IVY
I knew sex would be incredible with Clint. His touch sent me spiraling with lust. Despite our chemistry, I feared what would happen once he saw me stripped bare and completely vulnerable.
Clint’s desire for me never wavered. We spent the entire afternoon in bed. I was tender in all the best spots by that evening. I couldn’t keep my hands off him, and Clint met my need with his own.
The next few days, Clint and I hid away together. I cooked for him. He ordered food for me. We took walks around the neighborhood and rides around town. His work meetings took place in the courtyard while I played with the dogs and practiced soccer.
During my second weekend in Little Memphis, I spent the days with Clint’s family and friends. My evenings were all about him.
I could see my future stretching out ahead of me. I understood what Clint and I would be like in a year, a decade, a lifetime. The past no longer clung to me. I already breathed like a new, more confident woman. I knew my place at the condo building. I could move around easily. I felt safe here.
A woman with my lack of life experience could be forgiven for forgetting that Clint lived a dangerous life. I preferred to think of him as my sexy boyfriend with a fun job.
Like I did in Reno, I never worried about where the money came from or how actions had consequences.
That was why I was so startled when Clint woke me after midnight on Monday morning. I hadn’t even noticed his phone lighting up with messages until he kissed me awake. I thought he was feeling frisky and reached for his body. Except Clint was already dressed.
“Something’s happened at one of our businesses in Rawlins,” Clint explained while helping me out of bed. “I need to take you to the Sorority House until I’m back.”
Half-asleep and confused, I didn’t feel the weight of his words until I was bundled up and walking with Clint to the truck.
As we drove to the Sorority House, my mind raced with questions and concerns. Yet, I didn’t ask him anything.
Around us, his club mates rode their motorcycles to the Sorority House. We arrived to find the foxes gearing up to hit the road. Clint mentioned how he had a motorcycle there and would get someone to bring the truck back later.
Panicked over him leaving, I began to cry. Vanessa instantly hugged me to her and guided me to her room.
“Just chill out in here. If you need something, Stevie is staying back. Her room is down the hall with her name on it,” Vanessa explained as Clint followed us. “I’d appreciate it if you watched Porsche since she doesn’t like it when I leave at night.”
Around me, Hanzee, Goblin, and Boa stared out of their carriers. Looking less like a cutesy doll and more like a biker bitch, Moe arrived in the room with her dog, Truvy.
“She’s itty-bitty like you,” Moe said, hugging me before heading out the door with Vanessa.
I stared down at the runt of the litter. Truvy growled at me and then walked away. Overwhelmed by the sheer number of dogs, I barely had a chance to grab Clint.
“Rawlins is our town,” he said once we stood alone in the room. “It’s where Boone and Goldie and many of our friends grew up. Rock’s dad runs the town. We’re not riding into hell, but we need to make a show of force. Does that make sense?”
Crying was the wrong move, but I was scared. Clint’s world felt deceptively safe until this morning. My sleepy brain warned that if Clint left, he’d never return.
“How long will you be gone?”
“We’ll be back later today. I’ll send Elle to get you after she drops off Sutter at school.”
“Why isn’t she going?”
Clint’s expression didn’t shift, yet I sensed him growing edgy over my question.
“Please don’t cry,” Clint whispered in a pained voice. “I need you to understand how things work.”
I heard the meaning behind his words. Clint needed to leave the Sorority House and lead his people into battle. My fears were interfering with his responsibilities.
A little part of me wanted to guilt him into staying. With my money, did Clint even need to work? Couldn’t he hide away with me like we had over the last few days?
Of course, my hopes were childish, but I still didn’t want Clint to leave. Despite my fears, I took a deep breath and removed my jacket.
“Can I sleep in here?” I asked, trying to sound relaxed.
Smiling with relief over my calmer demeanor, Clint nodded. “The kitchen is stocked. You can watch TV, sleep, and walk around. Just don’t leave the property until Elle gets here, okay?”
Sliding out of my shoes, I wiped my wet face and took another deep breath.
“I’m okay,” I said to Clint and forced a smile. “I’ll take care of the furballs while you take care of your people.”
Clint offered me a kiss full of promises. He would be back. Nothing bad would happen. I could relax and sleep without worry.
I chose to find solace in his words. That was the only way I could remain in Vanessa’s room while the house grew louder before falling silent.
Soon, I opened the carriers and cuddled with the dogs. We were all startled by the early morning ruckus, but there was nothing for us to do besides wait for our people to return.