Page 24

Defeated, I drop my head to the headrest. I’m suddenly so tired. “It’s late, Hawk.”

“Yeah, it is, and as soon as you look at me the sooner, you’ll be able to get home and rest.”

Finally relenting, I turn my head to the side and see that he's now squatting inside my door.

“Good girl. I’m going to follow you and make sure you get to where you’re going safely. Tomorrow you and I need to have a little talk. Things need to be said before I head back home.”

I sit up. “You’re leaving?”

“I’ve got responsibilities with the club, and I’m not turning my back on the one thing that never turned its back on me. They’re my family.”

“What about Rose?”

“I have you to relay her progress to me.”

I shake my head. “I can’t. I can’t do that. There are laws, and I could lose my job. I shouldn’t have called Bianca in the first place.”

“Tessa.” He places his hand on my arm. “Relax, sweetheart. No one said anything about breaking any laws. I only want to know when she wakes up and is coherent. I’ll come back then. Let’s get you home.” He squeezes my arm.

By the time we reach my apartment, I’m exhausted. Tonight’s events have really had an effect on me. I’m physically drained and in desperate need of a shower. Grabbing my purse from the seat next to me, I pull the handle of my door and open it. Hawk is there, stretching out his hand to help me out. I hesitate, not sure if I can initiate the touch, but when he wiggles his fingers my apprehensive ease.

“Which apartment is yours?” With my hand still in his, he looks to the row of doors past the small patch of grass.

“3B,” I tell him. “The third one from the right.”

“What’s your schedule for tomorrow?” We’re standing close, maybe too close. I can smell the hint of mint on his breath.

“I’m off.”

“I’m heading back Saturday. I’d like to spend some time with you tomorrow night.” I don’t work Fridays because I don’t have a babysitter. Friday nights are for Sarah, and I won’t ask her to watch Sam again.

“I can’t do that, Hawk.”

“Yes, you can.” He leans down ever so slightly and brushes his lips across my cheek, making my eyes close. “Listen to me,” he says as he takes my other hand in his. “Hear my voice. Who’s talking?”

“You are,” I say breathlessly.

He quietly laughs. “What’s my name, Tessa?” he asks as his hand moves up my arms, sending chills throughout my entire body.

“Hawk,” I barely make his name out before I feel his hands come up, cupping my face on either side.

“That’s right.” His breath dances over my lips. “It’s me, Hawk. Am I going to see you tomorrow, Tessa?” His voice sets me in a trance. I can feel my body lean into him as I relax under his touch.

“Yes,” I whisper.

“Good, girl.” His lips ghost over mine. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”

Blinking my eyes open, I flinch at his closeness and take a step back but he stops me. “Don’t.” The lines of his eyes deepen. I can tell he’s worried so I comply and don’t pull back. He gives me a smile, finally dropping his hands from my face.

“I’ll wait until you get inside. Then I’ll get going.”

I bite my lip and give him a nod before stepping away. As I make my way to the front door my heart races. Alarm bells are going off in my mind, telling me to stop while I’m ahead and blaring that allowing Hawk into my world means that I’ll be a part of his, and that’s something that I can’t afford to do.

The dangers of the MC world are real. They hurt, they maim, and they kill.

Tessa

I throw my head up in a messy bun and squirt a small amount of perfume. It’s incredible how exciting adult errands are. No work, no Sam. Just me paying some bills, and picking up a few odds and ends I couldn’t afford Sunday when we did our weekly shopping.