“Don’t fucking lie ’cause we got you on the security cameras.”
“I wasn’t going to lie to you, Wraith.” Her lips pulled down in a frown and guilt immediately set in. For the most part, Cleo followed the rules. When she didn’t, she took accountability and profusely apologized. And she never lied, especially to him.
He drew in a breath. “Tell me what happened.”
“They were in the store when I was picking up my snacks for the week. And when I was loading the ice, they came out. They were trying to find something on a map and having a hard time.”
Ace cocked his head. “They asked you for directions?”
“Well, no.” She darted her gaze between Ace and him. “I kind of offered to help.”
Jesus fucking Christ!
“Why?” Wraith shouted, and she flinched and stepped back.
“They seemed lost, so…”
Wraith ground his teeth. It was taking everything in him to batten down his anger. Cleo didn’t know these men, and more importantly,the clubdidn’t know them, which made them a safety risk.
“What did they say?” Ace asked, taking over the conversation.
“Just that they were camping, and they couldn’t find the location, so I told them how to get there. It’s the flatlands a few miles from the creek. I told them there weren’t any houses out there, but they said that was fine.”
Gent laughed. “Well, aren’t you helpful. Surprised you didn’t offer them a place to stay here, darlin’.”
“I was just…”
“How many were there?” Cross asked.
“The two guys in the store, and two girls and another guy who stayed in the truck. I thought they were a couple of friends just camping. Was I wrong?”
“We don’t know ’cause they’re not here anymore. In fact, we don’t know shit because you didn’t fucking tell us.” Cross’s fierce tone set her back a step. Cleo knew she’d fucked up.
Her face paled and her hand rested on her chest. “I…”
Ace cut her off, pointing to the door. “Go.”
Cleo dropped her chin to her chest and passed Wraith. He heard a soft murmur, knowing it was meant for him. “I’m sorry.” Seconds later, she was gone.
“It could be as innocent as kids camping,” Cypher said. “Just like she thought.”
Maybe it was.Or maybe it isn’t.
“We’ll head over and check things out. See if they left anything behind. Cypher, go over the security again. See if there’s anything you missed the first time,” Ace said then turned to Wraith. “You try and get some sleep. We got this.”
Wraith left still fuming. He grabbed a beer from the bar and ignored the brothers who were at the table. The last thing he wanted was to talk to anyone. His night had completely gone to shit. He stalked down the hall, pulled out his keys, and threw his bedroom door open with enough force for it to slam against the wall. He flicked on the light, and a folded piece of paper caught his attention next to his feet.
Wraith bent down, picking it up. It could only be from one person. He flicked it open.
Dear Wraith,
I’m so sorry. I messed up again. I should’ve told you when it happened. I won’t make that mistake again, I promise. I hope you have a good run tomorrow. Be safe.
Your friend, Cleo
Your friend?He scoffed. Possession, obsession or future, yes. But just a friend?No.He drew in a breath, staring up at the ceiling. In a different world, Cleo did the right thing, offering help to someone in need. But in their world?Fuck!Wraith stared down at the note, reading it again. The hardest part about Cleo was knowing her intention was good. She thought she was helping. Unfortunately, a heart as pure and kind as hers had no place in Killcreek. Wraith walked over to the closet and put the slip of paper on the top shelf in the farthest corner.
With the rest of them.
