Page 34 of Reaper

Even though she’s a couple of years younger than me, I’d always noticed Lark. As far as I knew, no one hated her. I’m not even sure hating her was even possible. Well, aside from the Cox family, but they’re manipulative, power obsessed assholes, so I’m not counting them. Lark has always had a way of making people seem at ease around her. And on top of that, she’s an extremely hard worker.

From going to their supper club so much these past few months, I learned it was mostly run by Lark now, even though her mother, Emma, and her grandmother, Lottie, help her out every day. I also know that Lark has been keeping her great-great-grandfather’s tradition alive by brewing the same beers that he used to brew when he ran the supper club and underground speakeasy. Though, she has introduced a few new brews that are a twist on her great-grandfather’s recipes as well as a few that were her own creation.

However, I hadn’t known about this side of Lark. Or I should say the depth of it.

The creator.

The crafter.

The hunter.

I shake my head and refocus back on Lark instead of letting my mind follow on that thread. Based on how Lark’s reacting, I’m wondering if this will be the hardest room for her, or if this is just the tip of the iceberg. Either way, I’ll be there for her.

Initially, I was giving Lark time to heal after what Aiden had done to her. Lately, she’s become more relaxed around me and it seemed like she was close to being ready to let someone else into her heart.

However, her almost dying made me realize I couldn’t stay away from her anymore. I’ll show her she can depend on me. That I’ll be there for her when she needs me.

Turning, I realize my brothers have left us alone, which I’m grateful for. I pull my phone out of my pocket, not wanting to leave Lark alone for a second.

Reaper: Nathan, get me a couple of empty boxes and a bunch of paper towels. Bring them to the first room on the left on the main floor.

Nathan: You got it, Pres.

Raising my phone, I take pictures of the room and how things are displayed. Lark gives me a confused look and I feel my face getting hot. I hope like fucking hell I’m not blushing. Despite her confusion, though, I don’t speak until I’ve taken all the pictures I think she’ll need.

I clear my throat as I pocket my phone. “Wanted to make sure you have records for how it was in case you didn’t have recent pictures of everything. Based on what you’ve said, I’m going to guess that you’re going to rebuild it as closely as possible to how it used to be. Then you’ll be able to start putting the Thompson stamp back on it.”

Her eyes mist and my chest tightens, hoping I didn’t say something wrong.

Her cheeks pinken slightly and I can tell she’s smiling even with the mask blocking her mouth. Still, her positive reaction has me feeling like I’m being bathed in her light.

“You guessed right. I want to get it as close to the original as possible. Though, I think I want to make a few additions to the property, but they’ll be outbuildings rather than being in the house.”

Again, I can almost picture her nibbling on her lower lip behind the mask and I’m betting she’s trying to think of ways to keep some of her family history intact if something like this ever happens again. I know of a way that can help them, but now isn’t the time to bring it up. Honestly, it’s what ended up saving my grandparents’ grocery store. They only ended up with minimal damage to their storeroom and office when it could have been much worse.

Movement behind me has me looking over my shoulder to find that Nathan had done as I asked but had, thankfully, left the supplies just inside the room before leaving again. Crossingthe room, I bend down, picking them up and then recross the room, setting the supplies down on what looks to still be a stable section of the workbench. Then I pause.

“Do you need to make a note of which tools were where for when you rebuild?”

She stares at me in shock and I can picture her mouth making that perfect ‘o’. I have to bite my cheek to keep from groaning aloud. My dick strains against my jeans and I pray like fuck that she can’t see how hard I am for her.

Her brows dip down, her forehead wrinkling a bit as she looks up at me in confusion. “Why? Why are you helping me so much? Our family? Especially when I know your family was also hit by this arsonist.”

Setting down the roll of paper towels, I turn toward her, no longer caring if she sees the effect she has on me. It also doesn’t escape me that she thinks an arsonist was behind everything, just like Erik, Riggs, and I suspect as well.

“Because you matter, Lark. You and your family matter. Yes, my grandparents’ store was hit as well, but thanks to the security systems I’d had some friends install, there was minimal damage. You are not alone in this, Darlin’. If you let me, I’ll be by your side throughout all of this. As your friend, as more, whatever you choose. Though, I hope someday I could be more to you than a friend.”

Her eyes mist again and she lowers her gaze. Before she even opens her mouth, I know what she’s going to say as she takes a step back and her eyes lose a bit of their spark.

“It’s not worth your time. I’m not... You’ll just leave or betray me like the others. Also, I’m not looking for a one-night stand. I want a family of my own someday.”

Ever since that night, I had hoped that I’d shown her that I’m not like the stereotypes painting some bikers, but I guess I need to do better to show her she’s it for me.

Slowly, I step forward and raise my hand, tucking her hair behind her ear. She flinches slightly at having her face and scars so exposed, but I don’t let her hide from me. She tries to lower her face and turn away. Gently, I place a finger under her chin, raising her face to make her look at me.

“I’m not like those fuckers or your deadbeat father, Lark. I want you, just as you are. I won’t leave you or betray you like they did. Please, Darlin’. Let me prove it to you.”

Indecision wars in her eyes, but I don’t breathe, waiting for her to answer me. If she tells me to get lost, I will, but there’s no way I’ll ever be able to fully let her go. I’ll always be her silent protector.