“Have you slept?”
The touch of a smile graces his lips. “Don’t you worry about me.”
I frown. “I’m notthatgirl. I don’t want to force you to choose between me and your men.”
“You’renot making me choose. I want to stay here with you.”
He sounds sincere, but I still feel like he’s being forced to choose.
“Well, I’ll go with you on the ride. Then you won’t—”
“Not a chance in hell.”
“Why?”
He shakes his head. “I want youawayfrom the danger.”
“You don’t need to babysit me. No one has seen Beau, and it’s not like he has any close friends. He wouldn’t be able to go against anyone in your club, so if Rage and Twitch are staying, then I’ll be fine.”
He cracks his neck to the side. Any time Beau’s name is brought up in conversation, a tension radiates from Reaper’s body, and I don’t blame him.
“Twitch and the private investigator have been spending every day looking for him, so until I know his exact location, I’m not leaving your side.”
I attempt to smile because I am grateful, but the guilt still eats at me. “It means a lot that you have organized all of that. I have noticed there’s always at least one man in the computer room, watching the cameras.” I wish I could help. My face brightens. “I’ll have to make something extra good for the men for dinner to say thank you.”
“Believe me, they appreciate every meal you cook for them. It’s not that I don’t think the men can do the delivery without me. I’m struggling with letting go of control because this will be the first time I don’t have their back.”
My lips curve into a cheeky grin. “You don’t struggle to let go of control when it comes to me.”
He swiftly moves and leans over me, pushing me down onto my back. His lips are so close to mine I can breathe in the air he breathes out. “You’re different,” he says, then kisses me.
* * *
I liftthe cup of coffee to my lips and have a sip of the hot drink as I watch Reaper pace in the kitchen. It’s unsettling.
Elena is sitting next to me with her elbows on the kitchen counter and her head in her hands. She mindlessly stares at the wall. They are quiet, but I can see the worry in their eyes. I was asleep when the men left late last night. Conan barks again.
“What’s wrong with Conan lately?” Elena asks. “He’s been barking more, and he’s getting worse. It’s at all hours too.”
I’ve noticed, but I don’t believe he barks at nothing. “Maybe he’s been seeing more wildlife than normal.”
A phone rings, interrupting our conversation. Reaper swiftly grasps his phone from the counter.
“Reaper,” he answers on the second ring. I can hear the hum of a voice but not what is being said. “What do you mean Jude isn’t there? No, he didn’t tell me.” Reaper nods. “Okay, okay.” His body relaxes, so I gather everyone and everything is okay. “I knew you would be fine without me, but I don’t enjoy being left here. How long until you will be back?” He looks to Elena, who’s leaning forward toward him, watching his every move.
“Can you put Axle on for me?” Elena sits up taller, her eyes widen, and her hand comes out for the phone.
“You should appreciate your wife.” There’s a pause. “Because I’m here, and the whole time, she’s been worrying about you.” Elena smirks at Reaper. “Here, I’ll put her on.” He hands the phone to Elena.
“Babe! Please tell me you will be home soon.” She sighs. “Good.” She breathes out a gush of air. “Can you please take Reaper with you next time?”
Reaper gives Elena a puzzled expression. There’s laughter through the phone.
Elena looks Reaper dead in the eyes when she says, “He’s been stressing out, which has made me stress more!” There’s laughter again while Reaper shakes his head. “Okay, babe. Love you. Bye.” She hands the phone back to Reaper.
He takes it and crosses his arms. “I haven’t been stressed.”
I glance at Elena, and we both quirk an eyebrow at him.
