Page 39 of Brooks (Dirty Misfits MC 1)
“Why’s that?”
He started texting away. “If I told you that, I’d give away the church meeting. But just trust me when I tell you it’s not good.”
I snickered. “If Chops is involved? Doesn’t shock me one bit.”
He grinned. “There. Sent.”
“What did you tell him?”
His eyes flickered across the screen. “Keep your ears out for Chops. He’s up to something. And come to Raven’s if you guys need to talk. That’s where I am.”
“Good. They’re welcome here anytime.”
He put his phone away. “So, what’s the plan? Are you actually going to try and work while all of this is going on?”
“I mean, do I really have a choice?”
He shrugged. “You could take some vacation?”
“I have to put in for it at least a week in advance.”
“Then, put it in tomorrow. Cash in a week or two.”
I blinked. “Or three. Maybe four?”
He slowly looked over at me. “How much vacation do you have saved up?”
I paused. “Never really felt the need to take it after Gage died. It’s just kind of been rolling over ever since.”
He took my hand. “I’m so sorry, Raven. From the bottom of my heart, I—”
I squeezed it. “It’s not your fault. Even though I know you’ll blame yourself, it honestly isn’t. There’s so much about that night that we don’t know about, there’s no telling who the hell is to blame for what really happened.”
He scooted closer to me. “You have my word I’ll figure it out, though. Because something in my gut tells me Chops’ shit is all wrapped up into this.”
I balked. “You think Chops had something to do with Gage’s death?”
“And Hyde’s. Either that, or he’s at least covering for who is responsible. And neither of those things are going to fly now that I’m back.”
I turned to face him. “Promise me something.”
He nodded. “Anything.”
“Promise me you’ll find out who did this to Gage and Hyde. If it’s something someone has deliberately done.”
He cupped my cheek, gazing into my eyes. “You have my word.”
“Good.”
His eyes studied mine and our bodies gravitated toward one another. My body leaned into his, wanting nothing more than his comforting warmth. The voice in the back of my head screamed at me to stop. My heart slammed against my chest, almost as if it were pumping the brakes inside of my ribcage. And when I felt Brooks’ breath against my lips, my pelvis warmed.
Which halted me in my tracks.
“I should get some sleep,” I said softly.
Brooks licked his lips. “I think we could both use some sleep.”
I slowly pulled away, thumbing over my shoulder. “Guest bedroom is just down that hallway. I’m upstairs, right above you.”
He nodded. “There a bathroom down here, too?”
“Yep. The first door to the left down the hallway. It’s not accessible from the bedroom, but it’s right there.”
“It’ll be fine, thank you.”
I stood to my feet. “Feel free to help yourself to the toiletries in here, too. And the food in the kitchen. There isn’t much since it’s just me here, but you’re welcome to it.”
He grinned. “Thanks.”
A warmth crept through the marrow of my bones. “Anyway, time for a rest for me.”
He sipped his coffee, his eyes never wavering from my own. “I’ll be down here if you need me.”
I always need you. “Great. Wonderful. I’ll see you after my nap.”
My eyes held his for a beat and a half more before I finally pulled away. The spell he had on me from the first night we met felt stronger than ever despite the distance and silence between us over the years. As I made my way for the kitchen, I prayed my staircase was enough to keep us apart. As I threw back the rest of my coffee, my mind begged for any God above to rid me of the emotions I felt for the man who had just invaded a home I once shared with his best friend.
I felt his eyes on me as I set my mug in the kitchen sink. I felt his stare against the sway of my hips as I made my way up the stairs. Without another work spoken, I put distance between myself and the man that still held part of my heart. And when I got to the top of the steps I wanted to cry, I felt so guilty. I wanted to vomit, I felt so selfish.
It didn’t stop the thought from crossing my mind, though. The one thought that told me just how deep into this shit I already was.
I really hope Brooks follows me up here.
And I scurried into my bedroom to shield myself from the shame I knew was barreling up the stairs behind me.
Nineteen
Brooks
I watched her ascend the steps while my mind roared out for me to follow her. I’d never felt the need for more control around any woman I’d ever come across like the need for control I felt whenever Raven was around. She tugged at parts of me no woman had ever tugged before. She permanently altered parts of my soul that would forever be touched by the simplicity and beauty of her presence. I was hopelessly, undoubtedly, and forever emotionally attached to this woman.
