Page 54 of Lulu

All of this had started over Brody’s curiosity about why I had a bug-out bag, and I smiled. “That bug-out bag beneath my bed? A sixteen-year-old teenager packed that thing. Keeping it is kind of a security blanket for me. Reminds me what I survived, and it gives me the confidence that I can do it again if I have to.”

“I’ve never met a stronger woman than you, baby.”

Sensing that Brody was looking down at me, I raised my face to his. His words meant a lot to me. Before I had a chance to read his expression, he covered my mouth with his in a firm yet tender kiss. No passion, no tongue, and yet it caused something nice to flutter in my belly.

And put a new fear in my heart.

What if something happened to him?

He pulled away. “Gotta get on the road, Hellcat. Me being here puts you in danger.”

“Are you going to tell me where you’re going?

He shook his head. “I’ll be back when the threat is handled.”

I hated when his arm moved out from behind me and he turned to leave the bed. I remained where I was and watched as he picked up his boots and sat on the edge of the bed to put them on.

“I’m glad you have a gun and know how to use it.”

I was surprised to hear him admit that. “Plus I have Buttercup for protection.”

He turned his head and looked at me over his shoulder with a tolerant smirk on his rugged face. Then his expression changed, became serious. It looked as if he wanted to tell me something, but then thought better of it.

“What?” I encouraged.

He shook his head. “Nothing.” He bent back to his boots. “I’ll check in when I can.”

“If you want.”

He stood up and came around the bed to the side I was sitting on. I followed him with my eyes, until he stopped above me. Then he bent, curled his hand around the back of my neck, and pulled me up to his mouth. This kiss was different than the last one, laced with heat and passion. He ground his lips against mine. By the time he pulled away, we were both breathing hard.

“I want you,” he said firmly, and then let out a resigned breath. “Come on. Walk me out.”

I followed Brody to the front door, where he bent and snatched up his bag. He paused before opening the door. “You unloaded some heavy shit tonight, baby. You gonna be alright?”

His concern caused me to smile. “I may have a nightmare or two, but I’m good.” I couldn’t explain what telling Brody about my past had made me feel. It was a good feeling though, as if I’d flicked off something heavy on my shoulder that had been dragging me down.

He opened the door. It had stopped storming, but the air was damp. Buttercup appeared at our feet, looking for attention. Brody patted her head and forced her to remain inside with a light push. She backed up behind me and sat with a whine.

“I’ll be in touch.”

“Okay.”

I watched him walk away until he was out of sight. It was very dark. Storm clouds still hovered overhead, teasing us with the promise of more rain. After a moment I heard the sound of Brody’s bike start up, and then he rode around the corner of the house onto the driveway. I was surprised to see him wearing a helmet. He glanced my way briefly as he rode by and raised his hand in acknowledgement as he pulled out onto the road. It didn’t take long before the tiny taillight on his bike disappeared into the darkness.

I wondered where he was going, where his safehouse was located. I stepped back and closed and locked my door.

Damn.

I was in trouble.

Because I already missed Brody.

Chapter 22

Brody

By the time I’d made it to the clubhouse the night before, Demon had already taken off. That had been fine with me, considering it had begun to pour again and I was soaked. All I’d wanted by the time I’d walked through the door was a hot shower and a drink or two. Doc had been around and had shown me to my room and told me to come back down after I showered. But I’d ended up watching some TV and then crashing until morning.