Page 83 of The Rogue

I shake my head. “Think there was a name change. She doesn’t seem to exist before three years ago. Around the time she first showed up in Hideaway Springs.”

Lonnie’s eyes flash—and it's likely because this sounds very familiar to her. “You think she was abused?”

“She has nightmares. She barely sleeps at night. I’m concerned.”

Lonnie’s face pales. “Does she flinch when you touch her?”

“No. It wasn’t like you and me.”

She nods.

“I don’t know who else to talk to. I don’t want to ask the police to look into her. I mean, there’s background check stuff, but that wasn’t part of the deal.”

“Look, I’ve been around her enough to know that woman is running scared and she’s got secrets. Do me a favor and keep your dist—”

“There was a bullet wound in her back—just above her hip.”

Lonnie freezes. “Are you sure?”

“I know what a bullet hole looks like, Lon.”

“Alright, alright, easy, Cowboy.”

I release a steady breath, flexing my arms against the edge of the counter. “I want to ask her about it.”

“Why? So she could open up to you and be out of here by the end of summer? Yeah, I saw your ad. Don’t make her vulnerable to you only to show her out come September.”

My jaw is tight as I clench my teeth. “I fucking hate it when you’re right.”

“You’ve got major control issues, dude. Just because you want to know doesn’t mean you have the right to.”

I glare at her.

She grins comically. “I’ll see myself out.”

19

My heart pounds inmy chest as I step out of the shower. Daylight. I was with him—in his bed. Naked. In broad daylight.

What was I thinking falling asleep in his arms?

Oh, that’s right. I wasn’t thinking. Not with my head anyway.

I was thinking with the buzz in my stomach, the ache in my chest that wantedmoreof Levi.Thisside of him. The sweet and funny side that kept distracting me from leaving so I could “accidentally” spend the night.

But it was stupid. He could have seen it. He almostdid.

I’m pretty sure he didn’t. He was so easy with me when I turned into him. His eyes were soft, not horrified.

So, I guess it was worth it.

It was the first time in nearly a year since I’d slept through the night. The last time must have been my first night in Hideaway Inn when I drove all night, knocked on every business I hadn’t ruined somehow, and asked for a job.

Aiden hired me on the spot. Knowing my history in town and just not giving a shit, he said, “The way I see it, I need a waitress, and you need a job.” Then tossed me an apron and welcomed me behind the bar.

I’d promised myself it was going to be one night. But hell, I slept so damn good after a long day, I was tempted for another.

That’s what it’s come to. Sleep is my drug and I can’t get enough of it. I’d do anything for it. Except maybe sell my blood. I’ve lost enough of that.

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