Page 11 of Tempt Me

“Hunter, you aren’t safe in Banta City.”

“I need more than a few hours to be ready to travel so far.”

Suzanne falls silent before mumbling, “The doctor says you have a concussion.”

“Even more reason for me to remain here for a day or two. I need rest before enduring a twenty-hour flight.”

“I want you safe.”

“I want that, too.”

“Hunter,” she whispers, uncomfortable with her fear. “I feel like I should cancel my trip and come home. But is the city safe?”

Banta City doesn’t feel safe. However, if I admit this fact to Suzanne, she’s bound to micromanage my life until she’s basically living it for me.

“Give me a few days to prepare,” I explain softly, hoping my calm tone will soothe her fearful heart. “Before I leave town, I want to see my friends. I’ll ask Siobhan and Natasha to visit tomorrow.”

“I don’t want you to return to the condo.”

“Ever?”

“At least not until the threat is over.”

“Are we sure it’s not over already? Atticus said Tack killed those men.”

“He thinks someone hired them to abduct you. Until their boss is dead, you shouldn’t return to the condo.”

“What if I have security with me at the condo?”

My mother doesn’t answer right away. When she finally speaks, I feel her wrapping her leash around me. “You have clothes at the estate. Why can’t you pack those and avoid the condo until we’re certain?”

I’ve always been aware of my mother’s flaws. She took charge of her childhood when her feckless parents refused to raise her. Suzanne began calling the shots when she should have been allowed to remain carefree.

That’s why she can hold her own with women like Katja Kovak and Aunt Fred O’Malley. Those two local powerhouses battled their way to their top while Suzanne was born into luxury. However, my mom is a fighter, even when there’s no opponent.

As a child, I realized her personality would consume me if I didn’t learn to stand up for myself. Sometimes, I told her no, even when I preferred to say yes. I never wanted her to get too comfortable with bossing me around.

So, rather than agree with her sensible idea immediately, I silently consider my options before pushing back with, “I have a few things I’d like to get from my condo.”

“Send someone to retrieve whatever you desire.”

“These are private female items.”

My mother makes a growly sound before sighing, “You and Austen are my only weaknesses. I can’t survive losing you.”

The cheating bitch! Whenever she pulls the “sad mommy” routine, Austen and I struggle to stand up to her. Her words and the fear in her voice break my resolve. I’m already feeling weak and scared. Giving into her plan offers us both a lifeline tonight.

After I hang up, I sink into a hot bath and consider how Tack will react to my departure from Banta City. I’m sure he’s still in the house somewhere.

Tack is relentless in a sneaky way. He acts laid-back, never seeming put out by anything. In reality, he’s rather skilled at manipulating people, always calculating what he says and the tone to use.

As I spent more time around the Backcountry Kings, I began to see the similarities between Tack and the club’s VP, Noble. Both men can seem affable despite their size and lifestyle. They smile easily and often take the “voice of reason” role. Though they are without a doubt nice guys compared to many of their fellow bikers, they’re also as tenacious as a rude motherfucker like Zoot.

So, yes, Tack will say or do whatever is necessary to stay at the estate tonight. If he needs to make threats, he’ll get scary. If he needs to smooth over a problem, he’ll unleash unparalleled charm.

After my bath, I dress in black leggings and a loose-fitting gray shirt. I apply cream to my overheated skin and brush my hair.

Once I feel more like myself, I go searching for Tack. The main level is illuminated by the outlet lights and moonlight streaming in through the clerestory windows. The house is locked down, the security system is overseen by Atticus and extra men, and the staff are tucked away in their spaces for the night.

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