“That’s probably the best idea.” I reach for my phone. “I’m going to order us some dinner and then you’re welcome to watch TV or use my computer or get some rest.”
“I think I’ll probably crash early tonight. I didn’t sleep well last night, they kept waking me up.”
“Whatever you need. Please make yourself at home. I’ll be out here watching the ball game until I fall asleep.”
“Thank you. I mean it.”
Lifting her gaze, our eyes lock and I can’t describe that jolt of electricity that hits me. It’s so intense, I feel like I’ve been struck by lightning.
Jesus, I’d have to be some kind of animal to think about her like that after what she’s been through. The weird thing is, I could swear she feels it too, because her eyes are trained on mine and neither of us moves for a little too long.
Luckily, my phone buzzes, alerting me to a text from Rage.
RAGE: I think I got everything on her list, including her spare key and one incredibly sweet cat. Should I bring her by now or wait until tomorrow?
GRIM: I think she’s going to bed soon. Let’s wait until tomorrow. We may drive up to headquarters anyway and can meet you there.
RAGE: So I get to keep her for a night?! Fuck yeah.
I chuckle at his excitement. He really loves cats.
Unlike me. I’m more of a dog guy.
That’s not a problem, though—I’m willing to suck it up for Allora.
Chapter Ten
Allora
I don’t know exactly what time I fell asleep, but it had to be somewhere between nine and ten, so I’m shocked when I open my eyes to discover it’s almost noon. Apparently, I was in desperate need of sleep. I take care of business in the bathroom and stare at my reflection. The bruising is a little better and now the dark purple is more of a purplish-green, and it’s spread farther down my face.
Super attractive.
Figures I would meet the hottest guy on earth when I look like death warmed over.
Unfortunately, I have to wear the same clothes again but Landon said Elliott is going to meet us at the Shadow Security headquarters with some of my things. Which makes me so happy. A tiny semblance of normal. He also wrangled Cleo without any trouble. That surprises me because she doesn’t like many people, especially men. But it appears that these guys aren’t like regular men—there’s something special about them.
When I’m finally as presentable as possible, I pad out to the living room. Landon is on the floor doing pushups and my step falters. He’s in shorts and nothing else, muscles bulging as he easily moves up and down.
He’s an exceptional picture of raw, unfiltered masculinity.
Tan, sinewy skin reveals a plethora of tattoos, and all I can do is stare. He’s downright breathtaking. And the light sheen of sweat on his back makes me think about things I shouldn’t.
What the heck is wrong with me?
I swallow, continuing to watch for a few more seconds before I clear my throat. “Good morning. Or afternoon, I guess.”
He doesn’t pause his movements or look up. “Morning. How’d you sleep?”
“Pretty well, I guess.”
“Are you hungry?”
“I think the answer to that question is always yes these days.”
“If you can give me ten minutes to shower, we can head out and stop to grab something on the way to headquarters. Sound okay?”
“Sure.”
