I stepped closer to Noah, my voice low. “You paid for the lease, and I need every one of those days I can get.”
“What difference does it make if a stranger buys them or a dealer? Do you think I plan to throw them in the dumpster?”
The thoughthadcrossed my mind.
“Forget it,” Noah growled. “I’ll just stay here and lose my job.”
“What if one of the girls stays with her?” Archer tossed out while avoiding eye contact. “You won’t have to worry about leaving her with a wolf pack. I get it. Our girls will make sure no one comes around.”
Noah raked his hand through his hair. “I don’t know.”
Archer drew closer to him, leaving me out. “Sounds like your boss is riding you. This might work out better. You can go back to the motel after your shift and sleep instead of having to worry about your woman sitting in there alone all day. Unless you take her to work with you.”
Noah cursed. “I can’t do that.”
“I’ll check with Joy or Mercy. The others have commitments. Joy sits around most of the time knitting, so I don’t think she’d mind.”
Noah heaved a sigh and watched a truck drive past. “I have to head back tonight. Can they come on short notice?”
Archer pulled out his phone and stepped away. “I’ll make the call.”
“Make sure nobody else knows. I don’t want the locals around here getting wind that my girl is staying by herself. That’llbe on you.” Noah walked me back to the car. “Are you okay with this?”
“I’m fine.” I tucked myself against him. “Thanks for understanding.”
“Who said I’m understanding? I don’t have a choice. Just behave. No going out, no drinking. Just work and home—that’s it. Those girls are a bad influence. Wolves run wild and do whatever the hell they feel like. Remember that.”
I drew back. “They’re really nice if you get to know them.”
Noah shook his head. “They’re not the type of girls you want to make friends with, Cecilia. I let you do those yoga classes, but you need to focus on the store instead of socializing. They got you drunk the first day they met you. Is that what friends do?”
I shrugged.
Noah put his arms around me tight. “All you need is me, baby. Aren’t I enough?”
“Of course you’re enough. But there’s nothing wrong with having friends.”
“You didn’t need friends when you lived with your father. Now, suddenly, you need friends? Do you want me to quit my job so I can sit at home with you all day and be your friend?”
“Why are you being like this?”
He closed the distance between us. “Do you know why you shouldn’t make friends here? Because we’re moving back to Austin soon. I have a special offer lined up, and it pays well.”
“How well?”
He caressed my cheek. “Once I get my advance, I’ll have enough to buy property in the greater Austin area. It’ll be close to my employer and out of the city, so we won’t have to deal with neighbors. This time, I’ll make sure we’re not close to any packs. I’m gonna get you out of this shithole they call a town. That’s a promise.”
Chapter 9
After packing a small bag, Noah left for Austin.
Joy arrived shortly before he left. She stayed clear of him while he gathered his things, not her usual talkative self. I had changed the sheets and offered her our bed to make her comfortable. Because of the late hour, we hardly said a word before going to sleep.
In the dark living room, I stared at the blank wall that would be the perfect place for a television. The sofa was comfortable, but there wasn’t a lot of room to move around. In the quietness, I tucked the thin blanket up to my chin and closed my eyes.
The first image that flashed in my mind was the conversation I’d had with Archer—his genuine interest in my life and past. Talking to him was so easy and natural.
I remembered the loud motor of the oncoming car and how he had ushered me off the road, protecting me with his body. Even the way we walked, with him putting himself between me and the road. It was strange to think, but Noah had never done anything like that.
