Page 67 of Property of Spike

“I think you men need to start wearing bells,” I tease. “How is it that someone so big can make little to no noise?”

“Survival, darlin’,” he smiles. “As I’m sure you’re aware, our lives aren’t always safe. You quickly learn small tricks in order to stay alive.”

“Like moving without making a sound?”

“Like moving without making a sound,” he nods.

“I guess that could come in handy,” I admit. “Want a sandwich?”

Tank grins, flashing a bit of a teasing glint in his eyes. “Serving another man food? You trying to make Spike jealous, darlin’?”

I chuckle, shaking my head as I grab the bread. “No, just trying to make sure you don’t starve while you’re wandering around. What do you want on it?”

“Mayo,” he says, already pulling a chair out to sit at the kitchen table. “And throw some extra meat on there. I’m a growing guy.”

“I don’t think it’s physically possible for you to grow anymore, Tank,” I laugh. “Your skin simply wouldn’t allow it.”

“You may be right about that,” he grins. “But it won’t stop me from trying.”

This time, the silence as I make the sandwich is comforting and peaceful.

“Tank, do you ever feel like you’re losing your mind?”

“With this crazy bunch?” he chuckles, accepting his food. “All the time. Why? What’s going on?”

“I feel paranoid,” I admit, nibbling at my own sandwich.

“That’s to be expected, Riley,” he says. “You’ve been through a lot. If youweren’tlosing your mind at least a little, I’d be worried.”

“I suppose,” I sigh. “But I think it’s more than that.”

Tank raises an eyebrow, his expression turning serious for the first time. “More than what?”

I hesitate, unsure if I should say the words out loud. It feels like I’m starting to unravel, and I’m not sure if I’m ready to face what’s been weighing on me.

“I don’t know,” I say finally, setting the sandwich down. “Something’s just... off. There’s this feeling like there’s something waiting to explode. Like the calm before a storm.”

Tank chews thoughtfully, his gaze never leaving me. “You’re not wrong. There’s been a lot of weird energy around lately. The club’s been... quieter. It’s got everyone on edge. The shared anxiety is probably making you feel worse.”

“You’re probably right,” I say, laughing it off. “Just moments before you arrived in here I was having weird feelings about one of your brothers.”

“Did someone touch you?” he asks.

“No, nothing like that,” I admit. “I was just talking to him, and I told myself that something felt off. I just didn’t feel comfortable around him is all. You bikers sure can be scary.”

“Who was he?”

“I didn’t catch his name,” I answer. “He was someone new, though. I hadn’t seen him before. He was just as surprised to see me, though. He didn’t know who I was, so that’s why I knew he had to be from one of the other chapters of this club.”

“He wassurprisedto see you?” Tank asks, shoving his half-eaten sandwich away.

“Well, yeah,” I say, his tone causing that uneasy feeling to creep right back in. “Actually, he said he heard my name on the news a while back. I guess Chuck is telling everyone that I got attacked in his house. Idiot.”

“Riley, I need you to focus. Why was he in here?”

“You’re starting to scare me, Tank.”

“Baby girl, I need you to answer the question.”

---