Page 32 of Pigeon

“Uh, maybe move so I can get him back inside,” I answer while wrapping the leash, dangerously, I might add, around my hand several times.

Both men move several feet away and stand still. I stand while talking in soothing tones and coax Thor back inside. I hear the door close behind me, and I almost smile. Thor calms down but is still antsy, so I get him into his kennel and close the gate behind him. The door to the barn opens, and both men reenter. Surprisingly, Thor’s tail begins to wag when the men stop in front of his kennel.

The dogs are starting to quiet down, but the puppies are cowering in different corners, on top of each other and behind anything they can find. Dropping to my knees on the floor, I start trying to calm them down with reassuring tones and words. Not long, and I have puppies swarming me. Making sure each one gets a hug and a few soft words, I get to my feet and start returning them to the kennels they belong in. Once done, I turn to face the two bikers. I watch as both of their faces harden as their eyes take in the damage to my face. Dropping my head for a beat, I raise it back up and make eye contact with one and then the other before speaking.

“They didn’t do this. They never got close enough to touch me, thanks to Thor and you guys.”

Both men give me a quick nod but continue examining my face. After a moment, the Viking holds out his hand to me without speaking. Without uttering a word, I open my contacts and hand my phone to him. I’m beginning to understand how these things work with protective men. When he’s done, he hands it back to me. I see four new contacts—Livi, Cash, James, and Horse.

“I’m either going to gain a roommate or lose the one I have,” states the one with a patch that reads Horse. One mystery solved.

“Yep,” the Viking one agrees, and I look to his patch to see the name Cash. Second mystery solved.

“Pigeon and I need to have a chat about that.”

“This wasn’t his fault. I didn’t think when I called him first. I just panicked and hit his contact. I should have called 911 to begin with,” I insist while having no idea what they’re talking about but knowing I need to defend Pigeon.

“Yep, losing or gaining. Either way, this is going to be entertaining as hell.”

“Yep,” Cash agrees with a grin.

“Can I go now? I’m pretty sure I’ve reached my limit of drama today,” I ask, and even I can hear how tired my voice is.

“You won’t be driving home tonight, Ivy. Pigeon is on his way here to pick you up,” Cash says as he opens the door and flips off the lights.

I follow him outside, lock the door behind us, and then speak, but I have to do it while trying to keep up with the long strides of the men.

“I have to go home. Nothing will get done, and nobody will get fed if I don’t. I’m fine to drive. I’m used to it.”

The men continue walking but neither respond.

“Guys, listen. Thank you for the help tonight, but I need to go home.”

“Plead your case to Pigeon,” Horse says with a chuckle.

With rising panic, I blurt, “It’ll be bad for me if I don’t!”

Both men stop dead in their tracks just as we hit the parking lot. Turning, Cash levels his gaze on mine.

“In this way?” he rumbles out while indicating my face.

Before I can explain, a motorcycle roars into the parking lot. Stopping in front of us, I watch as Pigeon shuts it off and swings his leg over the seat. Standing next to his bike, hands on his hips, feet planted wide, he stares at me.

“Thanks, Cash, Horse. Appreciate the help,” Pigeon states while keeping his eyes on me.

“Did you talk with Rex?” Cash questions.

“Yeah, he explained.”

“I added some numbers to her phone. Need anything else?” Cash asks.

“No, I got this,” Pigeon answers.

“Should I make up the guest room or…” Horse asks with another laugh.

“You sleep like the dead. Would be easy for a motivated person to make their life easier by eliminating yours,” Pigeon calmly answers.

“Noted. I’m out of here. Nice meeting you, Ivy,” Horse says before walking away with a smirk on his handsome face.

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