Page 73 of Trusting Her Bear

“Good.” I haven’t been able to spend any time with him or his brothers.

“I heard about the messages; you should have called,” he says to Quinn.

“I told Bash,” is Quinn’s response.

“I understand how much you hate talking to other people, but we can help,” Lucas says, his hand intertwined with Breeane’s.

“Steph is family to us,” Logan says. “We don’t want her hurt.”

“I get it,” Quinn growls. “I also didn’t think you would enjoy being around Heath,” he points out. The brothers exchange glances but stay silent. “If you want to help, come to the office tomorrow, and we will fill you in.”

“We’ll be there,” Logan agrees.

“Quinn, give me a call,” Jax says and waits for Quinn’s nod. “I have to work. Everything is on us tonight.”

“I’m staying here with the grouchy bear and vampires,” James states, enjoying Micah’s glare when he plops down beside him. “Why are all the vampires in our crew so angry?”

“I’m not part of your crew,” Micah says.

“Fuck off,” Bash says at the same time.

“Dude, if you move here, you are automatically part of the crew,” James says, not bothering to acknowledge Bash. Micah drops his head back and closes his eyes.

Blue pulls Harmony’s head back. “Be good. Find me if you think Micah is going to kill James,” he bosses and kisses her.

“Of course,” she grins, and he nods at her and then at Quinn before following Jax.

I turn sideways, hooking my knee over Quinn’s thigh, and his hand remains. “Are you friends with the panthers?” I whisper in his ear and then turn my head so he can answer close to mine.

“Yes, but we don’t spend a lot of time together,” he answers.

“You don’t act like you are friends,” I state, continuing our back and forth.

“You already know I’m not the friendliest of guys. I’ve tried to stay distant.”

“I don’t want you to be uncomfortable, but you are part of the crew here, too,” I say, borrowing James’s phrase.

“I suppose.” He keeps his cheek pressed to mine. “You smell fucking amazing. It’s torture to have you so close, but not the kind of close I want.”

I gulp. I reach up with my hand and slide it around the back of his neck. His beard tickles my cheek. “I like being this close to you.”

“I want to be closer,” he rumbles.

“We can’t, can we?” I tease.

“I would have to kill everyone in the club if we did.” He bites my earlobe, and I gasp. “I don’t mind public displays of affection, but the things I want to do to you are not for the public.”

“How long have we been here?” I ask, wondering when it would be polite to leave.

“Not long,” he chuckles. “Weren’t you the one who wanted to come here?”

“You don’t have to point it out,” I mutter.

“We have to stay at least an hour,” he decides.

“I should talk to them,” I sigh. “I’m being a bad sister.” I had every intention of getting to know everyone better and check in with my sister, but Quinn tempts me.

“She understands,” he says. “She’s having a great time with everyone. Sally is entertaining her.”

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