Page 15 of Tabitha

It’s been so long since I’ve reacted to a woman, I almost glance down at my dick in surprise.

She casts a surreptitious glance around us, giving me time to recover my composure. When she turns back to me, she lifts a challenging brow, completely ignoring my two companions. “Did you want to talk here or go somewhere more private?”

Before I have a chance to answer, River’s minimal control snaps. Hating to be ignored, he’s unable to contain himself a second longer, and he pushes his way between us. “Hello, gorgeous. My name is River, and I’ll go wherever you want.”

Tabitha looks at him like he’s some kind of alien species she’s not sure if she should kill or just avoid at all costs, and I bite back my chuckle. He has that same effect on everyone. Gage remains silent at my back, his face impassive as he scratches Rocky behind the ear. The man usually keeps his distance from women. He’s gotten better at being near them over the years, but Tabitha is triggering him, if the stiff way he holds himself is any indication.

I’m not sure if that’s a good thing or not.

He needs to deal with his sister’s death eventually, but I’m not sure now is the time.

One wrong move could get us killed.

I glance at her companion, noticing how close he’s standing to Tabitha, silently staking his claim. He is all but peeing on her to mark his property. And from the way she so studiously avoids him, it’s obvious his affections aren’t returned. I pinch the bridge of my nose, already knowing they are going to cause trouble.

“We can go back to our cabin,” I answer, then walk away before she can respond. We’re drawing too much attention. The longer we remain out in the open, the bigger the target we draw on our backs.

The guys need time to calm down and adjust to her presence. While River will no doubt get too attached, Gage will try and find a way to send her running—though I suspect she might just be stubborn enough to handle both of them with her eyes closed and both hands tied behind her back.

If I’m right, I suspect she’s going to turn our existence on end.

I suddenly find myself looking forward to it.

Chapter Five

TABITHA

Bast turns on his heel and saunters away, the locs in his hair swaying, and it doesn’t take a genius to guess he sees me as a liability. The other two men follow him without question, River shooting me a wink, while Gage pretends I don’t exist.

I’m not sure which one annoys me the most.

Their dog pauses as he trots at their side, giving me a steady look. Intelligent eyes study me, and I somehow feel like I’ve been scolded. When I would’ve demanded answers, he just turns away and follows the rest of them.

It doesn’t matter that he is a dog—I suspect the creature knows everyone’s secrets.

“I don’t trust them.” Pierce stops at my side, glaring after the others.

“Don’t be stupid.” I roll my eyes, then turn and walk back toward my bike, barely acknowledging his existence. “I don’t trust anyone.”

I grab the helmet, then sling my leg over the bike, and it starts easily at my touch. I watch as my contacts pile into a beat-up pickup truck, the dog taking the backseat with the grumpy one. As they pull onto the road, I follow them, conscious of Pierce guarding my back.

I thought it would bother me to have him following me around on this mission, but I’ve gotten used to his presence after watching him so closely the last few months. Now, his company is almost reassuring.

It isn’t the same as having one of the Belladonnas, but it’s close, and I’m floored by the revelation.

I do my best to ignore him and do my job, noting the security as we leave town. Though the place has less than eight hundred people living it, the number seems almost doubled. A few of the younger guys appear jovial and high on life, while the women are more reserved and watchful.

Something is definitely wrong with this town.

I try to search for any of my targets in the group, but don’t spot even one.

Without a doubt, they will be informed about my arrival and make an appearance before the end of the day.

As we leave town, I roll my shoulders to relieve the itch of having so many eyes watching me.

There is a reason I work in the shadows. People typically fall into three categories—they are boring, they just suck, or they are a target.

Usually, all three.

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