“They aren’t going to do anything with weapons while we’re here, Squirt,” Roman chides.
I shoot him a worried look. “And why the fuck not? This seems like a choice location.” I shudder as a chill runs down my neck. Callum could be out there right now, watching.
“Because Sub-Rosa doesn’t want to draw any attention to their existence. There’s a reason why they’ve been so tolerant of us in their town. And that attack in the field the other day? That was the first time they’ve acted out like that. There were no establishments besides our auto shop in the area, and Callum must’ve called the order. They’re not going to damage their own building and draw the eyes of the town to them.” Roman sounds so sure, and I have to hand it to him, it makes sense—the last thing secret organizations want is any sort of attention. They want to move in the dark and stay hidden.
“Empty,” Bensen calls out from the kitchen.
Roman nods toward the swinging doors, and I follow him over. We step through and find a pot of boiling water and the back door open.
There’s nothing here that would make me suspect Lana and the chef. It looks like the normal commercial kitchen you’d expect to see in a diner.
Taylor folds his hands behind his head and leans on the metal counter. “Great, that was a wash.ButI think it’s safe to say that Lana and the chef are definitely in on it. Whether or not they are actually a part of Sub-Rosa or just crooked civilians remains unclear.”
“I won’t be eating here anymore.” Gale folds his arms and gives the kitchen a disgruntled frown.
Roman shrugs. “Well, let’s go get some food from the gas station before heading back to the farm then. I promised Squirt dinner.” He shoots me a heated look that the others might interpret as a glare. But they don’t know the side of Roman that I do.
After Bensen and John finish ensuring there aren’t any secret doors or a basement in the diner, we all head back to the motorcycles.
I’m embarrassed to admit how much I enjoy clinging to Roman when he drives. It’s an excuse to hold him and rest my head against his back.The helmet keeps me from hearing his heartbeat, but listening to the same song as we ride is a good substitute.
For the drive to the gas station he plays “Titanium” by David Guetta. My lips curl up, and I can’t help but laugh. “Seriously?”
His voice cuts in over the headset. “My hype song.” The amusement in his voice makes me giggle more.
I squeeze him tighter and try to forget that our lives won’t stay this simple and normal for long.
We pull up to the gas station and park on the side of the building that’s not lit up by the streetlights. It’s the only place to get gas in town, so it’s relatively busy. A few pickup trucks are parked out front with a handful of people in the backs of them. Heading to a party I’d presume. I grin because you don’t see this in the city. Only out in the small country towns.
Five of us head in while Taylor hangs back to watch the motorcycles and check his surveillance apps.
We divide and conquer. Roman splits off and heads down the beer aisle while John follows me through the snacks. We grab an assortment of chips and prepackaged cookies.
Gale and Bensen meet us back up front with sandwiches and yogurt parfaits. Gale gives us a sour look when he sees whatwe grabbed. “What are you guys, ten? What kinds of snacks are those?”
John shoves him playfully. “Live a little, Hopper. These cookies are fucking divine.”
Bensen laughs as we head to check out. Roman sets down two boxes of beer, and I glance up at him in surprise. “I don’t think I’ve ever actually seen you drink.” I chuckle.
He lifts a shoulder and lets it drop. “Unlike you, I’m actively working, Squirt.”
“Whatever.” I crack a smile. “I’m still looking for the flash drive and cleaning up the farm. Those count.” I’m reaching, honestly.
He chuckles and crosses his arms before giving me a smooth smile. I forget that the squad is here with us, watching. Roman seems to have forgotten too, because he flinches and looks over at them the same time I do.
Bensen’s eyes are wide, and Gale’s too distracted to take his change from the cashier. John elbows Gale to get him out of his thoughts, and everyone snaps out of it.
My cheeks warm, and I hesitantly glance at Roman. He’s looking down at his phone as a distraction, but I don’t miss how red the tips of his ears are and the blush that’s racing over his nose.
Not so tough.I bite down on my lower lip to keep my smile from spreading.
The ride back to the farm is bliss. The cold air moves through us as I listen with my eyes closed to “Orpheus” by mgk. Roman has this one on repeat. By the time we’re back at the house I have it stuck in my head, and the grin on my face couldn’t be scrubbed off with a wire brush.
The rest of the night we hang out with the guys and finalize the plan to get the message to Callum. It’s decided that we’re going to try to find Grahm at the next race party this comingweekend. I’m going to break away from the squad and tell Grahm I want to talk to Callum in private.
It takes me a few minutes to agree to seek out Grahm on my own. I have to assume he’s just as dangerous as Callum. Hailey’s bruises flash through my mind and make me angry again.Fucking asshole.Even if he didn’t do all of it, I know he hurt her at some point because there was blood on his hoodie that night.
“We’ll be close and watching, so don’t worry.” John smiles reassuringly.
