Page 32 of Babe's Bounty

“You would be safer away from here and your apartment,” Min says. “They know who you are, so it wouldn’t be hard for them to find out where you live.”

Cicely’s shoulders slump in defeat. “Maybe I can stay at a hotel.”

“I booked a hotel room that I’m not using,” Min offers. She glances at me when I stiffen. “Or at least I wasn’t. Why don’t we go to your place so you can pack a bag and we can stay there?”

Cicely nods in agreement. I glance at Chrome and see he’s about as happy as I am over Min’s offer.

“Good. I’ll ride with you to your apartment,” Min says. “Are you guys following?”

We both nod as the women turn and head deeper into the parking lot.

“I don’t like them staying at the hotel,” Chrome grumbles.

“Me, either,” I reply. “But at least Cicely is packing a bag. Let’s follow them and talk sense into them once we reach her apartment.”

As we ride behind the women, I can’t help but wonder why Min booked a hotel room without telling me. I knew she was worried about staying at the clubhouse, but I thought we’d worked through her concerns. Guess I was wrong. Guess I’ve been wrong about several things where Min’s concerned.

We follow Cicely into the parking lot of an apartment building that’s not strong on security. The parking lot is open to everyone. Anyone could park here and grab her between the car and the front door. She uses her key to unlock the front door. There isn’t even a doorman. I could have grabbed her and absconded with her a half a dozen times by the time she gets the door opened. Chrome and I both look at the lock as we pass through and shake our head at its flimsiness. Hell, the door’s made of glass. Anyone could break it and unlock the door from the outside. I can feel Chrome’s anger rising. Mine is close behind. Her apartment door isn’t much better. The door is not solid enough to keep out anyone intent on entering.

“Did you intentionally find the least secure apartment building in the city?” Chrome demands. I flinch as Cicely turns an icy stare his way.

“Maybe you should wait downstairs,” Cicely suggests, dismissing Chrome with a flick of her head before disappearing down the hall.

Min smirks but says nothing.

“Why did you book a hotel room?” I demand. “Were you going to tell me or just disappear?”

Min frowns at me. “I booked it after talking to the cops at the hospital. We originally wanted to keep the Demon Dawgs out of the narrative, so I came up with a reason to explain why I was in the area. They asked me where I was staying. I couldn’t very well tell them I was staying at the clubhouse and keep our affiliation a secret, could I?”

“Oh,” I respond stupidly. And yeah, I feel stupid.

“What is your problem today? If you’re having second thoughts about us being partners, then say so.”

“I’m not the one with a problem,” I hiss back.

“The only problem I have is your attitude,” Min snaps, turning away from me to follow Cicely.

“We’re both not making points today,” Chrome comments.

I chuckle. “No. But we still need to convince them both to come back to the clubhouse. I have a bad feeling about leaving them at the hotel.”

Chrome nods in agreement.

When Cicely comes out carrying a small suitcase, he moves to take it from her, but she doesn’t relent. “I can carry it.”

“I know you can, but you shouldn’t have to. Please, let me carry it for you. Look, I’m sorry for my comment about your apartment. But, seriously, this place is not secure. I could have handled it better.”

“Yes, you could have. You’re right, it isn’t as secure as I’d like, but it’s what I can afford. So, I make do.”

“You shouldn’t have to make do. You should be safe. Please reconsider and come back to the clubhouse instead of going to the hotel.”

“Okay,” Cicely says, which shocks Chrome and myself. We both figured we’d have a battle on our hands. “Min explained how much more secure the clubhouse is than the hotel. She also said that if I stay at the hotel, you’ll assign one of your men to guard me and that leaves you one less person for hunting down the assholes who are after me. Staying at the clubhouse makes sense, so yes, I’ll go with you.”

I glance at Min, but she ignores me. Fuck.

“She’s right,” Chrome says, recovering himself. “I thought you’d argue with me. Thanks, Min.”

Min nods and leads the way outside. I stand next to her in the hallway as we wait for Cicely to lock her door.