Page 58 of Rook
Behind her, she heard Stone return. “Tracks lead toward the highway. They had a bike waiting.”
Grim growled. “Cowards.”
Havoc spat. “Reapers don’t get to sniff around our territory.”
Ledger added, “This wasn’t random.”
Stone’s voice was low. “No. It wasn’t.”
Rook didn’t respond.
But when Avery glanced back, he was watching her climb the stairs, eyes fierce, protective, and full of something she wasn’t ready to name.
Chapter 17
Avery
The night air was cold, but Avery barely felt it.
Not with Rook’s hand firm on her lower back, guiding her toward his bike like she was something breakable. Something precious. Something his.
Her pulse still hadn’t settled from the break-in, but now it was racing for an entirely different reason.
Rook stopped beside his midnight black motorcycle and turned to face her. The streetlight caught the hard line of his jaw, the tension in his shoulders, the storm still simmering in his eyes.
“Ever been on a bike before?” he asked.
She shook her head. “No.”
His gaze softened, barely. “Then listen to me. Sit close, keep your hands on me, and don’t lean unless I do. I’ll take care of the rest.”
He stepped closer, lifting the helmet in both hands. Her lungs forgot how to work as he gently cupped the sides of her head, guiding it down over her hair. His fingers brushed her temples, her jaw, the back of her neck, slow, careful, steadying.
She didn’t realize she was trembling until he stilled her chin with one hand.
“You’re safe with me,” he murmured, voice low and rough. “I’ve got you.”
Her throat tightened. “Noah…”
“I know.” He fastened the strap beneath her chin, his knuckles grazing her skin. “I know, Aves. Just breathe.”
She tried. It came out shaky.
“You hold on to me,” he said, eyes locked on hers through the visor. “No matter what.”
She nodded, because words weren’t happening.
“That’s my girl,” His voice dropped even lower. “Come here.”
He swung onto the bike first, powerful, fluid, controlled. Avery climbed on behind him, her legs unsteady, her breath still uneven from the break-in. She hesitated for half a second, unsure where to put her hands.
Noah didn’t wait.
He reached back, found her wrists, and pulled her arms firmly around his waist.
Her palms pressed to his stomach, solid muscle beneath warm cotton. She felt him exhale, felt the tension ripple through him like he was fighting something he didn’t want to name.
“Closer,” he murmured.
