Page 42 of Striker
Atlas stirred. He blinked, searching for the clock. He found the glow of the digits over Molly’s head—7:00 a.m.
As if sensing he was awake, she moaned in protest then curled closer to him. Her nose was pressed into his neck, her silky strands draped over his arm, and her sexy thigh clenched around his. She couldn’t be any closer to him even if she’d applied herself with glue.
And dammit, he didn’t mind one bit.
Sex with Molly had been more perfect than he’d imagined. Watching her twist and writhe, her pussy drenched and pulsing in his face—Christ. His cock tightened, and he had to close his eyes and focus on his breath so he didn’t roll her over and kiss her awake.
Poor thing needed sleep, not another boning.
After several minutes, frustration climbed onto his back. He’d never get back to sleep. One, because of the sexy, naked thing in his arms, and two, because he needed news from the guys.
He stretched toward his nightstand and found his phone. He removed it from the charger, then lowered the screen so it didn’t shine in Molly’s face.
A missed text from Viper.
Come to our room when you’re awake.
It’d been sent over an hour ago. Anticipation sat heavy in his gut. Had they gotten any answers from the man they’d found waiting outside Molly’s apartment? Reaper, Wraith, and Havoc might also have news from their informant.
After easing Molly off his arm and tucking the blankets around her, he crept from the bed and got dressed. He grabbed a pen and a notepad from the nightstand drawer and scribbled under the light of his phone.
Went to see the guys in room 222. Stay here, I’ll be back.
He tucked his phone in his pocket and his gun in his waistband. Then he pulled on his boots and made his way down the hall. Voices came from the room he’d shared with Viper earlier. He knocked.
The door swung open to reveal Viper’s shit-eating grin. Atlas balled his fists so he wouldn’t wipe the look off his friend’s face.
“I got a feelin’ you two didn’t get much rest,” he said teasingly.
“Not as much as your lazy ass. What happened?” He entered the room and let the door close behind him. “Where’re the guys?”
Viper walked over to the couch pressed against the wall between the dining room table and the balcony. The bedroom door was shut. “Sleeping. It was a long night with that fucker Damian.”
Atlas bunched his hands into fists and sat in the accent chair near the sliding door. The morning was still dark. Streetlights dotted the cityscape.
“He wouldn’t talk for shit. We’ve got his phone, though. Going to get Havoc to unlock it once he wakes up.” While all the guys could hack when necessary, Havoc had more expertise and would get it done quicker.
“When’d they get back? Any word from Harry?”
He nodded. “A bit. Harry said he’s going to put out feelers. He heard Rex was back in the city, but no one knows where.”
“That’s really fucking helpful,” he spat.
Viper shrugged. “I know, but it’s all we got. Harry’s been reliable so far. Hasn’t fucked us yet.”
“Doesn’t mean he won’t.” Bitterness wrapped around his stomach. No one could be trusted right now. Rex had tried to kill Molly—had come so damn close it made him physically ill. “So what the hell are we supposed to do? Sit here jerkin’ each other off?”
Viper’s brow dipped. “Man, I thought for sure you’d gotten laid. Sorry.”
“Shut up,” he snapped. “Don’t talk about Molly like that either.”
His friend’s face blanched a little, and he lifted his palms. “Dude. You know I didn’t mean nothin’ by it. You’re not yourself.”
Atlas leaned forward, propping his elbows on his knees, and held his head. “No, I’m not. Molly was almost killed. I never should’ve left her alone.”
“Bro, you can’t blame yourself for that.” Viper reached over and gave his shoulder a shake. “I understand she’s innocent. Didn’t deserve any of this. But your job isn’t to protect Molly.”
Hesitation filled him. He looked up at Viper, lowering his hands. “It is now.” The words came out grave, resigned. Because hell. He was falling for Molly, and he’d be an idiot to pretend it wasn’t happening.
