Riley stirs to my side, whispering, “Dropped off by one. Picked up by another. You lucky bitch.”
I nudge her shoulder with mine, grinning, because I do feel pretty lucky.
Crew doesn't slow down until girls are jumping to the side, at which point, he bumps into one of the five-foot-tall witches, knocking her to the ground.
“Crew!” Riley bellows, bending down and picking her up, “you knocked down Winnie!”
He flings his leg over, helmet tugged under his arm, eyes on me. “My bad. Just trying to get to my girl.” He reaches for my hand and I take it.
Oh my god.I can feel the heat in my cheeks, and I’m thankful it’s dark out.
Three of the four girls stare longingly at Crew, swooning at his words. It’s not often they hear a man of his stature talk so sweet. Riley, on the other hand, is battling a witch that keeps tipping over.
“Damn you, Winnie! Stand your ass up!”
“Crew, would you mind?” I nod toward Riley, asking him to give her a hand.
“I can call in a Rook.”
Sighing, I swat his arm. “Just help her.”
“Fine.” He drags out the word, snatching the witch by her hat. “But don’t tell anyone. I’ve got an asshole reputation to uphold.”
I chuckle in response. “Your secret’s safe with us.”
Once he’s got Winnie in place and Riley is pleased, we say our goodbyes and head to the house.
It’s a cold, quiet ride, and I’m so tired, I could have easily fallen asleep against Crew’s back.
Stopping directly in front of the steps to the house, Crew shuts off the engine. He gets off first then takes my hand and helps me off. A big yawn has me covering my mouth.
“Tired?” he asks as we walk in the house together.”
“Very. I’ll definitely sleep good.”
Once we’re inside, he closes the door and takes me by the waist, walking me back until I’m pressed against the door. “Did you have fun tonight?”
“Yeah. I actually did. It was a nice escape for a couple hours.”
His lips press to mine. “Good. You deserve it.”
This is still so surreal. Crew kissing me. Crew being kind. Sometimes I still feel the need to pinch myself.
“What about you? Did you and the guys work through some of your issues?”
His head wavers from side to side as he clicks his tongue on the roof of his mouth. “Eh. I wouldn’t say that, but we did come up with a plan regarding Melody. Jagger and I are gonna keep watch tonight outside of The Foxes’ Den in hopes of a delivery.”
“Oh, wow. Tonight? What if he doesn't show? It’ll be a waste of a whole night.”
“Then I guess we'll try again tomorrow.”
“Crew, that’s insane. It could take days and you and Jagger need sleep.”
My head tilts instinctively when he peppers kisses on the nape of my neck. “I won’t sleep until I know you’re safe.”
Goosebumps spill down my body, and I close my eyes. “But who will keep me safe while you’re both gone?”
His eyes lift to mine, and I already miss his hot breath against my skin. “Neo.”