“Sure.”
He pulls out his phone and puts it on speakerphone, so I can hear the conversation.“Matrix, I need you to look into someone for me. Hank, a coworker of Jessica’s. I’ll text you his info. Put him at the top of the suspects list and let me know what you find.”
“Got it. I’ll start digging and get back to you as soon as I have something.”
“Thanks, brother.” Talon ends the call and turns back to me.“Matrix is good at what he does. If there’s anything to find on Hank, he’ll uncover it.”
“I don’t know if it’s anything to worry about, but you told me to tell you if anyone seemed suspicious …”
“You did good. Stay open to all possibilities. Trust no one. Stalkers are good at hiding their intentions. We don’t know what’s motivating this guy yet, but we’ll figure it out.”
A mix of relief and anxiety washes over me. Finally, we have a lead—however small—that might help us figure out who’s stalking me. But if it turns out to be someone I know and trust, like Hank … The thought makes my stomach churn.
“Hey,” Talon says softly, pulling me closer.“Try not to worry too much. I promise I’ll keep you safe.”
“I don’t know what I’d do without you.”
“Don’t even think about that. I’m here, and I’m not going anywhere.”
As I lean into his embrace, the warmth of his body and the steady beat of his heart provide a source of comfort that’s beyond words. I realize just how much I don’t want to lose him. He doesn’t seem to want to let me go either, so that’s a huge relief. For now, I’ll just have to see how things unfold and hope for the best.
I tilt my face up to look at him. Dim moonlight casts shadows across his strong jawline, making him look even more rugged and dangerous than he already does. My fingers itch to trace the curves of his tattoos, and my body recalls the heat of his touch all too well. I desperately want to kiss him again, but the butterflies in my belly won’t calm down enough for me to take the risk.
“Jess?” His voice breaks through my thoughts, and I realize I haven’t been paying attention to what he was saying.
“Sorry, I just …” I trail off, unable to find the right words.
The truth is, I’m completely distracted by the man in front of me. I’m intrigued by his smoldering gaze and the scars that map his skin. But then, I remember why getting involved with someone like him is a bad idea. He’s a rough, scary motorcycle club member, and I know next to nothing about his world. As much as I’m drawn to him, I don’t belong with a man like him.
“Hey! Lovebirds!” Nina’s voice cuts through the darkness.“Who wants to come and help me with dinner? The other guys are too busy playing with Loki to chip in. Cute dog, by the way.”
“I can help,” I say, grateful for the distraction. Hopefully, putting some distance between us will prevent me from doing something stupid, like kissing him again.
“I’ll be in soon. Let me just talk to my guys real quick.” Talon gives me a quick hug before heading off to join the other guys.
When I get inside, Nina’s standing in the kitchen. Several bags of groceries sit on the counter, waiting to be unloaded.
“Thanks for helping,” Nina says as I begin to unpack one of the bags.
“Of course.”
As I focus on putting away the groceries, I try not to think about the magnetic pull Talon has on me. It’s going to take all my strength to resist him, but for now, helping Nina make dinner is a welcome reprieve.
The warmth of the kitchen envelops me as I chop vegetables alongside Nina. The hum of the exhaust fan above us drowns out most of the sound from outside. Through the window, I see all the guys in the motorcycle club playing with Loki. Their laughter is barely audible through the glass, but I hear it, nonetheless. The sight should bring a smile to my face, but instead, the weight of unease settles into my chest. What if the stalker comes here? What if he hurts these guys, even though the person he really wants is me?
“So,” Nina says, breaking the silence between us. She places her knife down on the cutting board and gives me a playful look.“How are things going between you and Talon?”
“Things? What things?” I reply, feigning ignorance. My cheeks flush under her scrutinizing gaze.
“You know what I’m talking about. The sparks flying between you two.” She leans against the counter, crossing her arms in front of her.“It’s beyond obvious to anyone with eyes. But the real question is, how do you feel about him?”
I hesitate for a moment, trying to gather my thoughts.
“I appreciate everything he’s doing to help find out who’s stalking me,” I say truthfully.“But that’s all there is to it. Nothing else is going on between us.”
Nina studies me for a moment before speaking.“He’s a good man, Jessica. He’s been through a lot, and he deserves happiness. You’d better not break his heart.”
Her words hit me like a slap in the face. I can’t believe she sees right through me. Yes, I like Talon—more than I care to admit—but I’m not ready to confess that to anyone, especially not myself.
