Page 52 of Reaper

“Amen, brother.” Wrath pats my shoulder.

Shaking my head, I blow out a breath. “I want to know who Colt is talking to in Texas. He has been acting cagey and I want to know why. Then I want you to cross reference everyone who has been on runs that have been attacked. They aren’t going after all of them, only the ones that are for the cartel. There’s a reason for that. Find the mole so I can make them regret living.”

“Yes, sir,” they both echo.

“Good. I’m not announcing it to everyone yet, but I’m claiming Natalie. From now on, she is mine whether she realizes it or not.”

“I think everyone already knows, but good for you, brother.” Wrath smirks as he pats my shoulder.

Trigger nods. “I think it’s a good move. She suits you.”

I shake my head. “I don’t want to make anything official until she’s ready. We need to find that fucker Danworth. I don’t think she will feel safe until he’s taken care of.”

I have this sinking feeling in my gut that says he won’t let her go without a fight. He’s trying to get to her. The question is, will he make a move while I’m not around? I grit my teeth at the thought.

“We will find him, brother,” Wrath promises.

I only hope it won’t be too late.

* * *

Harrison has been acting differently around me. Before, he treated me gently, almost as if I’d break.

He still does that occasionally, but he’s also started being flirtier with me. The man cracks jokes just to make me laugh. He tickles me even. It’s an odd sensation. I’ve never really had that before even with my high school boyfriends.

Then there’s the fact that when he is in a room with me, he is always touching me. He finds some reason to have his hands on me, whether it be him guiding me with his hand on my lower back or pushing hair out of my face.

It’s a different experience. While my body reacts every time he touches me, my mind is still unsure. I’m waiting for the other shoe to drop. Is he only treating me this way to lure me in? When will his fists come into play?

I feel like he would never hurt me, but I thought the same thing about William.

Self-doubt is a fickle bitch.

It’s the reason I’m still hanging out in his room when he’s not here.

He has taken to sleeping with me every night though since things between us have changed. After my breakdown, he always makes sure to be back at some point to crawl into bed with me. When he’s curled around me, I finally feel safe enough to sleep. I still wake up with nightmares, but feeling him hold me makes it easier.

“Natalie?”

I look up at him now. He’s standing at the door to the bathroom with nothing but a towel around his waist. His Lotus MC tattoo sits low on his hip and spreads across part of his abs.

I wonder what it would be like to trace it with my tongue.

He’s been showing me more of his body lately too. I’m not sure if he’s trying to acclimate me to him or what, but my issues don’t revolve around him being naked. If he raised a hand, that would be another story.

I shake my head, clearing my dirty thoughts. “Hey. Sorry was in my head.”

He frowns but nods. “Trigger is on his way with your laptop. Do you want me to stay with you?”

I’ve met Trigger before. He sat with me and went over all the information I told Harrison. He told me he’s the resident computer guy. I liked him. He was kind.

“You don’t have to. Do you have other things to do?”

He hesitates.

“Harrison, you can’t babysit me all the time. If you have something to do, go do it. I’ll be fine.”

He takes a deep breath. “Fine. I’m leaving the prospect here though, in case you need me.”

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