Page 54 of Guarding Glenda

Bama caught up to me and stopped. “What the fuck are they doing?”

“Beats me. You wanna help with the boxes?” I asked.

“Yeah. And listen, you were right.” He held out his hand. “We good, brother?”

I took his hand, pulling him close. “We’re good. Just don’t touch my back.”

He patted my shoulder, then pulled away. “Let's go move this shit before they decide to sacrifice one of us.”

Looking out once more, I grinned. I sacrificed myself for her comfort already. I’d sacrifice my life if it meant hers was happy and safe.

Chapter 21

Glenda

Pinkie had gone inside and grabbed a broom and dustpan, plus some packing tape. We got the glass up and were sitting around the charred pile of leather, a small stream of smoke still wisping in the air, but no more flames.

“What you ladies up to out here?” Bama asked.

We all turned, and Leigh was with him. Warmth washed over me and I smiled. He stuck his hand out as I stood and met him halfway. “You want to go see Sam real quick? We may be able to catch him if we hurry.”

Bama stood behind Linny, rubbing her shoulders. “I gotta go get Sofie soon.”

“Let’s go get the boxes,” I said.

“Already done, and they’re in the back seat since we’re making a stop first.”

Allie walked toward the fire pit and stamped her cigarette out.

Leigh planted a kiss to my temple, then waved. “Ladies. Bama, see you soon brother.” He pulled at my hand. “Let’s go.”

“Bye, you guys,” I said with a wave. “Thanks.”

Linny stood up, then came to give me a squeeze. “Text me later.”

Allie and Pinkie said their goodbyes then walked in through the back of the kitchen and we went in the main hall doorway.

“Thanks for getting the boxes. I could’ve helped.”

“Just because you can doesn’t mean you should,” Leigh said as we headed down the hall.

My brows rose but I didn’t say anything. Just kept walking.

Once we made it outside and back into the truck, I noticed him wince as I was buckling and he was climbing in.

“You okay?” I asked.

“Yeah.” He put the keys in and looked over at me. “I’m perfect now.”

My face heated so I turned to look out the window.

He pulled out of the parking lot, and once we got on the road, he reached over and grabbed my hand, threading his fingers into mine. “What was that about?”

Shrugging, I bit my lip, then said, “I dunno. I’m not used to someone saying things like that to me.”

My fucking bar was apparently in hell. I’d convinced myself Reggie was a great guy but he was actually a piece of shit. It was sad I couldn’t even take a man saying sweet things to me.

“Well, you will over time. But I was talking about your little fire dance.”