Page 48 of Razor

She winks, causing me to giggle, loving how easy it is to live here among these amazing people who have taken me in as family and demand nothing in return.

* * *

Luckily,Razor stays away from the cafeteria, and after I finish up there, I head home for a shower and to change for working in the bar.

I love living here. It’s so easy to fit in. The work is there if you want the distraction; if not, they allow you to do your own thing. My preferred choice is always the bar. I love the easy banter of the Reapers. They make me giggle with their loaded words and suggestive glances. It’s all just a game though. It’s common knowledge I only have eyes for Razor, and I’m nervous about how that will play out later tonight.

What will I do? Will he even come into the bar, or stay away? I told him I needed space. Will he honor that?

I sincerely hope not, because I’m regretting my actions earlier. I really wanted to spend the afternoon with him, but my conversation with Cara and the other women wouldn’t leave me. I do want more, but it’s obvious he’s incapable of giving me that. Perhaps I should stick with it and go the distance. If not, I can start again somewhere far away from Los Angeles.

I am so homesick it hurts, and yet it was decided I wouldn’t contact my father, for his good, not mine. I can write, but give nodetails of where I am. I wonder how long this will last before I can see him again—be a family again?

I’m so worried about him. He is still in Los Angeles where Santiago rules. The Reapers assured me that protection was in place, but how can I be sure?

For some reason, I need answers, especially after the day I just had, and so I muster some bravery from deep inside me and take a detour toward the office of the only man who can help me.

I second-guess my boldness as I hover outside the door marked President.

I shouldn’t be here; I should have spoken to Lucy or Razor to ask on my behalf. I almost turn away, but the door opens and the man himself is standing there like a powerful force that can slay demons with one hard, destructive glare.

“Hey,” he smiles, his eyes kind.

“You looking for me?”

“I–”

My mouth dries and he winks, “I was just heading home for food, but I can spare some time.”

“I don’t want to be any trouble.”

He jerks his thumb inside his office.

“I kind of like trouble, darlin’. Let me help with that.”

He makes it impossible to fear him, and as I inch inside his office, my gaze falls on the low couch and the wooden desk strewn with papers.

He points to the couch and grabs a nearby chair, sitting astride it as he sighs. “I only have beer or whiskey; you’re welcome to either.”

“I’m good, thanks, but I appreciate the offer.”

He nods. “So, what’s troubling you?”

“My father.”

I don’t mess around, and he nods. “I thought so.”

“It’s just, well, I miss him and I’m kind of worried about him being in the same town as well, you know.”

“Santiago De Sauro.” His brow furrows.

“I have the local MC watching out for your father. They can drive the fear of God into most operations, and I’m aware that Santiago gives them a wide berth.”

“So, he’s okay.”

“Of course. You have my word on that.”

“I would love to, well, speak with him.”