Page 59 of Tinsel & Chrome

Atlas slapped a hand on Mammoth’s shoulder. “Two great minds think alike, brother.”

“Thank you, Cameron,” I said, feeling a flutter in my belly, staring into his blue eyes as he grinned at me.

Charlie came to the bedroom next with a bag of things she bought for Joy to keep her entertained.

“Thank you,” Joy said, taking the bag before climbing onto the bed with Fluffy.

“You can never go wrong with a coloring book and crayons,” Charlie said, smiling as Joy hummed a tune coloring.

*********

I dreamt I was being buried alive as I lay in a wooden coffin, hearing piles of dirt being shoveled into the grave. I dug my nails, clawing at the lid nailed shut, and screamed in terror.

“You’ve been dead for a long time, and you’ll always belong to the Soulless Bastards...”

I woke up in a cold sweat. Not knowing what time it was in the pitch-black room.

There were no sounds of people, bikes, or music coming from outside the closed door, so I assumed it was early morning before the sun was about to rise.

My eyes adjusted to the darkness, and I saw Joy curled up beside me on the bed, sucking her thumb, which was something I couldn’t help her grow out of, and holding Fluffy.

Needing a drink of water, I slowly climbed out of bed. Fully clothed, wearing my jeans and t-shirt to bed, I slid on my sneakers.

I walked lightly toward the door, not to wake Joy, but when I opened it, I heard a grunt as my right foot bumped into something hard.

I cried out falling to the floor but landed face-first onto a man’s hard chest as big, strong arms wrapped around me.

“I got you,” the man’s deep voice replied.

Some light came from the clubhouse beyond the hallway, and my eyes adjusted to see Cameron’s face underneath me, smelling of masculinity mingled with the outdoors.

He released me, and I sat up suddenly, straddling him. “What the hell?”

“Mommy?”

I scrambled to my feet and stood.

“I’m here, Joy,” I reassured her as Cameron stood beside me. “Just going to get some water. I’ll be right back.”

Cameron cleared his throat. “Sorry about that.”

“What were you doing on the floor right outside the room?” I asked, worrying for a moment that he was like the other men I knew in my life, possessive, suspicious, abusive.

“I could tell you were a bit overwhelmed with all the people and rowdiness earlier. I can’t sleep and stay awake for days, so I might as well sit outside your door just to know you’re safe inside.”

He shoved his hands into his pockets, looking apologetic, this big bear of a man who looked dangerous but handsome.

I couldn’t resist and did something I’d never have done to any man before.

I reached up and cupped the side of his bearded cheek. “Thank you, Cameron. I do feel safe when you’re near.”

CHAPTER 5

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MAMMOTH

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