Bishop had been forced to leave the kitchen and seek solace alone in his room.
I’d taken refuge in the garage to plan for my break-in at the power plant.
I ached to get my hands on Noelle, to make her come again, this time for me and just me.
No time.
Elderly people in need trumped my desire for Noelle.
Fix the power, then fun times.
I rolled the candy across my tongue. “I’m heading out. You coming?”
I rolled the bike out of the garage and swung a leg over the seat.
Noelle gathered her hair into a bun and shoved her arms into a heavy coat before she ran over and jumped on behind me, wrapping her arms around my waist.
I couldn’t help grinning as I started the bike and sent us flying down the road at a reasonably fast clip.
The route to the power station played in my head, and I took the stops and turns slow enough for Noelle to feel safe.
Her cheek pressed into my shoulder.
I’d taken a couple of women out for rides before, but none of them gave me the sense of comfort that I felt every time Noelle held on to me.
I pulled off the main road leading to the generating station and turned off the bike. “We walk from here.”
Patting her leg, I helped her swing off the bike before I rolled it into a bit of scrub brush amid a tangle of trees.
It would be hidden enough way out here.
My tools clanged together when I slung the bag over one shoulder.
The weight of it pulled, and I relished the feel of the upcoming job.
I took her hand and checked our position. “No lights.”
“What are we doing?” Her hand trembled in mine.
I shook my head and led the way from the trees to the gravel drive.
The low building was tucked way off the main road, but the bright light of a full moon put it in perfect view when we rounded a curve.
Noelle stopped with a gasp. “Ash, what the hell?”
She resisted when I kept going, and I released her hand. “You can stay by the bike if you’d rather not be involved.” I walked all the way to the gate and picked the padlock in a matter of seconds.
It fell to the ground with a clang, followed by the thick chain wrapped around the metal gate.
I pushed one side open far enough to slip through.
Noelle hesitated. “This is highly illegal.” She shifted from foot to foot.
A cloud of white erupted from her mouth as she agonized. “What if we get caught?”
“We won’t. But if you’re that worried, stay on that side of the gate. Worst they can get you for is accessory or whatever.” I pushed the gate closed.
Noelle thrust her hand into the gap. “Wait. I’ll come with you.”
