Page 78 of Boulder's Weight

"I'm not his ol’ lady," I correct her automatically, keeping my voice low. "It's just temporary. For protection."

Astra's smile turns knowing. "Honey, I said the same thing to myself for the first three months with Python. Then I woke up one day and realized I'd forgotten what my own apartment looked like."

"This is different," I insist, though the heat creeping up my neck betrays me. "Boulder's not the settling down type. And neither am I, not with everything..."

"None of us are the settling down type," she says with a wink. "That's what makes it interesting when we do."

Before I can respond, the door opens again, and a woman I've seen around but haven't formally met enters.

She's tall and slender, with dark hair streaked with purple, an intricate sleeve of tattoos running down one arm.

Her eyes lock onto me. "You must be Kelsey," she says, flopping down in an armchair across from us. "I'm Oakleigh. Razor's better half."

"Hi," I say, suddenly feeling self-conscious under her direct gaze.

"Oakleigh's our resident artist," Astra explains. "She did most of the artwork for the club—logo redesign, custom paint jobs, the mural in the bar."

Oakleigh waves this off. "I doodle. It's nothing fancy." Her eyes narrow as she studies me. "Razor says Boulder's been watching you like a hawk. Poor guy looks torn between wanting to lock you in his room for safety and letting you breathe."

I feel my cheeks flush. "He's... protective."

"That's putting it mildly." She grins. "Never thought I'd see Boulder the commitment-phobe playing house. You must have some kind of magic."

"It's not like that," I say, the words sounding weak even to my own ears. "It's a practical arrangement. Temporary."

Oakleigh exchanges a glance with Astra that speaks volumes. "Sure it is, honey."

The sound of approaching footsteps saves me from saying anything else as Boulder appears in the doorway.

His hair is still damp from a shower, and he's dressed in worn jeans and a black t-shirt, his cut slung over his shoulder.

My heart does an embarrassing little flip at the sight of him.

"Morning, ladies," he says, eyes settling on me with an intensity that makes my skin warm. "Kelsey, you need to get ready. We're heading to the café in thirty."

I'm surprised. "I'm going back to work? Already?"

He nods. "Amara thinks it's best to maintain normal routines. Especially after I let your brothers know you have the club's protection."

I freeze, coffee mug halfway to my lips. "You didwhat?"

"I was going to tell you. Brick and I paid them a visit the other day. Made it clear you're under club protection now."

"You went to see Benji?" Panic rises in my throat. "Are you insane? He's dangerous, Boulder. He's not going to back down just because you tell him to."

"That's why we're increasing security at the café," he says calmly. "Brick will shadow your shift today."

I set down my coffee, hands trembling slightly.

The thought of Benji's face when Boulder confronted him sends ice through my veins. "What did he say?"

Boulder hesitates, and I know he's editing his response. "Nothing that matters. Just trying to claim family business."

"You shouldn't have gone," I say, standing up. "This isn't just about me anymore. You've made yourself a target now."

Boulder steps closer, his voice dropping. "I can handle myself, Montana. And your brothers. Now go get ready. We leave in thirty."

I want to argue more, but I know it’s pointless.

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