“I know. Today’s been crazy.”
“Come on. We’ll go back to my place and you can tell me all the details. I have a feeling I only got the short version on the phone.”
“Definitely the abbreviated one.”
“Come on, Lokes,” Sienna says.“Back seat for you, buddy. I brought you a special towel, so you don’t get fur all over.”
“Thanks for letting me bring him.”
“Absolutely. You know I love my fluffy buddy.”
Once we’re all settled with my luggage in the truck, Sienna starts the car. Its engine purrs softly as we pull away from my house. The glow of the streetlights cast deep shadows across Sienna’s face. I feel a pang of guilt for dragging her into this mess, but she’d never forgive me if I tried to face it alone.
“Are you interested in him?” Sienna asks suddenly, breaking the silence.
“Who, Talon?” My face gets unbelievably hot.“No, he’s not really my type.”
“Liar.”
“No, really. He’s too big and scary and outlawey.”
“Outlawey?”
“Yeah. He’s probably a criminal. He’s part of that Underground Vengeance MC. The one that’s always on the news.”
“Don’t they help people?”
“Do they? I don’t know. I hear mixed things about them. Also, they have a voodoo priest.”
“No shit! In Montana?”
“No, in their New Orleans chapter.”
“Wow. That’s super cool.”
“Or creepy.”
“Whatever. Maybe having Talon around is a good thing,” she says with a mischievous glint in her eyes.“If someone’s trying to scare you, then having a big, burly motorcycle club guy watching your back is exactly what you need.”
I try to ignore the warmth spreading through my chest at the thought of Talon watching over me. Instead, I focus on the familiar streets outside, counting the houses as they pass by. But there’s no denying the truth in Sienna’s words.
“Maybe,” I admit quietly. But deep down, I know I’m lying to myself. There’s something about Talon that draws me to him, and it’s more than just his rugged good looks or the fact that he might be able to protect me. He’s so different from any other man I’ve ever known. There’s something mysterious about him. I want to get to know him better, and now, I can. He expects me to call him tomorrow, and I will. I almost can’t wait to talk to him again.
“Jess,” Sienna says, interrupting my thoughts.“Just promise me you’ll be careful, okay? I don’t want anything to happen to you.”
“I will.” I reach over to give her hand a reassuring squeeze.“Thank you for picking me up.”
“Of course.” She smiles.“What are friends for?”
As we continue our drive, my mind drifts back to Talon and the voodoo doll he’s helping me decipher. Despite my initial hesitation, knowing he’s on my side is oddly comforting. Maybe Sienna’s right. Maybe having Talon around is a good idea after all.
Chapter 5: Talon
I can’t shake the image of the blood-soaked voodoo doll from my mind. The thought of leaving Jessica and Sienna alone after finding something so chilling makes my stomach churn. I should head home, get some rest, but I can’t bring myself to do it. Not when their safety is on the line.
“I’ll just make sure they get home safely. Then I’ll go,” I mutter as I follow their car at a safe distance.
Sienna’s house comes into view, an old Victorian nestled behind a wrought-iron fence. I park down the street, far enough away that Jessica and Sienna won’t see me, but close enough to keep an eye on things. It’s not like I’m stalking them; I’m just being cautious. That’s what I tell myself, anyway.
