35
Ridge
Light is creeping through the edge of the drapes when I open my eyes.
Shit, I’m still in Robyn’s bedroom. Still in her bed.
The smell of her shampoo is on the pillow. I’m on my side, one arm thrown over her waist, and she’s tucked into me with her back against my chest. I lie there for a moment, and it feels nice.
Too fucking nice.
I can’t believe I slept here. I must have closed my eyes for a second and gone under. I was more tired than I realized. The day caught up with me.
I ease my arm off her and roll onto my back, looking over at Robyn.
She’s still fast asleep. Her hair is a mess across the pillow. Her mouth is slightly parted. She’s snoring softly. It’s cute, and I can’t help but smile.
The smile quickly dies. She’s beautiful and sweet. I hope I don’t have to fuck her over with the Council.
Shit!
I slide out from under the covers. I move carefully, taking my weight off the mattress an inch at a time so I don’t wake her. I find my pants on the floor and pull them on. My shirt is on the back of the chair where I left it. I do up the buttons and tuck it in. I grab my socks and shoes and carry them out to the living room, so I don’t wake her with the noise. Once I’m dressed, I head back to the bedroom door. She hasn’t moved.
I find a pad and pen on her kitchen counter, write a quick note, and walk with it through to the bedroom. I leave it next to her phone on the nightstand where she’ll see it the second she reaches for the alarm.
I take one last look at her and walk out. I let myself out the front door, testing the lock behind me to make sure it’s locked. Smoke is in the corridor.
I should have left hours ago. I shouldn’t be here.
The male sees me and gives me a small nod, and that’s it.
Thank fuck!
I take the stairs down. Brutus is doing a loop of the perimeter when I come out the front. He lifts his chin and keeps walking.
I pull my phone out of my pocket as I cross the lot to my SUV. There’s a message from Flint that came in around the time I woke up.
Got her.
He sends me the female’s details, including a name, address, and a time.
Meet me there.
I have just enough time to get home, shower, and change.
I send him a thumbs-up.
I get behind the wheel and head for my place. It’s early, so it doesn’t take too long. I’m ready in record time and out the door and back in the SUV.
The address Flint sent me is in a quiet residential pocket on the west side. Modest houses, neat front lawns, and a school two streets over. I pull up behind his bike.
He’s already off it, helmet hooked over the bar, leaning against the seat. I get out.
“Morning,” I say.
He stands. “Her name is Rachael Da Silver. She’s thirty and works as a teacher at a nearby primary school.”
“A teacher.” I frown.
