Page 44 of July 27

"What was that noise?" She sank back into the pillow.

He'd gotten up when he heard a car approach the house and put on his jeans. A motorcycle wouldn't have gotten him out of the warm bed and away from Rachel. But a car had caught his attention.

"It looks like your brother has paid a visit." He straightened. "Stay in bed. I'll go see what he wants."

"No, I'll deal with him." She groaned, throwing off the comforter. "How did he know where to find me?"

He kept his opinion to himself. Anyone looking at Rachel could see how she felt about him. She wore her heart on her sleeve.

He stopped her before she could grab her clothes. "You still want to stay?"

She sagged against him. "Yes. I'll never change my mind."

He kissed her forehead. They hadn't talked much after having sex last night. It was the best he'd slept in a long time.

Bang. Bang. Bang.

He let her go and walked out of the room. Shady would have to learn that Rachel was with him now.

He double tapped the pistol under his belt. Today would be the last time Shady came to his house. He wasn't going to have trouble following Rachel's brother here.

Opening the door, he blocked the entrance. Shady stood with his hands shoved in his front pockets, looking over his shoulder. He was nervous or jacked up on something.

"Hey, man. Is my sister here?"

"She's here."

"Get her, brah. I need to talk to her."

He never budged. In the condition Shady was in, he wasn't getting near Rachel.

A soft hand landed on his bare back, and Rachel stepped beside him. "What do you want?"

"You need to stay away from the house for a while." Shady's gaze flickered everywhere but on Rachel. "I'll contact you when it's okay to come back."

Rachel stepped in front of Ruger. He grabbed her shoulders and pulled her back beside him. He wasn't going to allow Shady direct contact with her.

"What have you done this time?" she asked.

"It ain't me." Shady looked at Ruger. "You got any cash I can borrow? I swear on my life, I'll pay you back."

Rachel put her hand on Ruger's arm. "He's not giving you anything."

"Sis." Shady swayed from left foot to right foot, growing more agitated. "They're gonna kill me if I don't pay them back."

"How much?" she asked.

"Ten grand."

"Are you kidding me?" Rachel scoffed. "How did you think you'd come up with that much money."

"Are you going to help a brother out?" Shady ignored his sister.

"Don't give him anything. He got himself into trouble. He can find his way out." Rachel walked back into the house.

Ruger never wavered. He had the money. But he wasn't stupid.

"She'll be staying with me." He stepped outside and closed the door. "If I hear you've told anyone where she's staying, I'll kill you."

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