Who would’ve thought that all it would take was a badass blonde bombshell woman to finally shut down the chaos in my head?
Tomorrow is soon enough to face the list that I know needs doing. And the first order of the day is to contact Coal and get a cut with my name on it. Because I’m making her mine before she can change her mind.
That’s tomorrow, though. Tonight, this is enough. Nora in my arms, sleeping peacefully, tucked up warm and safe right next to me.
CHAPTER 7
NORA
It’s always the quiet ones who surprise you. Still waters really do run deep when it comes to Nickel Tin.
Running my hand across the bed next to me, I’m somehow not shocked to find that Nickel isn’t there. I’m not sure if the man sleeps much at all.
No, what surprises me is that I didn’t wake up when he left the bed, just like yesterday when I woke up to him and coffee. It isn’t lost on me that I feel safe enough with him to let my guard down and to sleep with ease.I didn’t even have my knife under my pillow last night, and I slept like a baby.
Turning my head, my lips turn up in a smile. The man sees so much and instinctively seems to know what I need. There on the nightstand, next to an insulated travel mug, is the knife that rarely leaves my side. The knife I’ve slept with under my pillow for years. In my experience, it’s rare to find a man who doesn’t mind that you’re able to take care of yourself. That I’ve found an entire club of them is something for the books.
Pushing up on the bed to sit with my back against the headboard and taking the sheet with me, I tuck it under my arms and reach for the coffee. I take a sip and tilt my head to listen for him. When I hear nothing, I wonder where he is.
I glance at the clock on his side of the bed to see that it’s gone six in the morning, meaning he’s been up for a while.
I’m finishing my coffee when I hear them. I’d think I was back in the army if it weren’t for the fact that they’re singing an American marching chant and not a British one. It gets my heart beating, and I smile.
Hurriedly, I get out of bed and rush to the bathroom. It doesn’t take me long, and I’m washed, dressed, and out his door only to see them disappearing over the horizon.
“They’ll be back.” Turning, I see Bee sitting in a chair on the deck of the home next to ours, wrapped in a blanket.
She’s still sporting faded bruises, and I know her ribs aren’t healed, or I’d imagine she’d be out there training with them.
Wondering if I can catch up with them, I do some stretches.
“If you head off that way, you’ll catch up to them. They come back this way, then go to the obstacle course behind Coal's house,” Bee says.
“Thanks, Bee,” I reply, shaking out my arms.
I jog down the steps to the road.
“Nora.”
I look back at Bee, who’s now leaning on the rail of their deck. “I’m glad you’re here. Nickel is a good man. If you let yourself, you’ll be happy here.”
A smile breaks across my face.
“Wow.” Bee sounds shocked. “I’ve never seen you smile like that before.”
“Haven’t had much to smile about in recent years. But I do now, and I know you’re right. Nickel kind of took me by surprise, but he and I are on the same track as you and Copper.”
Bee grins. “They kind of do sneak into your heart a bit like the Wraiths they are.” She sobers before continuing. “I’m happy for you, Nora. And selfishly, I’m fucking thrilled for me. Means I get to keep my best friend close.”
Warmth fills my heart at her words. “Same for me, Bee. It’s been a while since I’ve admitted to having a best friend, and thank fuck, you’re not one who wants to have long, meaningful talks about feelings.”
Bee chuckles and drains her coffee as I finish stretching my hamstrings and jog on the spot. “See you soon, Nor. Have fun with the boys. If Noah wakes up before you finish, we’ll walk over to the obstacle course and watch you give them a run for their money.”
Saluting, I run backwards so I can still see her. “Hurry and heal, Bee. I could do with some competition.”
She laughs and waves me off.
Grinning, I turn and jog away. I feel alive for the first time in years. My blood is pumping, and the echoes of last night’s orgasms still linger. I’m happy. My family is at rest, my best friend lives next to me, and I’ve found a man determined to make me his.
