Page 12 of Fallen Dove
I grabbed my jacket and headed for the door.
Junior was stationed there, like always.Except tonight, he fell into step beside me as I walked into the lot.
“You don’t have to walk me,” I said, tired enough to sound cranky.
“Yes, I do,” he replied simply.
Too tired to argue, I sighed.“Fine.”
My car gleamed under the security light.I unlocked it, slid into the seat, and looked back at Junior through the window.“Goodnight.”
“Night, Adley.”He gave me a nod, solid as ever.
I shut the door, started the engine, and pulled out of the lot.The roads were mostly empty.Weston was asleep.A pair of headlights glowed in my rearview as I turned toward home, but the car passed me as I slowed to take the driveway.
Inside, I shut the door behind me and nearly groaned.
Slayer was waiting in the entryway again.
“Is this gonna be a normal thing?”I asked, and toed off my boots.
“As long as you’re working this late and I can keep my eyes open,” he said.“How was your night?”
I rolled my eyes but didn’t fight him.“My night was fine, Dad.Just busy.”
I didn’t tell him about the guy grabbing me or Mason stepping in.It hadn’t been that big of a deal.Not worth stirring up his temper.
“Goodnight,” I said, and stretched up to kiss his cheek.
“Night, Ad.”His voice softened, just like it always did with me.
I headed down to the basement, flipping on the bathroom light long enough to shower off the grease, sweat, and smoke.Wrapped in a towel, I padded back to the couch, tugged on a black shirt, and queued upTwilighton the TV.
The familiar lines and sparkling vampires lulled me as I curled into the blankets.
But when my eyes drifted shut, it wasn’t Edward Cullen I saw.
It was Mason.His eyes caught mine across the bar, his voice steady and firm as he said,I know you’re not a kid.
Damn him.
I sighed, let sleep pull me under, and told myself tomorrow would be easier.
Chapter Six
Mason
Coffee always tasted stronger at the clubhouse.
Maybe it was the old pot that had been there longer than me, or maybe it was the fact that no matter how much Carnie stocked the freezer, nobody ever remembered to buy decent grounds.Either way, the bitter burn suited me this morning.I leaned against the counter in the clubhouse kitchen, mug in hand, and stared out the window.Peaceful for now.Wouldn’t stay that way.
Last night’s league night still buzzed in my head.The Social Club had been packed with tables full, and pool games running until the chalk wore thin on the sticks.The kids had hustled, and Penny kept Adley close until the floor swallowed them both up in the rush.
Adley.
I tightened my grip on the mug.
The image of that drunk bastard’s hand brushing her hip replayed like a bad loop I couldn’t turn off.I’d seen it from behind the bar, the way she stiffened when he leaned in.And before I even thought about it, I was across the room.
