Page 3 of Reaper

Shit. "Copy that. I'll find out what's in play."

Killing my comm, I grab my saddlebags and head for the motel office.The elderly clerk barely glances up from her romance novel as she hands over a key, too used to bikers to care about another leather-clad woman asking for a room.

"One room left," she drawls, attention already back on her book."Lucky you got it before that nice doctor fellow came asking."

I hide my smile. Doc's always been the favorite among civilians, probably because he actually bothers with manners.Unlike certain Road Captains who think brooding silence counts as conversation.

Speaking of brooding...

"Looks like we're roommates." Reaper's voice carries that dangerous edge that used to make my knees weak.Still does, but I'm better at hiding it now."Unless you'd rather sleep with your bike."

"Wouldn't be the first time." I turn, finding him closer than expected.Close enough to see the flecks of gold in his dark eyes, to catch the familiar scent of leather and mountain air that haunts my dreams."But I suppose I can tolerate your snoring for one night."

"I don't snore."

"Keep telling yourself that, Road Captain."

His jaw ticks at the title. Good to know I can still get under his skin as easily as he gets under mine.Though from the way his eyes darken as they track my movements, I'm not the only one affected by this situation.

"You've changed," he says quietly, following me down the dimly lit hallway.Heavy silence falls between us.

"Had to." I unlock our door, deliberately keeping my voice light."Club princess wasn't exactly a career path."

The room is exactly what you'd expect from a desert motel.There's faded wallpaper, a worn carpet, and one double bed that suddenly feels very small.A cheap print of cowboys hangs crooked on one wall, like even the decorations are trying to escape this place.

Reaper drops his bags by the bathroom door, already scanning exits and sightlines.Some habits never change. "Treasurer's quite a jump from princess."

"Earned every patch." I kick off my boots, trying not to remember how many laws I broke proving myself worthy of the Wings' trust.How many times I compromised my badge to maintain my cover."Unlike some people, I don't coast on daddy's reputation."

The low blow lands exactly as intended.Anger flashes in his eyes, quickly masked by that infuriating control he's apparently mastered."You always did know exactly where to stick the knife."

"And you always did know how to piss me off." I step closer, invading his space like I own it.Like my pulse isn't racing from his proximity."Tell me something, Reaper. Do they know you questioned Ranch's every move before he made you Road Captain?Or did you finally learn to follow orders without arguing?"

"You don't know shit about who I am now." His voice drops lower, dangerous."Five years is a long time, Sandy.Or should I say, Rebel?"

"Seemingly long enough to grow up." I tilt my chin, meeting his heated gaze."Also, long enough to learn what I want and how to take it."

"Yeah?" He moves faster than I remember, backing me against the wall.One hand braces beside my head while the other settles on my hip, thumb brushing the strip of skin exposed by my riding crop top."And what is it you want, Rebel?"

My new nickname on his lips sends shivers down my spine.This close, I can feel the heat radiating off his body, see the pulse jumping in his throat.All I'd have to do is lean forward...

My burner buzzes, shattering the moment.Handler's code flashes on the screen.

"Saved by the bell." Reaper steps back, that iron control sliding back into place."Get cleaned up first if you want.I need to check in with the crew anyway."

I wait until the door clicks shut behind him before answering."Report."

"Kings are definitely moving weapons tonight." Handler sounds tense."We need eyes on that exchange."

"I'll handle it." I'm already planning routes, timing, excuses."Give me two hours."

"Be careful, Mitchell. Your cover--"

"Is solid." I cut him off, stripping off my dusty clothes."I know what I'm doing."

Ending the call, I step into the shower and let hot water sluice away road grime and tension.All those years of hard work, building trust, and gathering intel all come down to the next few days.I can't let old feelings complicate things now.

My eyes slam shut, visions of Reaper's heated gaze filling my memory.So much so that I can still feel the phantom press of his hand on my hip.

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