Final Ride (Lords of Mayhem 4)

“You haven’t even talked it over with Pres yet,” she said, grasping at straws.

“It was his idea. He made you my responsibility. That means we do it my way. I’m not some prospect who has to run every thought that enters his head by another person. I’m V.P. for a reason.” He tapped his patch with his pointer finger, and she mentally swore. Damned if he didn’t looks sexy as fuck with his hair tumbling in his face and confidence etched on every strong line of his face. He reminded her of the cover models from the old Western novels with the Native American decked out in his tribal finery. Only, he had a hell of a lot of rough edges, and a few scars. One in particular cut through his right eyebrow, lending to his air of mystique.

“You aren’t going to say anything?” Hawk said.

“Why? It’s not like I have a choice.”

“Now you’re learning.” He stood. “But for the record I like it when you fight. I’m sure your girls are chomping at the bit and driving their old men crazy. I’m going to let them know you’re good to have visitors. After that I’ll have the house mice talk to you.”

She watched him leave the room, completely confused. The man ran hot and cold. He had a crazy charisma she’d never noticed before. Yes, I did. That’s why I never let myself be around him too much. How in the hell am I going to live with him and play this role without giving in to my very insistent urge? With her insane writing schedule, promotions, research, and travel, her libido had been all but dead lately. No man had piqued her interest because quite frankly she’d had a one-track mind. The writing industry was hard, and romance could be downright cutthroat. It’d taken every ounce of creativity, determination and a shit ton of sacrifice to get where she was. Being stuck here with everyone had shown her just how much she’d neglected. It was like waking up from hibernation in a cave full of berries and honey.

* * * * *

She answered the door and found herself bombarded with hugs and concern. She basked in the care of her friends.

“Are you okay?” Juliette asked shakily.

“Physically yes, other than a few scrapes and bruises. Mentally? I’m walking on that thin line between anxiety and hysteria. If I hadn’t had dropped my cellphone I’d be dead right now.”

Her knees weakened, and she leaned into Juliette and Evonne, who kept her standing.

“This is getting more and more dangerous,” Joey said, rubbing her baby bump as she rubbed Hil’s back. She soaked up the gentle touch.

“They’re going to handle it,” Juliette said firmly.

“At this point, it’s us or them,” Evonne said.

“Good thing we’re on the winning team,” Juliette said. The conviction in her voice gave Hil strength. Juliette’s man, Shooter, was sergeant in arms. If anyone knew how hard the boys went, it was her.

“I’m scared,” Hilary whispered.

“We all are,” Joey said.

“What are we going to do?” Hilary asked.

“Whatever they tell us to. Hil, I know you. You’re hard-headed and you buck the rules. Promise me you won’t this time,” Juliette said.

Hilary ground her teeth. “You know they placed me with Hawk, right? They want me to go undercover as his house mouse.”

“Shit,” Joey said.

“Yeah,” Hilary said. Droll

y.

“Wait, what’s a house mouse?” Evonne asked.

“Basically his bitch,” Joey said.

“Wow,” Evonne said.

“Yeah, you think you’re surprised,” Hilary mumbled.

“I don’t care how uncomfortable it is as long as you’re safe. I live with the knowledge that this all stems from me. No, I didn’t make Peter crazy or pick his friends, but you’re all in danger because of your association with me. So I take the overseeing of your safety seriously,” Juliette said.

In that moment, Hilary could see her husband coming through. Shooter’s rubbing off on her.

“You’re the most vulnerable, Hilary. I support their decision to bring you in deeper. I know it’s going to be hard. I’m asking you to do this for me, please,” Juliette said.