Page 22 of Spock’s Snare

"What?"

I lean forward and place a soft kiss on her pouty mouth.

CHAPTER EIGHT: CHLOE

I touch my lips as Spock turns away. He mounts his bike and sends me a cheeky grin before he and Rush pull away. I don’t move until the sound of their motorcycles fades into the desert air. I realize I’m grinning like a fool when I see the smirk on Hawk’s face.

Hawk swings his long leg over his motorcycle. After removing his helmet, he hooks it over the handlebars before stalking towards me with the same calm confidence every Demon Dawg seems to possess.

"If you need anything, I'm here," he says. "I'll be patrolling the site all day."

I nod. "Thank you."

He glances toward the building. "Spock meant what he said. The club's providing security until you finish the project. Nobody's getting to you without going through us."

The certainty in his voice chips away at the knot that's been living in my stomach since Dad was attacked.

"I appreciate that."

A faint smile touches his face.

"There's something else you should know." He folds his arms across his chest. "The club likes having you working on Inferno Ridge."

I blink, surprised.

"Really?"

"Yeah. You understand what we’re trying to accomplish. And Puma?" Hawk continues. "He's impressed with you."

That catches me completely off guard.

"He is?"

"He doesn't hand out compliments often. When he respects someone, they're one of his people." Hawk's expression hardens slightly. "And Puma's fiercely loyal to his people. Spock is the same way. Spock cares about you, so even if you weren’t working on Inferno Ridge, Puma would make sure you were protected.”

Something inside me quivers. It’s one thing to know Spock is on my side, but I have a feeling that his interest isn’t limited to my work on Inferno Ridge. Not if that kiss has any meaning. Hearing Hawk’s words makes me realize that I’m not alone.

Hawk grabs a hard hat before disappearing inside.

After one last look around the site, I square my shoulders and follow him in, feeling far steadier than I did just minutes ago.

The rhythmic thud of hammers and the whine of power saws fill the morning air as I make my way through the building. Hawk stays somewhere nearby. I don't always see him, but now and then I catch a glimpse of his leather kutte disappearing around a corner or hear one of my men call out to him. Somehow, knowing he's there makes the entire site feel safer.

The sound of tires rolling over loose gravel pulls my attention toward the entrance.

A black luxury SUV that I recognize slows to a stop near the temporary office. My heart drops, but I plaster on a smile and go out to meet the man financing this project. Paul Scaro.

Paul climbs out, dressed in pressed slacks and a crisp button-down shirt that somehow stays wrinkle-free despite the desert heat. As the developer behind Riversedge Apartments, he's visited the project regularly enough that we've developed a comfortable working relationship.

"Morning, Chloe."

"Good morning, Paul."

He glances around the bustling construction site. "Looks like you're making good progress."

"We are." I smile, genuinely proud. "Come on. I'll show you."

We spend the next twenty minutes walking through each floor. The plumbing and electricity have been installed and passed inspection. My crew has already started installing drywall. He asks questions about schedules, materials, and inspections while jotting occasional notes into the leather portfolio he always carries.