Page 23 of Chasing Redemption

Was he going to kiss me? Did I want him to? The answer was there, deep in my heart, hidden unless I searched for it.

His face descended slowly, and I clenched my fists so I didn’t reach out, needing to hold onto some semblance of control. My eyes drifted closed, and his lips brushed mine—so lightly I was sure I imagined it.

“Get some sleep.” His lips brushed mine again when he spoke and sent a tingle through my body. I didn’t want him to go.

But I knew I needed him to leave. Reaper must have realized that too because he let go of my face and took a step back. His eyes locked on my face for several beats before he finally turned and went back to his bike.

Closing the door, I leaned against it and sank to the ground, not moving until the roar of his engine was long gone. And when I stood up, I shed the last fragment of anger I’d been carrying around.

* * *

After a long sleepless night, I needed coffee and peace. Peace that would only last until I went to the office, but a small amount of tranquility was better than nothing.

There was only one place to go: Stumptown Coffee in the Ace Hotel, with the soft music, plush couches, and a table at my elbow so I didn’t have to reach for my mug.

I shimmied as the burst of flavors gave my caffeine-deprived brain the boost it needed. The day before might have been shit, and what awaited me in the office made me want to pull my hair out, but at least I could start the day with a phenomenal cup of coffee.

I was halfway through my coffee when Abraham sat down across from me, along with two of the other guys from yesterday, whose names I still didn’t know.

So much for peace and relaxation.

The one who stood closest to me cleared his throat. “I’m Bob.”

I shifted in my seat and lifted one eyebrow. “Hey Bob.”

He shoved a chocolate chip cookie in my direction and shrugged. “Didn’t get a fancy road name.” He pointed to the name on his cut. “It makes sense, ya know, ’cause I’m shit at lying, so giving me a new name wouldn’t work too well. Sucking at lying was what got me locked up for two years. I couldn’t lie to the cops and tell ’em I didn’t know a robbery was gonna happen.” Bob snorted. “My college roommate. Heard him and his friend talking about it but didn’t realize they were stupid enough to do it. I should have known they would though. The dude was just that damn stupid. When the police came knocking, I tried to lie, and somehow got slapped with aiding and abetting.”

I couldn’t help but be charmed by him and the way he told his story, straight to the point and self-deprecating. It was hard not to crack a smile, but I persevered.

“What’s your name?” I opened my mouth to answer, but he continued rambling before I could. “Like I know you’re Wolf’s niece and Reaper’s, but like, when I asked, I was told I had to ask you.”

Abraham and the other guy dropped their heads in their hands, shoulders shaking with silent laughter.

I smothered the urge to laugh along with them and schooled my expression. “I’m Peyton. Could you, uh, maybe elaborate on what you meant when you said that I’m Reaper’s?”

Bob opened his mouth, but the other guy elbowed him and leaned forward. “Hi, Peyton. I’m Spade. Not gonna to tell you my life story if that’s all right.” The laugh lines on his face made me think he was the jovial sort, and his lanky build looked like it was made to wear a suit.

“Nice to meet you, Spade.”

His eyes softened and he grinned. “Honor to finally meet you, Peyton.”

What did he mean by finally? Before I could ask, a wide, callus-roughened hand slid a piece of paper across the table. One glance showed it was the information I’d requested yesterday.

“A list of all the places we stopped. It’s in order from the first pickup to the last.” Glaring at Abraham, I wished I could shoot laser beams out of my eyes. He flinched but didn’t look away. “You need this information to make sure those women stay safe, and it was shitty of me to delay that. Next time you ask me something, I’ll do whatever I can to help.”

That was as good of an apology as I was going to get from him. I’d known him since we were kids. Had spent countless hours tutoring him in math to ensure he could learn enough to graduate from high school, and his betrayal had stung more than most.

But I’d promised myself last night that it was time to move on. My lips twitched, and I said, “Your apology is a B minus at best.”

Abraham chuckled. “I’ll take it.”

When I walked out of the coffee shop, my steps felt lighter, like I’d finally shed the weight of resentment I’d been carrying around for far too long.

ChapterThirteen

REAPER

Wind whistledpast me as I sped down the quiet highway.

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