Gypsy King (Tin Gypsy, #1)(56)

“I’ll be there.” Without another word, she turned and walked up the sidewalk to her front door.

I waited only long enough to see that she made it inside, then I raced away. I didn’t want to stay another night anyway. Her bed was uncomfortable, her pillows too firm. And she woke up so damn early, I couldn’t even enjoy sleeping in on my day off.

The ride home took ten minutes. My house was on the edge of town, surrounded by some open property I owned, ensuring I’d always have space. When I walked inside, I went right for my walk-in shower, wanting to rinse away the smell of Bryce’s sweet coconut soap. I didn’t need the reminder of her on my skin all evening.

Water dripped off the ends of my hair as I toweled off. I walked to my bedroom naked and, though it was still afternoon, collapsed on my king-sized bed. Sprawling out, I took a pillow and punched it into a ball under my head.

Much better.

Except I tossed and turned during my nap. And all night, my hand kept searching for something that wasn’t there.





“Morning.” Emmett walked through the open garage bay door the next day.

“Hey,” I said from the floor where I was lying beside the Mustang. The bumper I’d installed this morning was on and I was double-checking that everything was exactly right.

He came over as I shoved off the floor, handing me the extra cup of coffee he’d brought along.

I tipped the white lid to my lips, surprised when I tasted cream and chocolate. “What is this?”

“A double mocha something. I don’t know. I hooked up with the blond working at the coffee hut last night and she gave me these for free when I dropped her off this morning.”

I chuckled. “Nice.”

“What’s up?”

“I’ll tell you when everyone else gets here.”

I’d called Emmett and Leo this morning, waking them up at six a.m. on a Saturday. Both were annoyed I’d woken them up on their day off. They were lucky I hadn’t called at four—that’s when I’d called Dad.

He’d been up that early too.

I’d asked everyone to meet me at the garage by ten.

The clock on the wall showed nine forty-five. And a white Audi was turning into the lot.

Emmett looked at the car, then to me. “Did you know she was coming?”

“I invited her. She’s part of this now.”

“Part of what?” His forehead furrowed.

“Finding the truth. Better to have her on our side than against.”

Emmett studied my face. “You got something going with her?”

“Something like that.” There was no point denying it. When she was around, she had my focus. Emmett wouldn’t miss it when she walked into the garage.

“Is that smart?”

I blew out a long breath. “No, but it’s too late now.”

“She’s under your skin.”

And soaking deeper, down to the bone, every day.

Walking outside, I took Bryce in as she stepped out of her car. Gorgeous, as always. Her hair was straight and sleek, draping down her back. I instantly regretted not staying at her place last night.

Her sunglasses were on, shielding her eyes. But the way she held her shoulders, the upward tilt of her chin, said she was prepared for a fight.

She’d probably get one.

Bryce walked my way, wearing a pair of loose jeans cuffed at the ankle. They left her curves to the imagination, but I knew what she looked like underneath. Her black tee fit tight across her breasts and stomach. With her heeled sandals, it was impossible to look away. Though she could be wearing a potato sack and she’d still have my undivided attention.

She was classy and gorgeous no matter what she wore. It came from the way she carried herself, with tenacity and strength. Not many people, let alone women, questioned me. But this woman was a fighter. She wouldn’t be pushed around, and she wouldn’t take things at face value.

Which was why she had to be here today.

Bryce would see something I might miss.

The roar of a familiar engine echoed off the steel walls of the garage as Leo sped into the parking lot. He drove right up next to Bryce, slowing to match her strides. When he parked and slid off his shades, he gave her the smile that often landed him in the bathroom of The Betsy, fucking whoever had fallen for it.

My hands fisted. I’d be informing Leo that Bryce was off-limits. For good. Even when the two of us called it off, she wasn’t to be anywhere near his bed. Emmett’s too for that matter.

“Garage is closed, beautiful,” he said, still astride his bike. “But I’ll take a look at your car on Monday. Give you the special service. I’d even stay late, just for you.”

“Wow.” Bryce stopped beside Leo. She brought her hand to her heart. “Really?”

“This oughta be good,” Emmett muttered. I hadn’t noticed him standing by my side.

“Really.” Leo winked and ran a hand through his hair. “Maybe when we’re done with your car, I can take you for a ride. Teach you how to have a real good time.”

“I do like a good time.” Bryce used that same voice she’d used on me the first day she’d come here, pure sugar and sex. She was luring Leo into her trap, the same damn thing she’d done to me. God, I was a fucking idiot. She’d baited me. And watching her do it to Leo, I could see why I’d fallen for it.