Page 42 of Torrent’s Treasure

A wet nose nudged her hand.

“Hey, buddy,” she cooed, scratching Monster’s ears. Sally had said that Monster had jumped in her SUV and refused to get out when she tried to tell him that he was staying home. “I’m glad you came,” Cecilia whispered, leaning down to wrap her arms around Monster’s neck. The comfort of knowing the big dog would do anything for her or Calliope settled Cecilia’s nerves. Torrent would protect them, but he had a couple runs that he’d have to go on. Knowing Monster would be in their suite with them would help her not worry too much.

She wasn’t sure if Torrent was going to stop or had felt her eyes on him, but he said something to Dragon, then walked toward her. Rivulets of sweat ran down his chest, and the trail of hair right above his waistline kept drawing her eyes.

“Doing okay?” he asked, stepping onto the porch.

“Yes,” she breathed.

“Fifteen more minutes, then we can ride,” Torrent noted.

“Okay. Umm, Willow asked about Calliope staying tonight,” she said.

Torrent’s gray eyes stared at her. “How’s that make you feel?” he countered, opening the screen door until he was inches from her. The smell of the hot sun and wind clung to him.

“I think it would be okay. Calliope loves Willow,” Cecilia replied.

“Whatever you want is what we’ll do,” Torrent promised.

“Can we ask Calliope?” she asked.

“Of course,” he assured her as he leaned closer. “Want you to feel safe,” he added softly.

She nodded, swallowing, her throat full at him thinking of her.

“Let’s ask her after we get back to the clubhouse,” she suggested.

Torrent nodded. “Fifteen minutes,” he repeated, sliding her hair behind her ear before dropping a kiss on her forehead, heading back to help the guys.

Chapter Twenty

Torrent sipped his beer, listening to Cecilia and Sally discuss some television show that they were both obsessed with. Dragon had gone to play pool. Cauldron had challenged him to a game, and Dragon rarely turned down a challenge.

His admirer wasn’t making herself scarce as he’d thought. Instead, she was sitting at the bar, glaring at his wife. So far, Cecilia seemed not to have noticed. He was guessing that Sally hadn’t noticed either because, knowing her, she probably would have either done something herself or urged Cecilia to stand up for herself. The Prospect behind the bar had been directed to make a pitcher of margaritas and bring it over. It was Sally’s favorite drink. He’d asked Cecilia if she had a favorite. She’d said no, that she’d drink what Sally wanted.

The Prospect brought the pitcher over with margarita glasses dipped in salt.

“Nice job, Prospect,” Torrent commented with a nod. The Prospect placed the items in front of Sally and Cecilia, then motioned to Torrent.

“I’ll be right back,” Torrent said, getting up and following the Prospect away from the table.

Once they were out of earshot, Torrent asked, “What’s up?”

“At first, Jasmine was just glaring at your table. Now, she’s talking bad about your wife. She’s also consumed more alcohol than I’ve ever served her. I wanted you aware because I’m not sure if she’ll try something,” the Prospect warned.

Torrent glanced toward the bar. Jasmine was staring at Cecilia and talking to herself.

“I appreciate you letting me know,” Torrent replied.

Although Torrent knew he was getting closer to having to make a huge scene, Cecilia was relaxed and so happy tonight. This first night at the clubhouse party, without worrying about Calliope upstairs, was not being ruined by a disgruntled Whisper. He glanced around the room to see who was available. Mammoth was standing near the pool table, watching the game.

Torrent made his way over there, stopping by where Sally and Cecilia were to tell Cecilia where he’d be. Once he confirmed she was good, he headed to Mammoth.

He stood by him for a second before getting his attention.

“Mammoth,” he started, but Mammoth interrupted him.

“Need me to keep Jasmine’s mouth occupied so she doesn’t shoot it off near your woman?” Mammoth guessed.