Page 14

Piper

I woke alone in bed. The heavenly smell of fresh coffee teased my nostrils. I stretched, rolling over to see where Beast had gone. This was a motel room, not a house. He couldn’t be far.

He was sitting at the rickety table by the window, a mug of coffee in his hand and his gun already holstered. The guy did not let that weapon get more than an arm’s length from him at any time.

I propped myself up on one elbow, pulling the bedding up to my chin. “You going to share that?”

He turned his head toward me, a slow smile making it all the way to his eyes. “Morning, sleepyhead. You mean the coffee?”

“Of course I mean the coffee.”

He stood and stalked over to the tiny kitchen area.

Picking up one of the paper cups the hotel supplied, he fixed the coffee just the way I liked it -- lots of cream and sugar.

Handing it to me, he sat down on the edge of the bed.

“How do you feel about you and I taking the scenic route on my bike to the next gig?”

I took a sip of the coffee. “Sounds lovely, but why?” The plan was for me to ride in the tour bus and Beast to follow on his bike so he could keep an eye out for anything suspicious.

“Because I feel like taking a ride and I love it when your arms are wrapped around me?”

“Not buying it. Try again.”

He sighed. “Ace called. Said Shadow found some chatter on the web. Hard to decipher, but he thinks Drake might know where you are.”

“So he knows where I am, or he knows I’ll be on the tour bus?”

“Shadow couldn’t get details, just the bare bones.

Ace figures we need to play it safe. Keep you off the bus, and off the planned route.

If the bus changes route, it can be followed.

It doesn’t exactly blend into the landscape.

But a lone bike? Not even on the planned route? It won’t attract much attention.”

I took another sip of the coffee and considered. I kind of missed the days we’d spent on the bike doing the cross-country thing. “How sure is he that Drake found me?”

“About fifty percent. The intel was kind of vague. Might have been someone else. Drake’s name was never mentioned but the details were suspicious.”

“So this is just a precaution?”

He nodded. “A better safe than sorry kind of thing.”

“What about the band? Is this going to put them in danger?”

“Nah. These guys are pros. They won’t even show themselves unless they plan to strike. No female to shoot at, they’ll just disappear back into whatever shithole they came from.”

I gulped down more coffee. “In that case, I’d love to go for a ride on your bike.”

“Good.” He stood up and headed back to the coffee machine. “You hungry? I can go find some donuts or something for breakfast if you want.”

I wrinkled my nose and let the bed sheets slide down to my waist. “I don’t think I’m in the mood for donuts.”

“Muffins, then?”

God, the man was dense. I stuck one finger in my mouth and sucked on it suggestively. “Guess again.”

Half an hour later I was feeling deliciously satisfied and ready for whatever the day brought. Or at least I thought I was. I had a quick shower and got dressed while he went to find me that donut he’d mentioned and explain the change of plans to the band.

“You going to tell them about Drake and his band of hit men?” We had agreed not to mention my insane ex, the mafia connection, or the contract out on me to my agent or the band when I’d agreed to the tour, but that was when it was a vague threat.

Beast shook his head. “No point. It would just freak them out, and there’s nothing they can do.

Best they look as innocent as they are if anyone comes sniffing around.

As far as they are aware, I’m your bodyguard because you needed an excuse to bring along your boy-toy.

They all think you just can’t keep your hands off me. ”

I raised one brow. “They seriously think I can’t keep my hands off you?”

He grinned. “It’s true.”

I reached for my chaps that he’d laid out on the bed. “Yeah, it is. Help me get these chaps on.”

“I thought you had this figured out.”

“I did. But I like the feel of your hands on me, right?” I stuck my tongue out at him.

“Wench!”

I laughed.

He stalked over and took the chaps, wrapping them around my waist and buckling the belt. Damn, the man was freaking gorgeous. And he was right. I couldn’t keep my hands to myself.

* * *

It had only been a day since the last time I’d rode on the back of Beast’s bike, but that had been much too short of a ride. The wind whipping past me while I rested my head against his broad back brought me a special kind of peace. I felt safe. Cared for. Happy, even.

All my worries melted away, and the only things that mattered were the vibrations of the bike beneath me and the warmth of Beast’s body in front of me as I watched the landscape race by in a blur of color.

The next gig was in a little town three hours down the road from last night’s performance, but Beast had warned me that the detour he had in mind would take us at least twice that long.

We weren’t scheduled to be on stage until the next day so there was no rush. I could relax and just enjoy the ride.

