Page 38 of Property of Heart

–LINA –

“Nothing,” Karev roars and it makes me wince.

Heart’s arm slides around my waist and I can feel the rumble of his words when he says, “Watch your tone, asshole.”

Karev glares at Heart, but when his gaze lands on me some of his anger fades.“Let’s go to the shop and go over the items you brought there.”

“Okay.But what if we can’t find them there either?”I wonder.

My half-brother shrugs.“Then I’m going to make a few calls to get to the other side of the country fast to question the woman who sold you the stuff.She might have gone inside and took them before you showed up.Who knows, she might have known the fucker stole shit from Calvania.The fucker worked as his butler for decades before he retired and took a little something from his boss...more than the golden handshake he received.He might have wanted to reconcile?”

He says question the woman, but the look in his eyes tells me there will be torture involved.All of this shit because of one thief, who then caught the attention of a few more greedy people, which resulted in us trying to clean up this damn mess.

A sigh rips from me.“Let’s check the store first.But seriously, who the hell knows where that man put the coins.He could have buried them in the garden, swallowed them himself, or had a can with a hidden compartment and then someone threw it away.”

“The someone being you?Since you bought all of the inventory,” Tybal wonders out loud.

I turn to face him and say, “I buy inventory.Throwing out the trash and cleaning isn’t one of my services.I did box up all the man’s belongings, but going through the refrigerator and such is out of the question.I mean, normally I buy stuff that’s already in boxes or I come out to inspect some stuff.”

Tybal nods.“Like buying a storage unit unseen, those types of auctions.”

I wince.“Yeah, but getting lucky with such things is rare.If you do buy one, you’re also responsible for the trash.”

“So, youdotake out the trash,” Tybal states and I flip him off.

Heart snorts and slides his arm around my waist to pull me close.“Enough fucking around.Let’s head to my old lady’s shop to search there.Time is ticking away here and we have enough stuff to go through.”

He guides me toward the door and the rest of the men slip out before us.I hand Heart the keys and he locks up while I put on my helmet.Riding on the back of Heart’s bike is an amazing experience.It feels like putting a pin in everything and simply enjoying the world flashing by.There’s nothing I need to do except hold onto Heart and enjoy the ride.

During my life I’ve only been able to count on myself.Karev might have offered to be there in case I need him, but growing up I learned not to depend on anyone.Failure and betrayal make you count less on others, and only on yourself.

Karev was there when I needed him...well, he sent Heart to help because he was closer to where I was.Without Karev I would never have met the man, so I am thankful he’s the one who put Heart in my life.Which is also why I need to find those coins for him.It would be horrible to know something I was wrapped up in exploded and ruined his life.

“Hey now,” Heart rumbles and pinches my chin with his thumb and finger to let my gaze collide with his.“Everything will be fine.Whether we find those damn coins or not, Karev can handle himself, you hear?He’s the vice president of a Kings of Anarchy chapter, Lina.No one fucks with the Kings.Even the fucker who rules the underworld knows it.”

I stare into his dark eyes, giving me the strength and comfort to express my worries.“Indirectly it’s still my fault.If we can’t find those coins, he’ll have to marry someone he doesn’t even know or...don’t give me that look.You met me before you claimed me, that’s different.”

“There’s nothing you can do.Besides, it’s club business, darlin’.Leave it be.Leave him be, yeah?”he rumbles.

Inhaling deep to fill my lungs, I slowly release my breath.“Fine, but I still don’t like it.”

The corner of his mouth twitches when he leans in and murmurs against my lips, “That’s okay, babe.”

We get on the bike and ride with all the others to my shop.We go through everything again, and by the end of the night we have no other option but to return to the clubhouse.I make a quick run upstairs to my small apartment above the shop to pack a bag with some more clothes.

When I come back down, I see Karev and Heart leaning in close while they’re talking.They break apart as soon as I get closer.

“Gotta go, Lina.Call me if this fucker treats you badly,” Karev tells me and leans in to place a kiss against my forehead.

A lump of emotion clogs my throat and Karev spins around to stalk off before I can say something.

“It’ll work out, don’t worry,” Heart murmurs as he guides me to the door.

Mindlessly, I bob my head and lock up the store.The ride back to the clubhouse is uneventful and I can’t enjoy it with all the thoughts running through my head.All too soon Heart parks the bike in front of the clubhouse and we all get inside.

“Maybe we should go through the whole warehouse, just to be sure,” I sigh when Heart hands me a bottle of water.

Norie steps closer and we both take a seat on the couch.“You guys searched all the items from the right date this time, and the store.Those coins should have been found already.”