I don’t understand what Mica is talking about, but one thing worries me. “What happens next time?”
Mica glances from the road to me and back again before answering, “There won’t be a next time,” he says. “I’m gonna hunt his ass down and do what I couldn’t in view of the public.”
“Are you going to give him the opportunity to work off his punishment too?”
“Fuck no,” Mica shoots back. “Wait, is that what you want?”
“What? No. I was just curious. Don’t kill him.”
Without looking at me, he asks calmly, “Why not? I mean it’s not my first option, but if I run through my short list and he’s still stalking you, I’m not averse to giving him a permanent lesson.”
“I’m not wild about permanent lessons because I don’t want you to wind up in prison.”
Mica sighs, “Fine, I’ll just maim him a bit.”
“You already did. I think you broke his nose.”
“Yeah, well everyone’s had their nose broken a time or two. He can go get it set like the rest of us.”
I don’t want to continue this conversation, so I point out the obvious. “You’re not driving in the direction of my house. What’s up with that?” What I don’t tell him is how desperately I want to see my own house and sleep in my own bed.
“Clearly, we need to run a tight game until I can deal with Devon. Give me a day or two. Then we can stay at your house all the time if you like.”
That news puts a smile on my face. “Really?”
“Yeah, I give you my word.”
***
The clubhouse is quieter when we get back, the midday energy has settled. There are a few brothers at the bar. I sit at my usual table with my laptop and fine tune my contract file. I know there is no way one contract needs this kind of attention, but it’s my very first one and I want it to be perfect. Mica is grilling our food out back and it smells delicious. The last I heard he was marinating it in wine. The Sons are fancy, compared to my family.
Charity moves behind the bar, washing glasses and pulling beers for the brothers. After a while she sets a fresh coffee on the edge of my table without being asked and walks away before I can respond. That seems like her offering an olive branch, so I gratefully accept it.
I notice Bran on my way to the bathroom. He’s near the back hallway, talking to a prospect that I don’t recognize. He’s not doing anything unusual, but I’m keeping my eye on him anyway. It feels like after the confrontation with Devon, my instincts are finally kicking in.
Bran’s eyes move across the room in a casual sweep without stopping on me. I’m thrilled because maybe that means he’s not going to annoy me with his creepiness anymore.
I come back from the bathroom, sit down, and make a note, Bran. Watch.
I glance out the window and see someone’s standing at the far end of the parking lot near the wall. I don’t recognize the form. He’s just standing with his hands in his pockets. Still as a statue. I can’t make out a face because he’s shrouded in darkness. I decide that I’m probably just being jumpy. It’s probably one of the prospects tasked with guarding the clubhouse. I can’t imagine how anyone would get inside thewalls of this compound. The Sons’ security is top notch. I’m just tired and the Devon situation is making me see threats where none could logically be.
That’s about the time that Mica comes out with two huge plates of food. I’m excited because no man except my gramps has ever cooked for me before.
We settle down at my table, and I shove aside my laptop to make room for the plate and gush, “Everything looks and smells amazing, Mica. I can’t wait to try it.”
He looks a bit anxious. “My ma always says the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach. I decided to see if the same thing is true of women.”
I can’t help but laugh.
Chapter 10
Nova
After dinner, we walk upstairs together, relaxed and happy. Although it’s been a stressful day, Mica lifted my spirits just by being himself. It’s hard to believe that the same guy who punched my stalker in the face can be so casual, flirty, and fun. Sure, he has a reserved, dry, witty sense of humor, but it suits him. He’s also free with compliments, which is great for my self-esteem. I feel smart and pretty when we’re together, but that could be the alcohol I had with dinner talking.
I catch sight of Bran out of the corner of my eye. He’s just kind of lurking around with a broom in his hands, pretending to work. He does that a lot. Every time Mica or I walk by, he just stares at us. This dude is strange as fuck. I’m having a hard time remembering why I ever thought he was nice.
When he wraps his arm around me, I not only let him, I lean against his side, seeking his shelter and strength. Moving closer earns me an approving glance from my most fierce protector. His mother smiles indulgently at us from across the room, and his father jerks his chin, in what I’m assuming is his way of saying goodnight. We move together, in lockstep, like it’s the most natural thing in the world.
