When I scan the area again, I still don’t see the guy I’m looking for. It’s frustrating as hell. My gut is telling me to find out what’s going on and not just for Ezra’s sake.
“How about a round of applause for Lara Champman, owner of Bunz Out, for sponsoring tonight’s event,” the MC’s voice fills the area, and everyone cheers. He waves her onto the stage, and she hesitantly steps out and gives a little wave. Her nerves are clear to see.
“That’s my mama,” a little girl shouts and claps with everything she’s got. Lara’s face softens and she grins as she looks at her daughter, Vanessa.
“Come on, get together for a picture with the winner,” the MC encourages and Lara stiffens.
So does Ezra at my side. I glance around us again before looking down at her to see her focused on the way Playboy is making a big show of wrapping an arm around Lara’s shoulders. He whispers something in her ear and the smile on her face turns brittle as her fingers curl into fists at her side.
I narrow my eyes at the scene in front of me. I’ve never seen my brother get that kind of reaction from a woman before. What the fuck is going on?
When Lara gives another wave after shrugging off Playboy’s arm, her movements are jerky, then she slips off the stage and heads right to her daughter. Vanessa hugs her mom and talks a mile a minute as they walk away; Lara doesn’t look back.
Before I can think about it, a kid walks up to us, “Ms. Lyons, are you heading back to the tent?”
He looks my way, but he doesn’t say anything. He’s wary, but I have no doubt he’d stand right here with his teacher if she were to give him any indication that she’s uncomfortable.
“Yeah, Josiah,” her voice is bright, “I’m ready to head back. Ryker here is going to watch our back since we’re taking payments.”
I have to say, I’m more than a little impressed with how quickly she came up with that excuse. I suppose it’s not out of the realm of possibilities either, considering how many things the club businesses donated to the cause.
Josiah walks back to the tent with us. My hand on Ezra’s lower back makes her breathing deepen. She looks up at me and her eyes darken. When her gaze darts over my chest, I desperately want to throw her over my shoulder and carry her away from here.
I have no idea how I stop myself from giving in to the temptation.
Sidewinder and Playboy update me, but it’s almost useless since no one has seen Bobby and they haven’t found the carnie. I think I catch a glimpse of him at some point, but when he turnedaround again, it wasn’t him. But he knows all the dark corners around this place better than I do, which means he can hide more effectively.
For now.
Not being on my own turf is starting to eat at me. I want to take my woman to the clubhouse. She’ll be safe there.
I almost shudder at the thought of taking her to my home on the club’s land. The good thing about the clubhouse is that I’ll have my brothers there to help me keep her safe.
Hopefully, no one has a problem with her being the sheriff’s daughter. I’d hate to have to shoot one of my brothers.
Ezra’s eyes are tired after the last item is picked up and she turns toward me. The kids are quick to fold up the tables and get them carried away. When everything is done, they high-five Ezra or fist bump her.
“Good job, everyone,” she gushes. “I’m proud of how hard you worked to make sure we all get to go to Nashville.”
They walk away while laughing and chatting about the fireworks. I close the distance between us, pressing my front to her back. My lips graze her earlobe as her citrus and clove scent wraps around me.
“I’m sorry, but you’ll be missing the fireworks this year,” I rasp the words, my voice low and coaxing.
This’ll be easier if she doesn’t fight me every step of the way.
She sighs, her voice filled with disappointment, “That’s too bad. They’re my favorite part.”
“You’ll see them next year,” I promise, meaning every single word. My nose slides along the shell of her ear and she shuddersin my arms. “I don’t know,” I tease her, “Playboy taking down that cake might be the highlight this year.”
“It was pretty impressive,” she admits.
When she turns around and looks up at me, her blue eyes big and round, she doesn’t step away. Our bodies are almost plastered to each other. I know the moment she feels just how hard I am for her; her eyes go half-lidded and turn glassy with lust.
“I take it we’re leaving?” The question falls from her lips, husky and sultry in a way she probably doesn’t even realize is hot as fuck.
I nod slowly. “It’s time. I need to get you safe.”
“Where are we going?” She asks the question even though I’m pretty sure she already knows the answer.
