Page 13 of Aftershock's Fury

He chuckles softly. “Don’t worry. It was just a couple of girls who hang around the club.”

“A couple of sweet butts decorated my room like this?”

“They actually wanted to make it all pink and girly, but Shock said this would be more you.”

“Yeah, it is. I’m not a girly girl.” I wave my hand up and down my body.

After the guys drop off my things, I get Fezzik settled into his bed and change into my pajamas. Rylan said he’d show me more of the house in the morning. I climb into bed thinking about everything that happened this evening.

But as I drift off, I think of the man who called me his. The man who makes me feel like a delicate woman and safe for the first time in a very long time. I dream of his wild-colored eyes and dark hair. The scrape of his beard against my skin, and his narrow hips as they power into my body. I dream of him all night long.

When I wake the next morning, it takes me a second to realize where I am and that I’m alone. Fezzik isn’t in his bed or mine. I throw on a pair of sweatpants anda hoodie as the cool air makes me shiver. It’s colder here than it was in Vegas, or even home in Texas.

I head to the bathroom first and go through my morning ritual. I step out and find Fezzik lying on the floor, staring up at my brother in the kitchen.

“Shit. Burned another one, buddy. Don’t tell her.”

I pop my hip against the coffee bar and can’t stop the laugh. “No, the smell of burning food gave it away.” I move over to where he’s standing and peer into the frying pan filled with burnt eggs and French toast. “Step back. I got this.” I take over, and before long, I’ve got French toast, eggs, bacon, and sausage all ready.

“This looks good,” he says.

“Should be. I know how to cook. But obviously you don’t.” We both laugh at that and dig in.

I take a sip of my coffee as someone knocks at the door. Rylan opens a drawer in the island we’re seated at and pulls out a gun. He walks toward the door just as another knock sounds, followed by the door opening. Rylan raises the gun and takes aim.

“Hold up, Prez, it’s me.” Loki walks in with his hands up, chuckling. “Don’t shoot. Think of all the bear baits that will be disappointed.”

I cringe at the term bear bait, and images of Crue with them sours my stomach.

“I need to get dressed and ready.” I get up and head for my room.

I change into a pair of black jeans and a black long-sleeved shirt that is open at the cleavage, with strings of fabric holding it closed. The black strap of my bra is just barely visible. I grab a floral jacket that will keep me warm but isn’t too heavy. Then I load everything I took out last night for my trip to the bar back into my leather purse. After slipping on my heeled black boots, Ifluff out my long, wavy hair. My resume is in a folder inside my bag, and I grab it before stepping out to find Loki and another brother talking to Rylan.

“Kodiak, are you sure about this?” Loki asks, and his tone tells me he’s not happy about whatever decision my brother has made.

“It’s what she wants.”

My heels click against the hardwood floor as I walk toward them. Three pairs of eyes focus on me. I haven’t met the third guy yet, but I recognize him from last night. He has long, wavy dirty blond hair framing his face. Women must go crazy for him. He’s tall, with intense eyes and a sexy smile.

“I’m Romeo,” he says, holding out his hand. Even his voice is sexy.

I shake my head.

“Of course. Romeo. I’m Harley.” I give him the nickname my father had all his men call me when I was younger.

“Princess,” he says, correcting me.

I shake my head again, this time out of frustration.

“Okay. I have an appointment on campus in a couple of hours, and there’s a new bakery and coffee shop advertising for someone to help as a barista and assistant baker. I’ve emailed the owner a few times and want to stop by to see her. She specializes in French pastries.”

“Got it. Let’s head out. GB is waiting outside. Aftershock will help this afternoon.”

I give my brother a hug before stepping back to look at him. “He’s Loki, and he’s Romeo.” I point to the men. “I get their road names. But you’re Kodiak, and Crue is Shock, or Aftershock. What do those mean?”

“Aftershock is what happens after an earthquake. Crue can rattle shit as bad as one. Your brother… Well, just think of what a Kodiak is.” Romeo laughs.

“My brother mauls people to death, and Crue shakes the hell out of them?”

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