Her smile brightened, and she rushed toward the stove. “Can I make you breakfast?”
Never in his life had he imagined he’d be the type of man to settle down, wake up with the same woman every day and share breakfast together. But here he was.And I like it.
“Yeah.”
Wraith checked in with Ace. They’d be making a drive up to Blacksburg, but Ace didn’t ask him to go. It worked out perfect since he had no plans on leaving Cleo anytime soon. He’d have a formal talk with Ace and Cross, but he wanted to be taken off the immediate schedule for the next couple of weeks. If a problem arose and the club needed him, Wraith would always show up. But Cleo was taking precedence in his immediate future.
Wraith grabbed some coffee and settled in at her small kitchen table, watching her. Cleo was in her element and completely relaxed. It was rare to see her like this, but Wraith liked it. She made eggs, bacon, and toast, presenting it as if it was a gourmet meal. Pride.I fucking love this woman.He hadn’t actually said the words, but he felt it to his core.
“This is kind of cool us eating together. I mean, just us.”
It was, and it would continue to be that way. This may have been his first night sleeping at her house, but it wouldn’t be hislast. If Wraith had it his way, he’d be moving in. But only when she was ready.
“Don’t miss the clubhouse?”
“Um…” Her hesitation was answer enough.
“I like my freedom.”
He glanced up, eyeing her.
“I mean, living at home, they kind of knew my every move. Then Knox moved me to Killcreek, and I was always checking in with him and the club.” She shrugged. “I guess I like the idea of not having to account for my whereabouts all the time like I’m living under someone else’s thumb.”
The club had kept her under protection for her own safety, but he now recognized the damage they’d done. Cleo had essentially traded one prison for another, just like Cross had said. If this was going to work, he’d have to take Inez’s suggestion and loosen the reins he had on Cleo. They’d upped their security measures in Killcreek. They wouldn’t be ambushed again.
“You do what you want. Just be safe.”
“Really? You mean that?”
No. But Wraith nodded anyway.
She smiled and continued to eat. “We should do this again.”
We will.Tomorrow morning.
Chapter Twenty-One
Cleo was pretty positive this wasn’t what Wraith had in mind when she’d asked for a little freedom. Technically, she hadn’t lied when he asked about her plans. She was running errands. However, Wraith was unaware of exactly where those errands would be. It was better that way. If Wraith had known, he would’ve insisted on sending a prospect with her. That would’ve been fine for her first stop, but it would put a complete damper on her second visit. There was already a good chance she wouldn’t even make it to the bar before getting caught.But I’m going to try.
Cleo took the three-hour drive, careful to take the backroads out of Killcreek to get to the highway. The less Cleo sightings, the better. During the ride, she constantly reminded herself that she wasn’t doing anything wrong. She’d had the conversation with Wraith. He’d agreed.Sort of.She needed a little freedom.
She pulled into the parking lot and looked up at the high-rise. Cleo had no doubt her presence had already been announced. She got out and walked into the building, smiling at the two men inside the lobby area. Security. Neither of them offered any type of greeting.
She took the elevator with the bottle clutched in her hand. It was not only a thank you gift but a peace offering. Cleo got theimpression Inez wasn’t fond of her. She understood. People like Inez, strong leaders, wouldn’t see Cleo as an equal.
She hadn’t even reached the door when Inez stepped out into the hallway a few feet away, glaring.
“For fucks sake.” Inez’s stern glare was accompanied by a disapproving head shake. “You!” She pointed at Cleo, wiggling her finger. “You’re gonna be the goddamn death of me. Why are you here?”
“I wanted to thank you.” She immediately thrust out the bottle of liquor. “I heard Ace say this was your favorite brand.”
Inez knitted her brows, staring down at the bottle as if Cleo had just offered her a vial of poison. Inez was notoriously suspicious of everyone, but did she really think Cleo had an ulterior motive?
Inez squinted, staring at her intently.
Yes, the answer is yes.
Inez ripped the bottle from her hands, turning the label to face herself.
