Chapter 9 #2
I blew out a slow breath, steadying myself against the edge of Clara’s kitchen counter as anger pulsed in my gut.
But we were strategic. We had to move carefully.
We wouldn’t go in guns blazing. We’d have a plan, one that would definitely be fucking lethal.
“I’ll head to the office, help Wizard with identification. ”
King grunted—his version of approval. “Good. Tomcat’s already there, Echo’s on the way.
Wizard’ll patch in remotely. Also need you to work with them to intensify surveillance around that property.
I want eyes and ears everywhere—24/7 monitoring, drones, ground teams, whatever the hell you have to do.
Map patrols and routines. Need a plan for security and surveillance we can roll out ASAP.
Ace is digging into their financial trail, and Ash is handling the legal angles.
I want to know who they are, who they’re fucking holding, and why. ”
“Understood.” My gaze flicked again toward Clara’s closed bedroom door, my gut tightening with frustration that I had to leave her. But this club business couldn’t wait. “On my way in ten.”
“Good.” King's voice held the familiar steel edge of leadership. “Want regular updates.”
The line went dead, and I lowered my phone slowly, my knuckles white from how tightly I gripped it. I stared silently at Clara’s kitchen counter, taking a moment to gather myself before I had to face her and explain that club business had just cut our morning short.
Clara deserved more of my time than I could give her right now, especially after our first night together.
That knowledge settled heavy in my chest because we hadn’t had a chance to talk about what club business meant.
I hoped like hell that she would accept the place the Hounds held in my life and that it meant there would always be shit I couldn’t tell her.
That conversation would have to wait, though.
Taking a deep breath, I rolled my shoulders and pushed away from the counter, then crossed the small kitchen back to Clara’s bedroom door.
I turned the handle and stopped to admire the vision before me.
She’d curled back up beneath the soft sheets, and her eyes were shut, her dark lashes resting on her cheeks.
My chest tightened at how perfectly she fit into my life, and how quickly she'd become an irreplaceable piece of the puzzle I hadn't even realized was incomplete.
As if she sensed me, Clara slowly opened her eyes, a sleepy smile spreading across her lips as she stretched beneath the sheets. My gaze tracked every subtle movement of her body, the gentle curve of her hip beneath the covers making my pulse spike hard.
“I have to go, baby.” I came close enough to brush a lock of hair away from her face. Her eyes cleared of sleep, awareness creeping into her expression as she took in the seriousness in my tone. “Got some club business that needs handling.”
She pushed herself up on one elbow, her messy chestnut waves cascading over her shoulder as she studied me carefully.
I could see the curiosity in those amber eyes, questions flickering just beneath the surface.
But to my relief, she simply nodded, trusting me without forcing explanations I didn’t have time to give.
I hesitated for a moment, my fingers gently trailing along her arm, fighting the urge to ask her to come with me.
Even though the current threat wasn’t aimed at her directly, the protective instinct roaring through me wanted her within eyesight at all times.
But logic won out. Dragging her downtown just to leave her sitting alone outside my office wasn’t fair or practical.
Her gaze softened, and she gave me a gentle smile as she sat up fully, the sheet falling to her waist. My shirt hung low off one shoulder, revealing bare skin that made my blood heat dangerously.
“I’ll miss you,” she admitted, her sweet tone sending a different kind of warmth spreading through my chest. “But there is so much to do here, I’ll be crazy busy once the gates open.
As much as I would like it if we could spend the morning together”—her eyes drifted to the messy bed, and her cheeks heated adorably—“Harper and the twins will probably riot if I leave them shorthanded.”
The corners of my mouth curved up. “Wouldn’t want to start shit with your siblings.”
Clara laughed softly, the sound tugging at me, making it even harder to leave her. She leaned closer, pressing a lingering kiss to my lips that sent a possessive spike straight to my core.
“Be careful,” she murmured softly when she pulled back, her eyes steady on mine, the emotion in her voice clear.
“Always, baby,” I promised, brushing one last kiss against her forehead before forcing myself to dress quickly and head for the door.
Outside, the morning was bright and crisp, the orchard just starting to come alive with activity. I stepped down the stairs from Clara’s apartment, my boots crunching on the gravel. I’d almost made it to my bike when I heard a snicker coming from the side of the store.
Turning slowly, I spotted Harper and Ella standing near the extra produce stand they’d set up for the festival, smirks plastered on both their faces. Harper raised a brow, leaning casually against a crate of apples. “Hey, Rebel. You’re here awfully early.”
Ella giggled, folding her arms across her chest as her eyes sparkled mischievously. “Huh. We didn’t see your motorcycle roll in this morning. It’s almost like you spent the night.”
I shook my head slightly as I moved to my bike. “You two spend all your free time spying on your sister?”
Harper shrugged nonchalantly, her tone dry and teasing. “We have to entertain ourselves somehow. And Clara’s love life has been pretty boring until recently.”
Ella laughed, nudging her sister with her elbow. “Yeah, and who’d have thought she’d make it even more interesting by hooking up with a hot biker?”
“Not hooking up,” I warned lightly, with a meaningful look. Swinging my leg over my bike, I added, “You might not want her to catch you gossiping about her love life or you’ll probably end up locked in the corn maze with no map.”
Harper smirked again, her eyes gleaming. “I’m betting she’s way more likely to lock herself in with you.”
This time I grinned, firing up the engine and raising my voice just enough to be heard over the low rumble. “Wouldn’t hear me complaining.”
Both girls laughed, clearly delighted by my response. I shot them a mock salute before pulling away from the farm, the steady vibration of the engine beneath me doing little to ease the tension that had settled deep in my chest.
As the orchard faded in my rearview mirror, my thoughts turned back toward what waited for me at my office. But even with the seriousness of club business pressing in, I couldn’t shake the thought of Clara’s smile, her teasing sisters, and the family warmth I’d felt so naturally a part of.
It felt a lot like home, and damn if I wasn’t already craving more of it.