Page 27 of Siren's Salvation

The hardwood floor is freezing beneath my bare feet, a stark reminder that I'm a long way from the desert heat of Las Vegas.

I scrub a hand over my face, feeling the rough stubble that's accumulated overnight.

A thunderous knock rattles the door, jarring me from my peaceful slumber.

Cobra's booming voice follows, cutting through the morning silence like a chainsaw.

"Wakey wakey, sunshine! Get your mean mug up so we can go get some grub. I'm starvin', and you don't like me when I'm hungry."

I groan.

Fucking Cobra. Always chipper as hell in the morning.

It should be a crime.

I grunt back, my voice rough with sleep. "I'll be downstairs in ten."

As comfortable as this bed is, duty calls.

And by duty, I mean breakfast.

My muscles ache pleasantly from the last couple day’s long ride.

Nothing a hot shower and some food won't fix.

Making the bed doesn't take long—old habits from my time in the service die hard.

As I'm smoothing out the last wrinkle in the comforter, my phone buzzes on the nightstand.

I pick it up, expecting it to be one of the guys, but my heart skips a beat when I see it's from Grace.

My little sister's message lights up the screen.

Hope you're doing well. Haven't heard from you in a while. Can I come visit you in Vegas next month maybe? I have a week's vacation off work.

A smile tugs at my lips as I read her words.

It's been too long since I've seen her face-to-face.

The last time...

Christ, the last time was right after that bastard Bronco...

I clench my jaw, pushing away the rage that threatens to surface.

Bronco's dead. I made damn sure of that.

But the memory of what he did to Grace still makes my blood boil.

Taking a deep breath, I focus on the present.

On the possibility of seeing my sister again, of making some good memories to help overshadow the bad.

Sounds great, kiddo. Let me know the dates and I'll make sure I'm free. Miss you.

I hit send, then toss the phone on the bed.

It'll be good to see Grace, to see if she’s okay.

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