Page 43 of Viper

“You’re quiet.” His soft statement didn’t demand a response. It was a gentle observation. He settled his palm over her fingers and heat blazed up her arm.

She gave his shoulder a peck. She didn’t have the energy to do much else. “You left me speechless.”

He picked up her hand and kissed her knuckles before settling their joined fingers back on his sternum. “Same, babe.”

“Mmm. So how about breakfast? I’m starving.”

“Eat out or dine in?”

“In,” she said emphatically. Just the thought of setting foot in a restaurant, where Craig could get to her again, made shudders run up and down her neck.

Troy pulled her tighter around him and threaded his fingers through her hair. “I won’t let him near you again. But I agree, let’s eat in. I’m sure I can rummage up⁠—”

Ding-dong!

She jumped. “Who’s that?”

Before the words were out of Paige’s mouth, Troy leaped from the bed, tugging on his boxer briefs, then snatched his gun from the nightstand. “Stay here.” He tossed her his phone. “Call 911 if you hear anything strange.”

Bang, bang, bang!

Whoever was here lacked patience. Her stomach dropped to the floor. Gripping the sheet to her chest, she hopped out of bed and searched for her clothes in a frenzy.

“You scared the shit out of me!” Troy’s accusing voice punched down the hall.

She froze, her knees digging into the unrelenting hardwood.

“Well, Christ. It’s 9:00 a.m. and you haven’t answered my calls. Where the hell’s my sister?”

Atlas.

Oh, shit. Shit, shit, shit.

She was all for being an independent woman and telling her brother to butt out of her life, but not now. Not when she reeked of sex, was covered in Troy’s sweat, and had his cum leaking from her vagina. That was too ballsy, even for her.

“Coming!” she called, before he dared to search for her.

Her word choice made her skin heat. Gaining purchase with her feet, she lunged for the bedroom door and shut it, then found the clothes of Troy’s she’d worn the previous night, including the way-too-big joggers.

Atlas might raise an eyebrow at her wardrobe, but given the circumstances, she could get away with the excuse that she didn’t have many clothes here. He didn’t need to know she’d brought her whole suitcase.

Finally dressed, she combed her fingers through her hair and pressed her palms to her cheeks. She summoned a deep breath, then fanned her face.

Now was the time to strive for the best-actress award.

She opened the bedroom door and waltzed into the kitchen as if she hadn’t just been railed into next week. “Atlas,” she cooed happily, launching herself into his arms. “I’m so glad you’re here.”

He hugged her back, then held her at arm’s length. “Since when are you so happy to see me?” he asked skeptically, a grin lifting the corner of his mouth.

Since I don’t want you to kill your best friend in front of me.

She patted his chest. “What can I say. All the Florida sun has put me in a good mood.”

Havoc, Wraith, and Reaper meandered into the kitchen. She swung her gaze to Troy and wished she hadn’t. His smug expression told her he knew he was responsible for her perky mood. Just like that, her body tingled. Tucking her hair behind her ear, she looked away from Troy’s heated glare. God, was it just her or was he trying to make her squirm?

“Glad you’re okay, lass.” Wraith hugged her to his side and kissed the top of her head.

She patted his elbow. “Thanks. Me too.”