Page 145 of Heresy

There was a single full-size bed, one raggedy chair with springs sticking out the bottom, a tiny window that didn’t open and a canister ceiling light that flickered every so often because the bulb was too old.

Fucking great.

Dropping the bags, I shake out the cramping in my hands from carrying the bags then lean against a wall near the door.

“You take the bed. I’ll sleep on the damn floor if I’m able to sleep at all.”

Brinley’s expression is unsure as she checks out the bed. Lifting the sheets, she peers down closely, pulling the fitted one away from the mattress and inspecting that.

“What are you looking for? A dead body?”

She laughs. “Bedbugs.”

Even worse.

“I’m sorry it’s not a five-star place, but—”

“It’ll do,” she assures me.

Her eyes meet mine. “And you don’t have to sleep on the floor. We can share.”

Surprised by that, I shake my head.

“Brin, it’s fine. I’ll sleep in the chair or something.”

“You’ll fall through the chair if you even attempt it.”

Her expression softens.

“Listen, we both have had a shitty past few days and we’re both exhausted. I can see it in your face. So we can also both behave like adults and share the bed.”

A smirk pulls at the corner of my lips. I can’t help myself.

“Only if you admit you like me.”

Her glare makes me laugh, and damn, I needed that. It helps relieves some of the anger that’s beating on my insides like a jackhammer.

“I’ll admit you’re not as bad as I originally thought.”

Smiling at that, I nod. “I’ll take it.”

Now, I’m not quite sure, but I think that was a blush that colored her cheeks. Given that she turned away so quickly to inspect the bed again, I’m thinking she felt it and attempted to hide.

I want to press the issue, but I have some details to take care of first.

Making some phone calls, I’m able to get Priest to ship me the parts and tools I’ll need to fix Beauty. And thankfully, Gabriel’s plane wasn’t hit and is in perfect working order.

Although the guys aren’t ready to come down yet, Gabe offered the plane as a courier to get the stuff to a truck near me. If all goes according to plan, I hope to be back on the road by noon tomorrow.

Brinley is already sitting up against the pillows on her side of the bed when I drop my weight down on my side and stretch out fully.

I feel her hip press against my shoulder and try to ignore the blood rushing to parts of me that can’t have her.

Regardless of how I feel, I’m not falling into the trap that Tanner, Gabe, Mason and now Ezra have happily given in to. I don’t have time for anything more than one night, and quite frankly, a girl like Brin deserves a hell of a lot better than me.

Still, I turn my head and look up at her.

Blue eyes watch me intently as she attempts to scoot away.

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