Page 33 of Rock

“Ah.”

“I met your son yesterday.”

“I know. He told me.” Rock grinned.

She looked at him, feeling confused. “I didn’t give him my name.”

“Yeah, but I already knew from Ink and Breaker that you were in town. So I figured.”

“He looks like you. Do you have other kids?”

“A daughter, Remi. I’m proud of both of them. They’re amazing.”

“Are they in the MC?” She found herself wanting to know more and more about Rock. She was probably opening herself up for a world of hurt, but she couldn’t resist the pull.

“Yes. Remi is married to one of our members, Kade. Atlas was gone for many years. He went to college out of state, became an accountant, and didn’t come back until recently. We needed his help when our treasurer disappeared, leaving the MC’s finances in shambles. Atlas reconnected with an old flame and stayed.” Rock’s smile grew. Apparently, he was very pleased with that development.

“That must be nice.” She found herself smiling. She was happy for Rock.

“Yeah, except for them nagging me all the time,” he groaned in a joking tone.

“What do they nag you about?”

Rock turned into the parking lot at the motel, parked next to the front desk, and turned to her. “I had a heart attack a few years back. I’m as good as new now, but they worry.”

Lyla sucked in a breath and reached out to grab his hand. “I’m sorry to hear that. I’m glad you are well.”

He set his other hand on top of hers, capturing it, squeezing it. “Thank you. Which room is yours?” He pointed toward the motel rooms.

“Oh, it’s that one. Close. I’ll just go grab a few things.” She started to pull away, but he kept hold of her hand, stopping her.

She turned back to him to find him frowning again. “You’ll wait for me. Let me talk to Sheila and tell her you’re checking out. Then I’ll help you pack everything up.”

Lyla’s breath hitched. “I can’t impose on you for more than one night.”

He narrowed his gaze. “You will never be imposing on me, Little Lyla. I know it’s been a few years since we last saw each other, and we’re feeling awkward, but I wouldn’t feel right leaving you alone in a motel, no matter who you were, after what happened tonight. You’ll stay with me.”

She swallowed and nodded, unable to deny him. She was scared out of her mind and freaking the fuck out inside, but she couldn’t tell him no. It was difficult to keep her mouth closed and not point out that “a few years” was a gross understatement.

CHAPTER

SEVEN

Rock’s head was spinning. He couldn’t believe this was happening. An hour ago, his world had shifted on its axis, and now he was living a different life. One with Lyla in it. One with Lyla in his home.

He’d never imagined he would spend more than a few minutes with her when he headed over to her house earlier. Hell, he hadn’t been sure if she would still be there or if he would even stop and confront her at all.

He’d about lost his head when he saw the front door open and then heard her distressed voice. He’d never moved so fast in his life. He was still kicking himself for not taking off after her assailant who’d run out the back, but he’d been more worried about Lyla than catching the guy. He hadn’t been sure how injured she was.

He jogged around her rental car to help her out of the seat and took her hand as he led her into the main office. Possessive much? Yes.

Sheila was behind the desk when they stepped inside. She looked up, smiled, and then made a small gasping sound, eyes wide. “Oh, hi, Rock. I didn’t know you knew Lyla.”

“Yep. We knew each other in high school.” He was well aware it was over-the-top to be touching her so possessively. Way over-the-topandpresumptuous, but he couldn’t help himself. And he had no interest in stopping, especially since she wasn’t trying to pull away.

Sheila reined in her surprise and pasted on a more professional expression. “What can I do for you?”

“Lyla is going to check out and stay with me. Someone attacked her in her home this evening, and he got away. Until the police catch him, I don’t think it’s safe for her to stay at the motel alone.”

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