eyes,” Molly said softly. She was already reading me like a book. “If he’s single and you’re single, why not?”
I smiled. “I doubt he will ever see me as more than a damsel in distress. The first night I met him I spent the entire night wishing I was stronger. It was no secret that any would Reaper choses would have to be. Now, I’ve met you, riding in here like Wynonna Earp, gun holstered to your thigh, looking as gorgeous as you do and I wish I was you. Or at the very least, like you.”
“Trust me, honey. You don’t want that at all.” Molly’s shoulders rose and fell. “I had to fight to get to where I am. It hasn’t been easy. I had to prove I could hold my own. I mean, I joined a boy’s club and the moment they see these tits and my ass? They thought it was a feeding frenzy. A couple of times I’ve had to put my foot up a few asses. But with the Brotherhood—I’ve never felt as if I had to prove anything to them. I mean sure, coming in and joining them, I had to prove I could be trusted—they never once questioned my qualifications.”
“Wow.”
“Yeah. And now, I have Kujo and that was no easy task either. I fought for my man. If you want Reaper to be yours, you’re gonna have to do the same. These boys don’t want damsels. They don’t want some little girl who is afraid of breaking a nail. You have to show them you can stay strong at their sides and in their beds.”
“Ugh—I’m pretty sure Reaper won’t let himself be seduced by a dead woman. Damn it. Listen to me talk like we’ve been friends for years. I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said all that—let’s change the subject.”
Molly laughed softly. “All right. Gimme another one.”
“Do you think if I asked they’d send someone to look in on Estelle? She’s my best friend and I’ve already flipped her life enough as it is.”
“That’s why I’m here. Reaper is taking you to get her but if he needs an extra gun.” Molly patted her weapon. “I’m the back up.”
“You were military too?”
“FBI.”
“Oh!” I said. But my heart suddenly crashed all over again. When she gave me the speech about joining a boy’s club I thought she was a nurse or a medic or something. Molly was bad-ass. A woman had to be in order to make it in that field of work. “Wow.”
“What?”
“Nothing. I’m just a little scared, you know?”
“I know. I get scared too. But, we’re going to figure this out. Besides, Reaper comes highly recommended. If you feel overwhelmed just focus on Reaper. As long as you keep your eyes on him, nothing else matters. He’s the man between you and what may come.”
“Sounds ominous.”
Molly rose and walked over to me. She rubbed her palms up and down my arms. “It’ll be okay. You have an entire army on your side. We got this.”
I nodded and after another hug, we talked about things that wouldn’t break my frayed nerves. By the time Reaper called us down for food, the sun was setting and I couldn’t remember being so exhausted. We sat around, eating and speaking. By the time Molly and I washed up, the plan was set.
I called Estelle after the dishes were clean.
“Oh, sweet, baby Jesus, you’re alive!” Estelle cheered. “What is this about your house exploding? Where the hell are you?”
“It’s a long story. Where are you?”
“Home. I’ve been trying to go check out the damage at your place but all I know is what is on the news. They won’t let me anywhere near your house. They’ve evacuated the whole street—claiming it was a gas leak.”
I frowned. “Listen. I want you to lock your doors. Turn out all the lights and pack a small bag. We’re coming to get you.”
“Star—what the hell?”
“I’ll explain everything.” I could hear her rushing about her place. “But I need you to listen to me, okay? There was no gas leak. Do not open your door until you see my face? Understand?”
“Okay.”
I hung up and handed the phone to Reaper. Molly was busy checking a gun then handing it back to Reaper. Those things always put me on edge. But there was something out there wanting me dead. In this case, I would make an exception.
“Ready?” Reaper asked.
I nodded. But I didn’t feel ready. I wanted to run back upstairs and crawl under the bed. I wanted to build a pillow fort and stay there until all the bad things were over. That was not to be. I had to grow a pair and get a move on. In order to stress the point of getting shit done, I lifted my chin and preceded the both of them out the front door to the SUV.
After Reaper put Estelle’s address into the GPS, I pulled on my seatbelt and pressed my palms between my knees. I glanced into the rearview from time to time to see Molly was behind. Sometimes a car or two behind us.
