Page 51 of Too Many Beds

Ambrose’s stare deepens, his dark blue depths swimming in mine. “That’s not for you to worry about. He and his men are handling it. We’re doing what we need to do and he’ll do what he needs to.”

“Yeah, until he can’t. I never asked for any of this.”

“Most people don’t. Finish your food. I’ll be back in ten.” He exits the hotel and a door opens close by. Mitch steps into my room, holding a cup of coffee, steam simmering off the top of his cup.

“Sleep okay, princess?”

“Can that not be my nickname? Oakley works just fine.”

“But it’s not as fitting.” Vance enters the room, grinning from ear to ear. “So did you, princess?” He folds his arms, leaning against the nearby wall. “You know, sleep okay?”

“I…yeah…I think so. I feel well rested at least.”

“Yeah, me too.” Vance winks, turning around to walk back into his room.

What the fuck was that about, and how is it these guys look so hot no matter what they do? Sitting on my bed, Mitch reaches for the remote and turns on the TV. Minutes later his laughter fills the room and as I’m taking my last bite of food, Vance comes barging in. “We gotta go. Where the hell is he?”

“Can’t be too far,” Mitch says, standing up. “What’s going on?”

“I’m thinking we were either spotted outside the diner or college campus, and were followed.”

“What happens now?” I ask, my voice cracking.

“We take care of the problem when Ambrose gets back.”

“Let’s hope he didn’t get delayed.” Mitch checks the chamber of his gun.

“If he did, we’ll have to go on without him.” Vance moves around me, looking out the window.

“What?” My stomach tightens. “We can’t. What if they hurt him?”

“They won’t. Ambrose can take care of himself. He’s better at losing people than anyone I know. He’d want us to move while we could.”

“We’ll give him a few more minutes. For now, we’ll keep an eye out.” Mitch goes to the other side of the window, staying hidden behind the curtain.

The moment I hear the loud roaring of a motorcycle outside and Ambrose’s voice approaching, I stand from my chair and grab my bag, shoving my feet into my shoes.

The hotel door beeps and opens. “Ready?” Ambrose searches my eyes, his hands covered in blood.

“Yeah. You okay?”

“Yeah. Nothing but a scratch. I don’t know who else knows we’re close by, but the smaller the trail of dead bodies I leave on the way to the cabin, the better.”

“You mean?—”

“I mean he won’t be following us anymore. I’m gonna clean up. I’ll meet y’all outside when I’m done.”

I nod, following the other guys outside. It’s not like I haven’t seen my dad kill people before, but Ambrose and I always promised we’d never let this life touch us. Maybe he’s right about most of us not having a choice. If I had to take someone’s life to save my own, would I? I don’t even know the proper way to hold a gun. My dad did his best to keep me from having to get my hands dirty but did he really do me a favor?

“You’re riding with me this time, princess.” Vance places a hand on my back, guiding me to his bike.

“What?”

“I just think it’s better if we take turns. I’m a lot more comfy to lean on anyway,” he says, waggling his brows.

He’s a bigger guy, with extra weight in his midsection and a bulky form. I wouldn’t mind being wrapped up in him every night. He’d definitely win over any blanket. Then my mind flashes to him holding me from behind while Ambrose lays in front of me, stroking my hair the way he used to whenever I had issues falling asleep.

Seriously, the damn daydreaming needs to stop, and these guys rubbing against me on motorcycles isn’t helping.

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