I went to grab it, but he held it where I couldn’t reach, punched a few more things, then handed it to me. “My number is there. And it’s under Rooster.” He stepped closer, his lips nearly on mine. “Don’t call me Rick unless we’re in private.”
“You’re not really in a position for demands.”Why did that come out so breathy?
Leaning into my ear, he said, “I want you to use my government name when you’re screaming it.”
Fuck me. My mouth went dry. But instead of acting on anything else, I turned and joined my cousin, heading back to the house.
Chapter 7
Rooster
“Change of plans,” Falcon said. “We leave this afternoon so we can get to Ohio. Sawyer’s got some buddies to pick up there that’ll be coming back with him after the run.”
“Will we be making the full trip tonight or splitting it up?” Squatch asked.
Falcon shrugged. “We may go all the way. He seems straight and with his guys with him, he can probably push through. But can’t risk that kind of cargo, either. He’s the boss on this run. We’re just there in case something happens.”
“And any idea what we may be looking for?” Jackal asked.
“That’s the other thing,” Falcon said. “Sawyer is big on intel and security. Had a nice ass setup. Keys would bust a nut.But apparently there’s an MC working with some ranchers from the Midwest in the same business.”
“Hellbound Heathens?” Jackal asked.
“It would make sense they’re lurking nearby. I spoke to Hawk. We’ll deal with that when we get back. But worth keeping our eyes peeled. Sawyer’s packing, but he’ll be handling the rig, so Rooster, you stay ahead and keep your eyes open. He’ll give you the address we plan to stop at. Jackal, you and Squatch flank. The others and I’ll tail for this one. My guess is they’ll be behind us, so I’ll see them first that way. Oh yeah,” he said, “Sawyer’s hooking us up with some vests just in case. We’re hooking him up with a pistol since his are all registered. Let’s grab a bite to eat and then we head out.”
I hadn’t seen Sparrow much all day. We slept in after the long night and then had to help prep the load. She was with her cousin, but they were wandering around the ranch while we worked. I’d texted myself from her phone last night, so I texted her when I woke up to let her know the plan for the day, and that I’d catch up with her once I was done.
She was still hanging around outside, walking with Bit, when I found her. “Hey, got a few?”
Bit patted her arm then took off in a different direction. She wasn’t shy and seemed to take a liking to Sawyer, by the looks of things through the day. But I wasn’t worried about her right then. It was Sparrow.
“Hey,” she said, shoving her hands in her back pockets. “This place is nice.”
“Yeah, it’s peaceful now, but he just got this ranch. Once he gets a full staff and up and running, it’ll probably be busy.Livestock is big business.”
She grinned. “Are we going to just do small talk and forget about last night?”
I stepped closer, taking her hand in mine. “I don’t like small talk.”
“Yeah, Falcon mentioned he hasn’t heard you talk for a long time. I thought he meant like a week,” she worried her lip as she looked at me, her eyes full of concern, “but he explained it was years.”
My jaw clenched. “That’s a discussion we can have, just not now. We’re leaving after we eat.”
“Oh. I thought you’d be here. Do you know how long you’ll be gone?”
“Hopefully no longer than two days. I need you to promise to stay here until I get back.”
“I talked to Bit. We’ll hang out. It’s not like I have anything waiting.”
My brows pinched, but I didn’t want to waste time. We could catch up once I was done with the run. Falcon already spoke to Hawk, and he was fine with me taking the ladies back. I hadn’t worked out how to get them both home yet, but Petrov may be able to assist with a truck. Since the Heathens were involved, I couldn’t trust a rideshare wouldn’t be intercepted.
Cupping her cheek, I took in the renewed warmth in her hazel eyes. “I have so much to say to you, but it’ll have to wait. Will you come eat with me?”
She nodded, smiling softly, so I leaned in and pressedmy lips to hers. The feel of her hands over my ribs sent warmth radiating through me. I didn’t want to let her go, but we’d be back soon enough. The rest I’d figure out later.
After a delicious meal by Angie, we got ready to ride out. Sparrow walked me to my Harley, but still seemed apprehensive. As she crossed her arms over her chest, I couldn’t tell if it was because I was leaving or because she wasn’t sure what would happen when I got back.
“A couple of guys are hanging back, the ones who brought the truck.”
