Blaze held his hand out for her, helping her down another steep patch of the non-trail they’d been exploring, and she had to give it to the guy, he made a great VP. Just like Mav, Blaze looked after the MC crew and he’d volunteered to go with her on her little trek, not knowing she’d planned to scale a cliff in search of treasure that apparently didn’t exist.
“Thanks, Blaze.” She smiled as she stepped down beside him, grateful for his company.
While the MC members had wanted to drive Wolf Creek Pass, she hadn’t had the urge to do the curving, seven percent grade roads today, even though they were fun. She’d originally planned to hit Treasure Falls alone while the others did the poker run, but Mav and Blaze had vetoed that plan. They weren’t keen on her soloing it anywhere on their watch and had decided to divide and conquer for this outing. Though it had seemed a little overprotective to her, Clea had to admit, their decision made her feel like part of the family.
“You know, Blaze, you’re good people.”
“Well, I try.” He winked at her. “And you’re not so bad yourself.”
“I appreciate you hanging with me.”
Even though the treasure hunt had been a bust, Blaze had been a good escort, holding back branches, pointing out loose rocks. Giving her space and time with her thoughts.
“It’s my pleasure, Duchess.” He beamed.
She smiled as he held back another branch for her. “You might look gruff, but beneath all those tats and leather, you’re a solid gentleman, Blaze. A real cinnamon roll.”
“Now, don’t go around saying things like that,” he grumbled. “I’ve got a reputation to uphold.”
“Well, far be it from me to tarnish your rep.” She chuckled. “Your secret is safe with me.”
He winked at her again before retaking the lead.
They fell into a companionable silence as they made their way back to one of the public trails and Clea found herself wondering what Asher was up to again. He’d been sound asleep when she’d left this morning, looking positively edible sprawled across the elevated mattress in sated repose. While she’d briefly considered climbing back into bed with him, she’d honored their agreement instead, and taken off.
Besides, if she hadn’t showed at the morning rendezvous, Mav would have turned the town out looking for her. He was good like that. She was lucky he and Blaze had let her ride with them all this way. Despite whatever reputations, they really were good people. It was going to suck to leave them too, but what could she do? Sticking around wasn’t a good idea, no matter how much she might want to.
As she and Blaze got to the parking lot, someone drawled her name.
“Clea Aëtos, it’s been a while, Cookie.”
She knew that nasal tone well, and unease skittered into her belly as she spotted the asshole. Jeff Kluge looked just like he always did, smarm in a suit.
Oh, and look, he’d brought his friend.
His hulk of a bodyguard loomed behind him like a boulder in a suit, and Clea fought back memories of being trailed by that monster.
Great, just what she needed. More shit for her already crappy day.
“Figures I’d find you here. Treasure hunting, are we?” Kluge sneered, taking in her attire. God, why didn’t he wear a hat? Like seriously, the bald thing didn’t work for him at all.
Clea staunchly ignored him and all his Lex Luthor as she made her way to the bikes. So she’d carried some rope and a few cams up the trail. Big freaking deal.
“You have something of mine,” he called after her.
Several things, actually, but she wasn’t about to tell him that.
Besides, she’d already offloaded most of them.
“You know these guys?” Blaze growled in her ear.
“Asshole ex,” she said loud enough so Kluge and his goon could hear.
Blaze eyed them while she took off her climbing gear, packing it into her saddlebags and doing her best to appear calm.
How the fuck had Kluge found her?
“Come on, Cookie, don’t be like that.” Kluge held his hands to his sides. “So we didn’t work out, that’s no reason to—”
