Page 4 of My Reluctant Valentine

"I'm thinking she's exactly the kind of date that'll drive Lucy crazy. Did Reaper get any photos?"

Tank nods, and I pull out my phone, scrolling through the photos Reaper took of Miss Leslie over the pastweek.Always alone, always watching hersurroundings."She is who I need for my date to that wedding. Respected teacher, Atlanta native, looks that could turn every head in theroom."

"Plus a personality that whipped you into shape from one meeting," Tank adds

I ignorethat. "Besides, she's got her own trouble. So, there may be a saving grace that she might be open to an arrangement that offers some protection."

"Boss." Tank's voice carries a warning."You're talking about using a civilian for cover.A teacher. Your daughter's teacher."

"I'm talking about a mutually beneficial arrangement." The whiskey's hitting my blood now, mixing with memories of her sweet scent and the fire behind her reluctant eyes."She needs protection, I need a date.Simple."

"There’s nothing's simple with you, Ranch." Tank stands, shaking his head."Just remember, she's not some club chick you can fuck and forget.She's Emma's teacher. You mess this up, it affects your kid."

He's right, but it doesn't matter.I've already decided. Miss Leslie is perfect for what I need, and if I'm being honest, I'vewanted to taste that pretty mouth since the moment she opened her classroom door.

Now I just need to convince her that playing my fake girlfriend is in everyone's best interests.

My phone buzzes again. This time it's Reaper.

"Boss, we got movement. River Kings just crossed into our territory."

I stand, already shifting into club president mode."Where?"

"Heading toward the school."

Ice fills my veins. No way that's a coincidence.

"Get the crew ready." I grab my cut."Nobody touches that school. And Reaper?Run a deeper check on Ian Davidson.I want to know everything."

Miss Leslie might not know it yet, but she's about to become my problem.In more ways than one.

And I always protect what's mine.Problem’s included.

3

LESLIE

Parent-teacher conferences end at nine, but it takes another thirty minutes to organize my notes and stop thinking about the way Ace Hunter filled my entire classroom with his presence.By the time I pull into the Rusty Nail, the local bar near my cottage, it's nearly ten.Late enough that the dinner crowd should be gone, early enough that the real party hasn't started.

I thought about stopping by the Drunken Whiskey on Main, but there's something about the grittiness at the Rusty Nail that pulls me to it.It's certainly not the fact that it's always crawling with MC men and may attract a certain father at all.It's because it's perfect for grading papers with a glass of wine.Or at least that's what I tell myself as I purposely choose a seat as far from the motorcycles parked outside as possible.

My phone buzzes just as I settle in.Shari's name flashes on the screen, making my heart skip.My best friend from Atlanta never texts this late unless--

Shari:

He knows.

Two words. That's all it takes for my hands to start shaking.

Me:

How?

Someone at the charity gala mentioned seeing you in Serenity.Ian's been asking questions. Be careful.

Shit. Shit. Shit.

"Rough night, sugar?"

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