I nod, dragging my gaze from his. I need distance—from him and whatever pull he has on me. I can’t let my focus slip. We’re not safe yet, and I’m not about to leave him alone out here alone.
This protective instinct isn’t something I’m used to anymore… at least, not for a long time. But something about him screams at meto keep him safe at all costs. Not that he can’t handle himself. He wouldn’t be here if he couldn’t.
I don’t understand these unexpected feelings coursing through me. But what I do know is that my heartbeat only settled once I knew he was safe.
“Military, huh?” He leans casually against the house wall and crosses his arms as if this is just another day in the park for him. Maybe it is. The Skulls have allies everywhere that they use for certain jobs.
“Yep,” I reply. “But you’re not.”
“Nope,” he agrees. “Motorcycle Club. Name’s Nickel Tin. And you are?”
Motorcycle Club? Well, that’s a new one. I didn’t realise the Skulls had one on their operationsteam.
Seeing no reason not to tell him who I am, I open my mouth to reply when I hear my name from behind me.
“Nora Harvey, you made it.”
I recognise that voice immediately, and happiness floods through me as I turn to see Ramzi. I hug him, ignoring Nickel’s unhappy rumble as Ramzi squeezes me tightly. He and his brothers have become my family over the years. I know I’m a special case. They’re not close to many of their operatives, but Bee and I seem to be the exceptions.
“Ramzi,” I murmur, giving him one last squeeze before stepping back.
“I see you met Nickel,” he says with a mischievous twinkle in his eyes.
I tilt my head as I look at him, wondering about his humorous tone. “I have.”
“She saved me. Twice,” Nickel admits.
His admission surprises me. Not many men would be humble enough to admit they were rescued by a woman. But something already tells me he’s different from the kind of man I’m used to.
Ramzi tells Nickel that someone called Cross will be working with him.
I tense as the front door of the house opens and Cahir appears. More men file out with him, carrying Eade.
Cold anger flows through me as they haul Eade through the gates, but I school my expression to conceal my turmoil. I’m used to locking down my emotions.
Cahir breaks away and greets me warmly before filling me in on where they’re taking Eade. He calls out to a man who closely resembles Nickel. His brother?
Nickel offers immediately when Cahir asks for a lift so they can take me with them. Relief slips through me. I probably could’ve riddenwith Bee and the others in the van, but being cooped up isn’t what I need right now. Making small talk is the last thing I want when the need for retribution is boiling in my blood.
Riding free with the wind in my face on the back of a bike seems like a far better option. And riding for hours with my arms locked around the gorgeous hunk I saved is as good a way to pass the time as any.
Romantic relationships haven’t been on my radar for years, but seeing Bee’s easy familiarity with her man, Copper, has me wondering if it’s possible with Nickel.
***
I do my job with Lloyd Eade, torturing him for information as I seek retribution for my family.
Nickel and the rest of the Queen’s Wraiths don’t judge me for the things I do tohim. They stand beside me, a silent wall of support, and once I’m done, it seems the most natural thing in the world to walk right into the open embrace and seek comfort in Nickel’s waiting arms.
I can’t help but wonder why I’m so comfortable with him. I’m not a woman who acts impulsively. Trust doesn’t come easy for me. The life I’ve lived has made me hard. I keep my emotions locked down because if I don’t, they could get me killed.
But I allow myself to be vulnerable with Nickel for a short time in the place that everyone calls The Hole. And for the first time since my family was murdered, I allow myself to feel.
Something about Nickel makes me feel safe.
I only hope I’m not making a mistake now that the Cursed Skulls are working with the Queens Wraiths.
CHAPTER 2
