Pan's Salvation (Dueling Devils 5)

“Come on. It’s not like we sell toys.”

“And this new Mr. likes toys, I take it?”

“Among other things. He likes to play games. Games I like more than I should,” Lark

mumbled. Her body heated as she remembered the things he’d done.

“Why? There’s nothing wrong with doing what makes you happy and your body sing. I’m

betting before he came along, you had cobwebs girl. You’ve been denying yourself so much.”

Tanya sighed. “If it makes you happy, I’m all for it.”

“You don’t know him.”

“So, tell me about him while I get settled,” Tanya said.

Lark followed her to the back office. “Pan is my total opposite in every way. He’s tall, muscular, tattooed and runs with a motorcycle club.”

“Holy shit…are you going Sons of Anarchy on me?”

“What?”

“You know, the popular motorcycle TV show that just ended,” Tanya said, exasperated.

“You know I’m out of the loop,” Lark admitted.

“I’d say you should watch it, but fuck you’re living it. Is he tattooed?”

Lark smiled. “Full sleeved and yes, he’s absolutely delicious. But, that’s not what draws me to him.”

Tanya hung up her coat, stored her purse and led her back out front. “What does?”

“The way he treats me. I’ve never been treated so well in my entire life. It’s sad really. He had no reason to step in and help me, or keep me safe. But he did and every day since—I just—I lean on him a little more.”

“And that’s a bad thing?” Tanya asked.

“I don’t know. That’s what I’m trying to figure out.”

“You say he makes you feel safe, right?” Tanya questioned.

“Yes, but is that what I want to see or is it the reality? My life’s been moving at lightning speed and my brain is struggling to catch up.”

“Is there a rush? There’s nothing you have to be accountable for, Lark. You can live for you.

You have a steady job. You know we couldn’t run this place without you, an apartment you love and emergency money in the bank. Spend this time getting to learn who you are and who you want to be.”

“Why does it sound so simple when you say it?”

“Because I’m outside the situation. But…Pan?” She arched her eyebrow.

“As in Peter, because he lives to have a good time.”

Tanya snickered. “When you go off the beaten path you hop right on the crazy train, don’t you?”

“Thank you, Ozzy Osbourne.”

“What? Someone has to loosen you up! You have a sexy biker taking care of you and you’re here worried? What you need to be doing is shopping for something to add a little spice,” she teased.