“How’s Warden?” I know he’s fine, but a little tit for tat is needed.
She flushes, her cheeks painted red. “Perfectly fine. He knows how to avoid danger.”
Solely because he’ll get a hard-on if she takes care of him, that’s why. Doesn’t want her knowing about his feelings and all that.
I grunt, keeping his secret safe. Muttering a thanks, I tilt my head towards Destiny. Leah’s eyes follow, and unlike Raven, her eyes fill with pity. Does she already know about our findings? Warden would’ve filled her in.
She reads my concerns and drifts toward Destiny, carefully and cautiously asking if she needs anything.
“Is there anything else you guys need?” Penelope’s leaning over the bar, worry behind her gaze. “Just say the word.”
“A room.” The answer comes easily. Knowing there’s no place for me to take her, I don’t even entertain the thought of taking her to my home. Not until she understands that she’s not in danger. “Something for both of us to stay in.”
There’s no denying the surprise behind her gaze, but she doesn’t voice her concern. Maybe she understands that I need to keep the woman close to keep her safe.
Thanking her, she goes and figures out the details. This clubhouse wouldn’t run so smoothly if it weren’t for both sisters maintaining the atmosphere. If something were to happen to them, I can only imagine the chaos that would ensue.
As Leah clears Destiny, and the woman finishes her meal, I’m grabbing the clean clothes. Jerking my chin, I try to keep my voice even.
“Come get cleaned up. We have showers.” I’m surprised by how quickly she gets up.
When was the last time she had the chance to eat and clean up? If I ask, will she tell me?
She takes a long shower—long enough to make me wonder if she’s trying to drown herself.
Despite my taking my own, she lasts far longer than I do.
Just as I start to worry enough to check, she steps out wearing a shirt and shorts. Her skin is scrubbed pink, every inch washed. Much better than what I saw her in before. Without the grime, I realize something else.
She’s not just pretty, she’s gorgeous.
I don’t hold my gaze for very long. I guide her out, prepared to end the night. Tonight has felt never-ending.
When we make it to the room we’re staying in, I give her a minute to look around before I reach behind me. Unhooking a pair of cuffs I keep close, I’m snapping one on her unsuspecting wrist. Normally, these are used for discipline, but this is different.
“I can’t risk you trying to kill my brothers.” Using those words as an excuse, I slap the other handcuff onto the bedframe.
She’s not pleased, instantly yanking on it. For just a brief second, there’s fear.
“I’m not going to do anything.” Forcing the words out, she doesn’t believe me. Exhaustion prickles at my eyes, and I find myself getting more annoyed. “Just go to sleep.”
She gapes at me as I crash down on the bed. The mattress groans beneath our combined weight. Before she can complain, I’m shutting off the light.
“Go to sleep.” Repeating the words, they feel more for me than for her.
Can’t remember the last time I shared a bed with someone. Hard not to acknowledge her presence, especially when she huffs and flops back, getting as comfortable as she can with having one of her hands cuffed.
Counting the seconds, hoping I’ll fall under, it’s the soft sound of her exhaustion consuming her that must be what helps me find my own relief.
Her grunt is what wakes me up, but it’s the pressure of her body against mine that stiffens every muscle.
How much time has passed? An hour? Possibly two.
Opening my eyes, even through the darkness, I see her. Hovering over me, settling so comfortably against my lap, she’s trying her hardest to reach for the key.
She’s trying to escape.
My hands find her hips without thinking, earning me a gasp instantly. She freezes up, her head tilting down to meet my stare through the darkness.
