High-Sided (Armed & Dangerous #3)(24)

“That’s not all I’m here for, Kassie,” he said, taking a step toward me.

I lifted a hand, halting him. “It’s probably best it is. So let’s get back to your task. What all are you going to do to help my father?”

His jaw clenched. “Are you gonna be difficult this whole time?”

Standing straighter, I crossed my arms over my chest. “Maybe. Then again, you deserve it. Now,” I said, waving my hand impatiently, “tell me about your plans.”

“First, your father’s going to let me put up security cameras around the shop. If anyone tries to do anything malicious, I’ll know.”

“Do you have any leads?”

“Not yet, but I have ruled some past acquaintances out. Whoever wants revenge on your dad, targeted Levi and Ethan for a reason. I just need to figure out why. I’m hoping by bringing Ethan back, it’ll piss those people off.”

“Isn’t that dangerous? I don’t want Ethan to get hurt.”

“Ethan knows the dangers and offered to come back willingly. I’ll figure this out before anyone gets hurt, especially you. Whoever these people are, they aren’t afraid to kill. I need you to be on your guard at all times.”

“I see you’re still the overprotective ass you were before.” The sound of his chuckle made my chest ache. I used to love hearing it, long ago.

“Always. Now get on your bike so I can follow you home. I want to make sure you get there safely. Then tonight, once I get done at your dad’s shop, I want to see you again.”

“Where are you staying?”

He nodded toward the road. “The same place I lived before.” Which happened to be right down the street from me; effectively making him my neighbor, since there was no one else to the right of my cabin.

I didn’t know if I was ready to step foot in his place yet. There were so many memories there. “I think you’ve said everything you needed to. What more could you possibly have to tell me?”

Gaze torn, he straddled his bike and sighed. “You have no idea. Now hop on your bike and let’s go.”

“What if I want to stay here?” I countered.

He started to put on his helmet and stopped. “Then I’ll take you back on mine. Your choice, Kassie.” When I didn’t move toward my bike, he set his helmet down, no doubt living up to his word. He’d strap me down to his motorcycle if he had to.

Rolling my eyes, I took a deep breath and got back on my bike. “Fine, I’m ready. Let’s go.”





Logan


By the time I got to my cabin, the sun began to go down. Micah sat on my front porch steps, tapping his watch. “Took your time, didn’t you?” he shouted. I shut off my bike and hopped off. “How did sweetcheeks take your apology?”

Huffing, I took my helmet off. “She didn’t. But at least she didn’t slap me, which was what I expected.”

Micah burst out laughing. “There’s still plenty of time for that. When are you going to see her again?”

I stormed past him toward the door. “Fuck if I know. She doesn’t want to be anywhere near me. I screwed up big time.”

Micah followed me into the cabin. “Yeah, you did, but I bet she doesn’t know the whole story, does she?”

“No,” I grumbled. “I was about to tell her, before you interrupted me.” There were things Kassie didn’t know, times when I did come back to tell her the truth, only to find her with someone else. After the last time, I’d figured she’d completely moved on. It was best to leave her be.

“Sorry, man. You picked a hell of a time to get back with your girl.”

I rolled my eyes. “I’m not trying to get back with her. She deserved the truth and I wanted her forgiveness. Looks like that’s not going to happen.”

He slapped me on the shoulder. “Give it time. I’m sure things’ll work out.”

“I sure as hell hope so.” My phone beeped with an incoming text.



Richard: Everyone’s gone. Meet you here.



Me: Be there in 10.



“He’s ready?” Micah asked.

“Yep, let’s get our shit and go.” Hurrying to my room, I grabbed my bag with all the equipment. I had five cameras that were left over from a case I solved over a year ago. They came in handy every now and again. I could watch the feed from my laptop or phone anytime I wanted.

Micah opened the door when he saw me approach and I locked it behind us.

“So tell me what happened today,” I said. He hadn’t been able to tell me much over the phone, since he’d been with the Hendrix racers at the time.

Micah groaned. “First off, let me say, most of the cocksuckers out this way are nothing but limp-wristed bitches. It took all I had not to beat the shit out of a few of them.”

I chuckled. “Not exactly the kind of people we’re used to.”

“No shit. I don’t see how any of them could be the ones we’re looking for.”

“True, but sometimes the worst ones are the people you least expect.” We’d seen it numerous times in our line of work.

“After tryouts, I rode to that hangout you told me about. I was invited to a party this weekend by Jacob Privette. Looks like word of my riding got around to the Hendrix team.”