Page 44 of Crash and Burn
21
Rascal
The next morning,I wake up to Marley cuddled against me with her leg thrown over mine. I smile to myself. I could get used to this. I kiss her forehead, causing her to stir. I softly run my fingers up her back, under her shirt until her eyes flutter open.
I grin. “Mornin’, Princess.”
“Good morning, Romeo.” Her sleepy voice is fucking adorable. “What time is it?”
“It’s early, a quarter after six. We need to get on the road no later than eight.”
“Sounds good.” She sits up, stretching her arms above her head before climbing out of bed. My eyes are glued to her as she moves around the room. Even in sweats and a tank top, she’s sexy as hell.
“Stop staring at me and go get ready,” she tells me without looking my way.
I chuckle as I roll out of bed. “Yeah, yeah. Is your bag ready to be taken to the truck?”
“Mhm, it’s by the dresser.”
I move closer to her, pulling her into my arms. Tucking a strand of hair behind her ear, I bring my lips down to hers. Pulling away with a giggle, she playfully swats at me.
“Go, let me get ready,” she demands.
I back away from her, biting my lip as I do. She’s fighting back a smile, shaking her head. Before I turn around, I wink and blow her a kiss. She loses the battle as a smile breaks out across her face.
I turn and grab her bag. “See you in a bit, Princess.”
Walking into the hallway, I damn near run into Saint.
“Fuck, man. What are you doin’ up so early?”
“Never went to bed,” he tells me.
“You doin’ alright?”
“I don’t even know right now.” He keeps walking, straight to the main room. I shake my head, walking the opposite way toward my room. Something is going on with him, that’s for sure. Once in my room, I set Marley’s bag on my bed and change my clothes.
When I’m ready to go, I grab my bag and Marley’s and head out to my truck. Bull doesn’t want us to take our bikes because they’ll draw unwanted attention to us. As much as I hate riding in a fucking cage, I have my truck for when I can’t ride my bike. It’s better than any of the Riders’ tiny ass cages, plus I’ll be the one driving. Raze and Minx are taking his truck, too.
I lock up my room, walk through the clubhouse and out the front door toward my truck. Tossing both our bags in the back seat, I lock up the truck and head back inside to wait for everyone. Saint is sitting at the bar, head hanging between his shoulders.
“What’s goin’ on, brother?” I sit next to him.
“Nothin’ I wanna get into right now.” His voice is void of emotion.
“Whatever it is, you don’t have to go through it alone. You have a clubhouse full of brothers that have your back no matter what,” I remind him.
He nods but doesn’t respond.
“You ‘bout ready to go?” Raze walks up with Minx by his side.
“Yeah, Marley should be out any minute.” As soon as the words leave my lips, Marley walks into the main room. Her dreadlocks are gone, leaving her hair to fall to her collarbone.
“Girl! You look great but where did your dreads go,” Minx asks her.
“They were faux dreads. I thought it would be a good idea to take them out so I wouldn’t be so recognizable,” Marley explains.
I move toward her so I’m standing in front of her. Running my fingers through her hair, I smirk.
