Page 35 of Hawk

“That’s not true!”

“I know. I was there. Then he threatened to shut our business down because, apparently, he ‘knows people.’”

“How dare he!” I can feel the anger rising within me. I want to get in my car and find the prick and give him a piece of my mind. “Who does he think he is?” I’m practically yelling at this point. My hands are on my hips, and I tap my foot angrily.

“Been around those kinds of people all my life. They can’t hurt me or the Redemption Riders. We run a clean business, and we do excellent work. If he wants to waste his time and call whoever it is he wants, let him.”

“You’ve been around people like that all your life?” I ask.

“Yeah, babe, but that’s a story for another day.” Hawk glances down the hall. “We need to make sure Sasha’s okay, then I have to get to the shop.”

“Right. I should go get changed.” I look down at my casual jeans and T-shirt.

“First off, you look good just as you are,” he says, and I grin at him for being so sweet. “And second, Sasha needs you today.”

“I have so much to do.”

“And it’ll still be there tomorrow. But if you want, I’ll have some of your stuff brought over, and you can work here.”

It’s a great idea, and I’m about to tell him so when Sasha comes back into the room. “I’m okay,” she says. “You don’t have to go to any trouble on my behalf.” She flits her gaze from me to Hawk, then adds, “I’m sorry you had to bear witness to that scene. He’s not an easy man, and I do my best to avoid him. Lately, he’s being more demanding.” Sasha looks back at me. “Normally, he calls and lets me know he’s coming. Then I disappear for a few hours. When he gets tired of waiting, he leaves. He’s figured out my plan and doesn’t give me advance notice anymore. I’ll try to keep it from disturbing you from now on, though. I’m really sorry.”

Sasha looks at the bandage on her hand. I walk right up to her and tell her, “No one mistreats my best friend. Not even her father. Especially not her father. And don’t you dare keep it to yourself. Next time he comes over, I want a phone call immediately. I have a few words I want to say to him.” Then I throw my arms around her, hugging her so she can feel my warmth. She’s ice cold. I walk her to her couch and sit her down, wrapping the throw blanket over her legs and settling in beside her.

Sasha clasps her good hand over mine and, in a quiet voice, says, “Thank you.”

“I’m taking first watch,” Drifter says with a rumble. Sasha turns her head to stare at the two men.

“I need you at the shop,” Hawk states.

“First watch,” Drifter insists. “Once Flex gets here with Etain’s stuff, I’ll leave.”

“Car has got to be done tonight. The paint has to be right. The design has to be perfect. He’s a high roller, brother. We can’t afford to piss him off,” Hawk explains.

Drifter won’t back down. “It’ll get done. Tell Flex to hurry.”

Sasha interjects. “He’s gone. It’s all over. You can all go about your day.” Drifter gives Sasha a stern look, but she says, “I don’t want anyone to get in trouble.”

“Flex will be here within the hour,” Hawk concedes. “A word, brother. Outside,” he says to Drifter, then walks over to where Sasha and I are sitting. I tilt my head back, and he kisses me languorously, his hand gentle on my neck. “Be good, Ginger. No leaving this house without one of my men, understand?”

“How can you be so caveman and so sweet at the same time?” I ask, staring into his beautiful blue eyes.

“I’m mounds of honey, babe.” He chuckles. Drifter bursts out laughing as he walks to the door, and Hawk follows him out.

FIFTEEN

Clearing the Mind

HAWK

“What went on in there?” I ask. Drifter’s leaning on the wrought iron railing on the porch, one foot crossed over the other and arms crossed over his chest.

“Her father’s an asshole” is all he says.

“Yeah, and?”

“He’ll be back.”

“Agreed. I’ve already texted Flex and given him the plan for the day. That still doesn’t explain you sweeping Sasha off her feet.”

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