I’d never understood people who spent their whole lives moving from place to place. My childhood had been one of constant moves when my mom hadn’t been able to pay the rent, found a new boyfriend, or jumped at a new job. She’d always been searching for that perfect life that was just out of reach.

Me? I’d longed to have a real home, a permanent one where I could settle, make friends, and feel like I belonged.

I watched the little cliques of kids at schools who’d grown up together, friends since they were old enough to walk, and I’d envied them.

Now I wasn’t so sure home was a place. Beast made me feel safe, and his club, Riptide, had made me feel welcome with no judgment, no questions.

My dad had helped me escape San Diego without hesitation.

Despite the terror of knowing Drake wanted me dead, I felt happy.

I’d found a family, a home. I just hoped they felt the same way about me.

A few hours later, Beast slowed down and turned into the parking lot of a shabby-looking diner. Parked in a row in front were several motorcycles, and he pulled up beside them.

I slid off the back and removed my helmet, shaking my head to fluff up my hair.

“Doesn’t look like much, but the food here is good.” Beast took my helmet and hung it off the handlebars beside his.

I eyed a faded sign that proclaimed it to be the Best Burger Joint in the State . “You’ve been here before?”

He nodded. “It’s run by an old Navy buddy of mine.”

“You seem to have old Navy buddies all over the place.”

“We went through a lot together in the SEALs, and we keep in touch. Like family, but with less fucking drama.”

“That sounds nice. Family.” I could hear the wistful note in my own voice.

Beast held out his hand, and I hid my grin.

The lady behind the counter looked up and beamed at us when we walked in. “Beast! Been too long since you visited. How are you doing?”

“Good, Ruth. How about you and Henry?”

She rolled her eyes. “He’s as stubborn as ever, but I love him. I must, to put up with his shit. He wants to paint the place.”

Beast glanced around. “Doesn’t sound that bad. A bit of paint wouldn’t hurt.”

She grimaced. “He wants to paint it pink and purple.”

Beast snorted. “Sounds like Henry. Probably just said that to get you riled up. You know what he’s like.”

Ruth sighed. “Yeah. I suggested a nice green, or blue even. He said he’d take it under consideration.” She looked pointedly at our joined hands. “Are you going to introduce me to your friend?”

Beast nodded at me. “This is Piper. She’s the daughter of a friend. Piper, meet Ruth. She and her hubby Henry were snipers back in the day. Saved my ass a time or two.”

* * *

Beast

I liked that Piper didn’t bat an eye at finding out the motherly-looking Ruth was a retired sniper.

“Nice to meet you.” Piper smiled warmly.

“And you.”

A sound behind us had me automatically turning to face the door, pushing Piper behind me and reaching for my gun.

“Speak of the devil. Here’s the color blind idiot now.” Ruth gave me an understanding look. “You shouldn’t have your back to the door if you’re that jumpy. Someone could get hurt.”

I inclined my head in acknowledgment. “Yeah. Sorry about that. A little touchy today.” I didn’t offer an explanation. They’d just assume it was PTSD kicking in, like it did for a lot of the vets who’d seen action. “Hey, Henry. I hear you’re thinking of painting the place.”

“Nice of you to drop by, Beast. I see you found someone willing to overlook your many faults. At least for a day or two.”

I gave Piper’s hand a squeeze. “Her name’s Piper, and she adores me.”

Henry gave her a sympathetic look. “You obviously don’t know him very well. If he’s holding you hostage, just give me a sign and I’ll take him out for you.”

Piper laughed. “Thanks for the offer, but so far I’m enjoying myself.”

Ruth shook her head, looking from Henry to me. “A person would think you two weren’t friends.”

Henry grinned. “We don’t care what a person thinks, do we, Beast?”

I shook my head. “Nope.”

“Find yourself a seat, and I’ll rustle you up some grub.” Ruth turned and headed to the kitchen.

I led Piper past a few of the occupied tables, nodding to the bikers I recognized. I chose a booth at the back of the diner, right beside the emergency exit. Always a good idea to have an escape route handy, even if you didn’t think you needed it.

Henry followed us with a couple of glasses of water. “Hot out there today. You could probably use a drink,” he said by way of explanation. “Ruth has your burgers on the grill.”

Piper looked confused. “We didn’t order yet.”

“Not that kind of place. Ruth decides what she thinks you need, and she’s never wrong.”

“She doesn’t know me,” Piper pointed out.

“You’re with this big lug here, so that tells her all she needs to know.”