FAITH
“They’re still out there.”Nicky whispers, peeking out the window.
Sure enough, Ripper and Blade are parked just across the street, playing cards at a picnic table in the tiny local park. “I’m surprised nobody’s called the cops yet. This isn’t exactly a tough neighborhood. They stand out like sore thumbs.”
“Are you kidding me? The moms at the sandbox are watching them as closely as those guys are watching us.”
I put my back to the window, pretending not to see them, or even care. “Back to work. We have orders to pack.”
Nicky sighs and peels herself away. “I bet if we set up a motorcycle romance display, it would fly off the shelves. Customers would see them out there, then come through the door andbam,Taken by the Bikers right under their noses. Who could resist?”
“Me. Watch the store for a bit. I’m going to take Mrs. Albert her books.”
“Are you sure? I can go so they don’t give you a hard time.”
“No, it’s fine. I’ll take the backdoor. I need to work my legs a little. Having them lurk around the shop is making me stir crazy.” I heft the bag full of cozy mysteries Mrs. Albert bought for her book club. She’s eighty-five and lives just around the corner. Normally we don’t hand deliver, but she’s a good customer. “They won’t even see me going.”
“I’ll make sure to keep an eye on them so I can let you know if they notice.” Nicky gives me a thumbs up.
“Poor you.” I roll my eyes and she laughs. Whatever. She can have her fun while it lasts, because I’m giving Dad another call tonight and getting them out of our hair. The Pit Vipers patch scared me, but so far the only real threat I’ve had has been from his own guys.
Nicky waves as I leave, barely taking her eyes off the front window. I love her to death, so I hope she never learns the same lessons I did, and that she doesn’t know what bikers are really like. Unlike elves, vampires and werewolves, bikers really exist, and the reality isn’t as romantic as the fiction.
The backdoor snaps shut behind me, and I’m already worried about the bottom of the paper bag I put the books in. I could go get the trolley, but that seems like overkill for a couple of blocks. Pulling from the same energy that keeps me from making more than one trip with grocery bags, I heft it into my arms and go for it. I’m barely out of the alley when a deep voice sounds behind me.
“Where the fuck do you think you’re going?”
Crap.
“Wherever I want. Stop following me.” I grip the bag harder and speed up my steps. “I don’t need your protection.”
“Of course you do.” Alpha matches pace with me easily with his long legs. “You thought we weren’t watching the fucking backdoor?”
“A girl can dream. I’m going to call Dad after work, so you might as well give up now. You’ll be on your way back home tonight.”
He barks a hard laugh. “You’re fucking stubborn, I’ll give you that. But the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree, little girl. Your Daddy’s not going to call us back untilheknows you’re safe. And until then, get used to us.”
“Hey!” I stumble when the bag’s weight suddenly vanishes.
“I’ve got it.” He tucks the bag under his arm like it doesn’t weigh a thing.
That’s it.
I whirl on him and press an accusing finger into his chest. It doesn’t budge. “Give it back. I didn’t ask for your help, and I don’t want you here.”
“Don’t be dumb. It’s heavy and I’m stronger.”
“I think I know how much I can handle, thanks. This is my job. I managed it before you got here and I’ll manage it when you’re gone.”
“Good for you, but accept a little fucking help once in a while. And you’re wasting your breath. I’m not fucking going anywhere.”
Argh! It’s like arguing with a brick wall. “Fine! Just shut up and try not to scare anyone.”
His lips curl up in amusement, but he doesn’t say anything, leaving me to lead the way. I stomp the rest of the way to Mrs. Albert’s house. The sooner I’m back, the sooner he’s out of my hair.
As much as I hate to admit it, the walk does go a lot faster with Alpha’s help. If I’m stuck with these guys pretending to be heroes, then I might as well make use of their muscles. Fitting for a bunch of muscle heads.
Mrs. Albert gives Alpha a strange look when we stand on her doorstep. “Faith, darling. Did you hire someone new?” She peers over the top of her glasses, a little skeptical, but with a touch too much interest if you ask me. She’s old enough to be his grandma!