Page 24 of Shielding Lexi (Temptation)

Hawk raises his brows like I’ve lost it. “You know they’re not going to give her tha—”

“Look, either I’m going through the MC or I’m murdering Brick myself. Either way works for me, but I thought for the sake of the Guardians I’d start with a civil negotiation. You telling me I’m wrong?” The words come out gruff and loud and I wonder how much Lexi has overheard.

Hawk holds up his hands before lifting his coffee from the holder. “We’re behind you no matter what… you know that.”

“Good,” I say, stalking toward the bedroom with my phone in my hand. “That’s what I thought.”

11

Lexi

Asoft knock hits my door and I look up from the book I brought back with me from the island. After some Tylenol, my fever is gone, but it’s nice to curl up with a good book on dry, civilized land. Besides, we spent the day lounging around doing nothing of real interest, but a marathon ofAmazing Race. Well, Hawk, Kane and I did anyway. Reaper disappeared somewhere until late this evening, then slunk right back into his room.

“Hey Lex,” Hawk says, sliding through the door and closing it behind him. He’s freshened up, and smells like some manly body wash, wearing only tight boxer briefs, his hard chest bare. “You still reading Moby Dick?”

I nod and throw the covers open for him to climb in next to me.

“I am,” I say. “It’s interesting the way Ahab is with his crew. Have you ever read it before?”

Hawk shakes his head as he settles in next to me. “Not much of a reader, Kane is. I think he’s read it a dozen times. I’m sure you guys could have all kinds of interesting conversations about whales and whatever it’s about.” He laughs nervously and I get the feeling he feels insecure about his lack of literary knowledge. I want to tell him mine isn’t very extensive either, but he changes the subject before I get a chance. “You and Kane are getting a little closer, huh?”

I shake my head. “Closer is relative. I mean, we’re getting to know each other. We really liked playing cards and I hear—”

“He held you in the cabin of the boat yesterday, and I saw you guys on the couch together when I got home from grabbing breakfast.” He doesn’t sound angry, more curious than anything, and I feel like an idiot.

I twist toward him. “Hawk, I’m so sorry. I’ve been so scattered… if you and I have something going on. I didn’t mean to—”

“No,” he says. “Kane—”

The door squeaks open. “Do I hear my name?”

Kane is in the doorway, also shirtless, but with board shorts still in place.

“You spying?” Hawk laughs.

“Just walking by. But when you hear your name, you stop.”

“It’s nothing,” I say. “We were just talking about how I’d been cuddling with you and I think I’m confusing everyone. I didn’t mean to. I just—”

“Lex, it’s fine,” Hawk says, his arm around my shoulder. “I didn’t mean to upset you.”

“I’m not upset, I just feel bad. I mean, it’s wrong that I’ve been letting Kane comfort me all day, then I snuggle up with you at night.” I look at Hawk, “I’ve just been so confused. I guess I wasn’t thinking straight. I’m sorry.”

“But which one of us do you like, Lexi?” Kane asks, stepping further into the room, closing the door behind him. “Or maybe you don’t like either of us. It’s okay either way.”

I look toward Hawk, he’s so sweet and calming. He was the first one to hold me, the first one to make me feel comfortable after everything. Kane too though has been kind and comforting. Fun, too! I’ve laughed so much with him. Both men now stand in my vision and my heart races.

“I can’t choose,” I finally say. “I’ve been so lucky to know both of you. I don’t have a—”

“You don’t have to choose, Lexi,” Kane says looking toward Hawk. “We can both take care of you.”

My eyes narrow. “But that’s not fair for me to ask of you.”

“Why not?” Hawk says, running his hand down my shoulder as Kane massages my back. “You get twice the love and we both get the girl we want.”

I let the idea sink between my ears, my heart hammering against my chest as I try to make sense of all that’s being said. Are they saying I can be with both of them?

“But that’s so complicated. Who do I sleep with? Who do I—”

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