Page 7 of Fear the Reaper
Maverick “Reaper” Forge
Usually,no one came looking for me in Climax. Messed up name for a town but it worked for what I needed. People weren’t my thing—especially asshole people. The less of them I had to interact with, the better. After living in Climax for the past two years, the locals kind of rallied around me, protected me. When Mildred told me some blond guy and Indian woman were searching for me, I instantly knew who the blonde was. It had to be Swede—no one else would even think to look in Climax.
The woman—well, she was a curiosity for me. One that I instantly regretted because Nova What’s-her-name was hot. With caramel skin, long, dark hair that was braided down her back to almost her ass made my pants grow tighter around the groin area.
That wasn’t normal.
Her big brown eyes looked through me with fear then raw rage. Add to that curves that must be deadly if wrapped around a man and I was the cat curiosity killed. The top she wore seemed a little too small for her breasts—those delectable orbs that would make a grown man cry.
All of her reminded me that I was a hunter, a beast. Just the mere thought of her as I looked out the window made me want to do one thing.
Howl at the moon.
I recognized her the moment she stepped through the door and started that infernal racket. She’s a woman known for speaking the truth and bringing swift judgment down on those who wronged the world. The crusader type—the type who didn’t live very long. But seeing her in person brought out a whole other set of sensations in my body.
“We need your help.” Swede’s voice drew me away from the fire Star started at me with.
“For what?”
“Star is in trouble. We’re a little light on manpower at the moment but we need someone to investigate while keeping her safe.”
Ugh—babysitting.
“And you couldn’t have called Viper?” I wanted to know. “I know he’s back.”
“Not right now,” Swede said.
Swede walked over to stand beside me. He turned his back to the window and I could almost feel him folding his arms across his chest.
“You know we wouldn’t have come finding you if it wasn’t urgent. I know how much you like being off grid.” Swede exhaled loudly. “And I know you turned Hank down for a gig with the Brotherhood Protectors. So, I get what I’m asking from you.”
“I know. What does Hank think about all this?”
Swede laughed softly. “He respects my talents but didn’t think I would find you. He owes me a beer. Now, about your fee”
“I don’t want your money.”
“Um—what do you want?” Swede asked.
For a moment I didn’t say anything. I watched the shadows creep behind the sun as it all but vanished for the moon.
“Reaper…” Swede prodded softly.
I turned to look at Star then. She was seated in the only other chair in the room, sipping daintily from one of the tea mugs.
“I want my payment from her.” I pointed.
She almost choked. The instant her hand began shaking, she placed her mug on the tray and straightened her spine. “Me? Well, I could write you a check.”
“Like I said, I don’t want money.”
She glanced from me, to Swede, back to me. “Then what do you want?”
“I’m not sure yet.” I tilted my head. “But I’m sure I can think of something.”
“But—”
“Don’t worry, Nova. It won’t be something you’ll be afraid to part with. I’m not that kind of man.”
