Page 9 of Emily's Essence

“I … yes, I do.”

“See, Boss. Everyone likes pancakes.”

She took a quick step back when Hawk stood. He seemed even bigger than the night before.

“Let’s pack up, men.”

“I want to thank you guys for helping me. I’m afraid to think about what would have happened if you hadn’t come along.”

They all stared.

“Well, so, I need to get on my way.”

The men looked at Hawk.

“You’re going with us,” Hawk said.

She shook her head. “No, I can’t impose any more than I already have.”

“She’s a sweety, Boss. Can we keep her?” Razor asked.

Her mouth dropped open. “Wait, you can’t just keep me.”

“Why not?” Ink asked.

“Because it’s against the law,” she said.

Hawk shrugged. “We’ll worry about this later. Let’s eat and get on the road.”

The men started out of the room, and then Hawk snatched her bag out of her arms and threw it to Brick. “Take that.”

“Wait, I need that,” she said.

“No, you don’t. Not right now.”

She tried to hit his hand, which grabbed onto her upper arm.

“Wait.”

Hawk pulled her closer to him and then crouched so she could face him head on.

“Listen up, babe. You’re going to stay with us. We’re taking you to a place I know you’ll love and be safe.”

She lifted her chin. “What if I have somewhere else I need to be?”

“Is there?”

She opened her mouth.

“I better warn you that I’ll know if you’re lying, and you don’t want to know what will happen if you do. Right?”

Her shoulders relaxed. “No, I don’t.”

“Good. Let’s go.”

She let him lead her down to the bikes, where the rest of the guys were already waiting for them. He helped her on again, and she automatically circled his waist to hold on.

The rumble of the motor didn’t startle her like the night before. She closed her eyes as the wind blew through her hair, drying it. The fresh morning air and sunshine felt good on her skin. She knew she still looked like a mess but would get better every day.

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