Page 25 of Redemption

“That’s wise to keep it restricted,” I respond, sagely nodding my head, yet unable to keep from smirking at Oak. “I wouldn’t want to have to put her on the payroll before she turns five.”

“Yeah, whatever,” Oak laughs derisively as he throws his hands up in surrender. “So, we’re going to keep it patched members only while we scan the property. We’ll get it done by Saturday and have a party that night just to keep up appearances.”

“Are you heading out on Friday?” Swann asks me.

“Naw, I’m going to bring Sloane, so I thought we’d leave after she gets off work on Thursday,” I tell them my revised plans.

“Bummed I’m missing it but tell Cowboy I wanna bring Evon down there next summer,” Swann says, leaning back in the chairand crossing his arms. “She’ll love the boats and be old enough to go horseback riding.”

Tyrant’s words from the other night ring in my ears and I’m glad that I put him on this, cause I know it’s more up his alley than babysitting the guys working on Bridget’s house. And that reminds me.

“Oak, what’s your take on Paul?” I ask when he’s halfway out of his seat.

“He’s got stories and skill,” he slowly answers me, but I can tell there’s something he’s not saying, so I tilt my head in question, getting him to continue. “Look, this isn’t a guy who couldn’t live alone. I’m sure it’s tough somedays, but he’s pretty fit for his age.”

“If you’re thinking about moving in with them, I want your room,” Oak cuts in.

“Dream on,” I bark out before turning back to Swann. “If I have another house built, you think he’s able to handle the detail work?”

“I think it’d be great for him. More than anything, I think he’s bored,” Swann immediately replies. “Then again, I’m not a doctor nor do I play one on TV.”

“Thanks for the clarification on that. You two bozos can take off, let me know if any issues arise.”

Left alone, I eye my couch. It’s just past dawn and I figure it’s my best chance for any sleep today. Unfortunately, I end up sleeping until the middle of the afternoon when I wake to a call from the gas company.

Thinking it might be Sloane, I answer it only to hear an automated voice droning on about my upcoming service appointment.

Grumbling, I sit up to start my stretches and start thinking about that salve in my room. It really did wonders the other day, which gives me another reason to kick myself. There’s no reason I couldn’t have tried it out in the nearly eighteen months since my newest doctor gave it to me.

Leaving my office to rustle up some food and get the salve, I’m greeted by the sight of long red hair and without even stopping to think what Sloane is doing here so early, I wrap my arms around her.

I don’t know if it was the instant warning bell that went off in my soul, or the panicked look on Roman’s face, but I instantly pulled away from the woman in front of me.

Any turns around, laughing, and tries to move back into my arms.

“See! I told Rouge that it had to have been her hair color that caught your attention. Don’t be grumpy, Vector,” she purrs out as I evade her attempt to wrap her arms around me. “Once you’re looking down at my head between your legs, you can tell yourself anything you need to.”

“Stop,” I raise my voice more than normal, before I give her one last chance. “Knock this shit off now or you’re out for good.”

“Baby, we both know she’s not meant for this life. Do you know how great we could make this chapter with some ideas I have?” she responds, fisting her hands at her sides.

Roman lets out a snort of laughter and as I shift my eyes between them, it’s the first time, I’m really seeing the fire in her eyes and wonder how Any kept her particular brand of crazy from me for so long.

“Bitch is out of her mind,” one of the men behind Roman mutter.

“Shut the fuck up,” Any shrieks turning as if trying to figure out who spoke, and that’s when we both see Sloane standing just inside the door.

The crowd between us quietly part, waiting to see how this will play out.

“How’syourday going, Andrew?” Sloane asks me, her face completely unreadable.

“Just fine until a couple of minutes ago,” I answer, leaning against the bar as I wait to see how Sloane is going to deal with this. “Kind of gone to shit now, though.”

“Why don’t you slither back to whatever swamp you crawled out of?” Any interjects as she walks toward my woman.

A couple of the guys look to me, wondering if they should stop her.

“Babe?” I ask, keeping my eyes trained onmyred head.

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