Page 109 of Outlaws of Tulsa

A growl has me shrieking. Another growl joins it.

Stumbling back, I edge away from the door toward the bathroom. With a whimper, I rush inside and close it behind me. A sob lodges in my throat, but I refuse to accept defeat. I’m only trapped in here because those damn dogs are guarding me.Otherwise, I would’ve figured out a way to slip out and into the snowy night.

It’s wishful thinking but for now I take it. I need all the hope I can get.

I turn on the bathroom light and look over my reflection in the mirror. God, I’m such a mess right now. My makeup is smeared, my hair is limp, and my blue eyes flicker with defeat.

I can’t believe I fucked it all up.

That’s all I ever do.

Rather than wallowing in self-despair, I opt for a hot shower. I strip out of my clothes and climb into the steamy shower. The hot water hits my sore muscles, relaxing me. There isn’t any shampoo or conditioner or soap in this bathroom, which annoys me. Typical man. If it weren’t for me, Koyn’s place would have stunk like frat boys. Every bathroom had toiletries and candles and a variety of soaps. They didn’t deserve me.

After washing the best I can, I turn off the water and grab the towel I set out. I wrap it around my body, tucking it in under my armpits. When I don’t see my clothes, anger explodes through me.

“Seriously?” I snap. “You’re such a big man,Jeremy. You showed me a lesson by stealing my fucking clothes.”

I storm over to the door, ready to throw it open, but then hesitate. If the dogs are in here, I don’t want any part of it. Slowly, I twist the knob, peeking out.

“Are you done throwing a bitch fit?” This growl is of the human variety.

“You stole my fucking clothes—”

He shoves through the door and pushes a bag against my chest. “If you’re done being a snotty brat, I brought your shit.”

I blink at him in shock. Sure enough, one of my bags from Koyn’s is in my grip. He walks out of the bathroom, slamming the door behind him. I frown for a minute, wondering about hisangle. When I come up with nothing, I dig around in my bag for clothes. Unfortunately, since I spent my time undercover as a biker bitch who was seducing the VP, my clothing selection is inappropriate at best. With a resigned sigh, I throw on a white camisole and a pair of tiny red cotton shorts. It’s not like Copper’s not used to seeing me dressed this way. After pulling my hair up in a messy bun, I peek through the door again.

“Are the dogs in there?”

“They’re outside.” A pause. “Come out so we can talk.”

I pull the door open, still nervous the dogs will attack me. They’re not here, though. Copper leans against the wall, his arms crossed over his bulky chest, a scowl on his handsome face.

“What?” I snap.

“You hungry?”

“Stop the nice guy act, Copper. We both know you’re going to torture me or rape me or whatever. The mind games aren’t cute.”

He rolls his eyes. “I’m not going to torture you and I certainly don’t have to rape you. I’m sure you’ll be begging for my dick by tomorrow morning.” He sneers at me. “That’s your MO, right? Use your golden pussy to get what you want? How’d that work out with Johnson?”

Heat floods through me, painting my skin crimson. I hate that he knows I slept with Hank Johnson, my commanding officer when I was with the FBI before I got put on administrative leave.

“Screw you,” I snap.

“Apparently everyone has.” He flashes me a maddening smirk that outrages me. “I’m not interested in your voodoo pussy, Stormy. I’m interested in answers.”

“I have nothing for you,” I grind out. “Where am I sleeping?”

“If you don’t cut your shit, it’ll be with the dogs.”

I freeze, my blood running cold. “Don’t be an asshole.”

“Too late for that, little storm.” He steps toward me, his dark brown eyes sweeping over my face as he studies me. “As much as I want to terrorize you over the fact that the dogs will rip your throat out if you try to leave, it’d be a lie. They’re not going to hurt you.”

Images of them chasing me as I run filter through my mind.

No, thank you.

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