Page 11 of Reaper's Rage

“She’s a force.” Reaper says. “Which is why Caitlin wants her to help to establish and manage Crossroads.”

“Caitlin asked me to help, too.” I tell them. “She wants me to handle the bookkeeping and maybe teach the residents how to make a budget and manage their money.”

“That’s great, honey.” Reaper says, reaching over to squeeze my hand, causing Flame to growl.

“Knock it off.” I snap at Flame. “You need to grow up and accept that I’m with Reaper.”

“Yeah, man. What are you thinking?” Axel says as he joins us. “Would you rather she hook up with some asshole we don’t know or with someone you know would give his life for her?”

Flame frowns at our brother before looking at me and then at Reaper. “It’s just weird. In my mind, she’s six with pigtails and ice cream all over her face.”

I roll my eyes as Reaper and Axel laugh.

“I’m twenty.” I remind him, and he nods.

“I know. Look, I’m trying, alright?” Flame says, moving his food around with his fork. “But Axel’s right. I would rather know you’re with someone who would never hurt you. I think if you hooked up with anyone else, I’d always be worried that he isn’t treating you right. That he isn’t good enough for you.”

“You think I’m good enough for her?” Reaper asks. His eyes are on his plate, and I can sense his vulnerability. I want so much to wrap my arms around him and assure him he is more than good enough for me, but I know he’d take it more to heart if he heard it from Flame. Glancing at Flame, I want to plead with him to answer in the affirmative. I don’t have to. He does it all on his own.

“Of course you are. You’re my best friend. If I have to let go of her being my kid sister and watch her move on with a guy, you’re the only one I want for her.”

I nod with approval and dig into my breakfast, happy to see one problem solved. I hated knowing I was causing problems between Flame and Reaper, but I’ll be damned if I let my brother ruin what Reaper and I are building.

“What are you up to today?” Reaper asks me.

“I need to go home and check in with my mom.” I tell him. “But I’ll need a ride there.”

“I’m taking you.” Axel says. “The guys are starting on the demo today and I’m helping.”

“Ok. What are you two up to today?” I ask Flame and Reaper.

“Working at Styx.” Flame says. Styx is the towing and storage business they bought a few months ago. Flame, Ghost and Reaper manage the place and have been since they were prospects. I know Reaper wants to do something else. But, he just hasn’t figured out what that is yet.

I study Flame and realize that he’s never expressed an interest in doing anything other than work ing at Styx. Which surprises me. Before he patched in, the club called him Jack because he was a Jack of All Trades. When mom got the job as the manager for the apartment complex, Flame was the one who kept everything working. He learned how to do plumbing, electricity and construction. You name it, he could do it. He loved learning new things and facing new challenges. But since he patched in, he hasn’t shown an interest in learning or doing anything new.

I open my mouth to ask him about this change in him, but Reaper leans over to kiss me. “I’ll see you later, ok?” He asks me and I nod. “Be good and don’t get into any trouble. No lingerie parties.” He smirks at me as I roll my eyes.

“I doubt I’ll be going to any of those for awhile.” I remind him. “Have a good day, both of you.”

I watch my man walk out of the clubhouse with my brother and sigh. Reaper has an amazing ass. I just want to bite it.

“Ok, look, I’m fine with you and Reaper dating, but please don’t undress him while I’m sitting right here.” Axel whines, causing me to laugh.

“Sorry. I can’t help it if I’m happy.” I tell him.

“I’m glad you’re happy, but I don’t need to know the details.” Axel says, getting up and grabbing the plates from the table. “I’ll take these to the kitchen and then take you home.”

Axel drives me back to the apartment complex in one of the club’s SUVs.

“How do you like being a prospect?” I ask him after we drive through the gates of the clubhouse.

“It’s a challenge, but it’s worth it.” He tells me. “I don’t think I’ve had a decent night’s sleep since I joined. The guys are demanding.”

“They don’t let you sleep?” I ask.

“It’s not like that. We get sleep, but one of us has to be available at all times. Last night, I slept in the common room in case anyone needed anything. It was Simon’s idea. Have someone out there and then the rest of us are more likely to get some sleep. Izzy’s up tonight, so I should get caught up.”

As Axel pulls into the parking lot, I nod. I glance around but don’t see any other vehicles except mom’s car. “I thought the guys were starting work today.”

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