Page 43 of Calling a Cease-Fire

I was already on my feet and heading toward the door.

“Go get her,” one of the guys hollered.

I didn’t even look back to determine who said it, because I knew every one of them would be shooting me some very knowing looks. And I didn’t give two shits.

I took every turn a bit too fast, hoping I wasn’t too late. A relieved breath left my lips when I pulled up to Mia’s apartment as she exited the building, slinging a tote bag over her shoulder. I got out and met her on the sidewalk.

She slammed her hands on her hips and scowled at me. “Please tell me Lyla didn’t call you.”

I shook my head. “She did not.” It wasn’t a lie. Technically, she didn’t call me. She called Adam.

“Adam?”

I shrugged. “I just happened to be sitting next to him.”

“So, what? You thought you’d just show up and save the day?”

I stepped forward, crowding her space. “Don’t try the tough girl crap on me, Raven. It won’t change anything. I’m still coming with you.”

Her eyes widened. “Wait, you’re not trying to stop me?”

Now I was thoroughly confused. “It’s your mom. She needs help. Why would I try to stop you?”

All the tension seemed to leave her, and her shoulders relaxed. But when a quiet sob left her lips, I reached out and pulled her into me. Her arms wrapped around my back, and she melted into my hold. And damn did it feel good. So fucking good.

“Want to take the Jeep?” I asked.

She stepped back and craned her head back to look up at me. The smeared makeup under her eyes made my gut clench tight. I wanted to ask a million questions. But there would be time for that. Right now, I just needed her to know I was here for her. In any way she needed.

“You don’t have to come with me.”

“I know that. But I want to. I love road trips.”

“Of course you do.” She rolled her eyes with a chuckle. “Every energetic puppy loves a car ride.”

“Do I get a treat too?” I sent her a wink.

The sassy smirk I’d come to love appeared. “Maybe if you’re a good boy.”

Dammit, now I was at half-mast, my dick absolutely liking the sound of those words and the hint of promise in her voice. How fucking inappropriate could I be? But it was totally unavoidable. I needed to get my shit together, though. She was obviously in a tough spot with her mother, and she was determined to get to her.

There was no way I was letting her go alone if I could help it. And I could still see the uncertainty in her eyes. She was so used to going it alone. Handling everything on her own. It was obvious she wasn’t used to needing and accepting help.

“Besides, you don’t know what you’re walking into.” I finally voiced the elephant in the room. Even if she took what her mom had told her at face value, and I still wasn’t sure of the whole situation, there was no telling what could be waiting for us.

Her eyes narrowed and she opened her mouth to respond.

“I know you can handle it,” I added quickly. “But having backup wouldn’t be the worst idea. I can definitely bite someone’s ankles or gnaw on their wrist.”

Her brows pulled together for a moment before she shook her head and laughed. “Fine.”

She walked around to the passenger side and froze, eyeing the Jeep. “Why do you have the top and the doors off? It’s barely March.”

I shrugged. “It’s been beautiful the last two days. Going to be in the seventies again tomorrow.”

She hesitated, her forehead creasing. “What if it rains?”

“I guess we’re getting wet.”