Page 69 of Taming Hawke

Luisa

My phone rings for the third time, and I grab it off the table under my parents’ porch. I’ve enjoyed being back in Tennessee because it’s given me the opportunity to visit with my parents. It has been way too long since I last saw them. I’ve also forgotten how quiet it is here on my parents’ ranch. Jasmine’s gone into town for a checkup because she’s been getting stomach cramps. She called me after her appointment and explained it was just Braxton-Hicks contractions causing them. Now that she’s almost six months pregnant, the doctor said she should be expecting some discomfort.

“Hawke again,” I whisper to myself. Well, there’s no time like the present. I’ve been ignoring his calls, but I think it’s time I face the music.

“Hello?”

There’s silence for a while, and I repeat, “Hello?”

“It’s me.”

I bite down on my bottom lip, my throat closing with my emotions.

“You still there?” he asks, but his voice sounds hesitant, quiet. I picture him in his room at the clubhouse, lying on his bed, shirtless, wide shoulders taking up half the space. His hair would be messy and draped over a pillow, and his abs—God, those abs, stomach flat as a surfboard—would be on full show.

“Yes, I’m here.”

“I’m so glad you answered.”

“Yeah, well, I thought we would have to talk eventually, so I answered, I guess.”

I hear him scratching his scruffy jaw before he speaks again. “Look, Lu, a lot is going down at the clubhouse. We’re goin’ on lockdown.”

“Lockdown?” I ask freaking out a little.

“Yeah,” he confirms. I’ve been at the club before when it was in lockdown. All members and their families need to stay at the club for as long as it takes to ensure everyone is safe. It means there’s a war happening, or about to happen.

“Babe, I need you here, to ensure you’re safe.”

“Why would anything happen to me?”

“I’m not sayin’ it will, we’re just taking precautions.”

“But why?” I ask feeling a little panicked now. “Am I in danger?”

“Look, it’s nothing for you to worry about, babe. Like I said, we’re just taking precautions.”

“Last time it was only a precaution, Jasmine got kidnapped. So be honest, Hawke,” I say sternly. “Am I in trouble?”

“Yes, I mean no. Fuck, Lu. I didn’t want to get you involved in this shit, but our club’s under threat right now. I need you here with me to make sure nothing happens to you.”

I inhale, feeling my pulse quicken. “But why would they do anything to me?”

“To get to me. And right now, you’re the only one they can hurt me with.”

“Oh,” I say, my voice a little quiet.

“Will you just come, Lu? For me?”

“For you? Are you kidding me? Where does your ex fit into all of this?”

I hear him sigh, and picture him running his hand through his hair—something that I love to do. “Lu, she’s out of the picture. I’ve dealt with her, now I need you here. Will you just get your ass here?”

“Out of the picture you say? So you left the wedding to go and help your ex, and left me here alone. I doubt she’s out of the picture, Hawke.”

“Fuck!” He growls into the phone. “I’m doing this because I care, and because I love you, Lu. Now get your ass down here, or I’ll come up there myself and drag you onto the motherfucking plane. Fuck! You sound just as bad as Jasmine.”

A small smile graces my lips, and I have to admit I’m a little turned on by this dominant side of Hawke. He’s never spoken to me like this before. I should be angry he is, but I can’t help the warm feeling spreading through me.

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