Page 3 of Heron's Flame

Rebel snorted. “That’s the worst pickup line in existence.”

She liked it, though. I felt it.

“That’s why I just spoke the truth instead of trying to impress you.”

She squinted, trying hard to appear annoyed. It didn’t work. “You’re too cocky.”

“Never heard any complaints before now, darlin’.”

Rebel stepped forward and poked a finger in my chest. “Stay away from me.”

I almost bristled. The idea of it nearly pissed me off. “You know that won’t happen.”

She did. I sensed she wanted to get to know me better, and I planned to make myself available. Anytime. Anywhere. However the fuck she wanted.

She could fight this, but we’d still end up right here, at this moment. The crows never failed me. I dreamed of Rebel for a reason.

“If I say so, it will.” Her chin lifted.

“Alright. Your choice.”

She grinned in triumph before a scowl scrunched her brows.Adorable.

“Just so you know, I won’t be going anywhere, Spark.” I reached for her hand, pulled it away from my chest, and kissed her palm before releasing it. “We both feel it.”

She opened her mouth to argue but closed it with a snap.

Yeah, I thought so.

Chapter 1 Heron

Present day—

Rebel hated me.

She didn’t have to say it. I felt her emotions, and they churned inside her. A volatile mix that threatened to consume her from the inside out. Worse, she seemed at war with herself about it. I sensed that, too. Like she didn’t want to despise me; she just couldn’t help it.

The reason? I had no fucking idea.

Was it the way I could read her like an open book? Maybe.

Or how I could rile her up with only a few words, a look, or a grin? Yeah,definitely.

I got off on that shit when she tried to pretend that I didn’t affect her. She couldn’t suppress or hide her emotions. They were raw, palpable, and so obvious I could sense them from across the room.

We both knew this little game we played wouldn’t last much longer. The tension between us continued to climb higher, and when it reached its peak, I intended to be right there, getting her off since she wanted to deny we had any chemistry. Twelve goddamn months. I’d never met a woman as complicated, beautiful, or stubborn as Rebel.

The worst part? I couldn’t seem to get her out of my head. The more she denied me, the more determined I became.

Everyone noticed.

Living at the clubhouse only seemed to magnify the situation. My club brothers gave me shit and bet on my failure. The ol’ ladies sent curious glances my way. But it was the constant battle of wills that increased the tension the most. Seeing her every damn day was unavoidable and a curse as well as a blessing.Bella, Crow’s ol’ lady, became Rebel’s closest friend, which meant they were inseparable.

Like right now.

Bella stood beside Rebel as they faced a dartboard, taking turns while they played. I observed from my seat at the bar, leaning back against the wood’s smooth surface while my gaze swept the room, returning to Rebel often enough to ensure no one fucked with her. Not that anyone here would try.

I’d already finished three beers in less than twenty minutes, and now my focus rested on the blonde directly across from me. Rebel wore a pair of tight jeans that hugged her curves from hips to ankles while also molding to the thick swell of her ass, black boots, and a thin silver chain that wrapped her waist. I could only see it because the tiny tank top she wore ripped along the bottom half, showing off her tanned stomach and the ink on her bare skin.

---