Page 31 of Torrent’s Treasure

“What shop?” she asked. She was getting better about deciphering what he was saying, but this one had her stumped.

“Club’s,” he clarified.

“Okay,” she agreed, not really sure what shop he was referring to. The wood one where they built the coffins, or was there a garage the club had?

She didn’t really care. She could trust him not to do anything to put her in danger.

“I’m really sleepy. Can I kiss you goodnight, and I’ll go to sleep? You can read longer if you’d like,” she said.

His mouth quirked. He turned toward her, keeping his hands on the cover. This was the first time he hadn’t lain flat on his back.

She leaned closer, staring at his straight nose, full lips, and close-trimmed beard. His scent wrapped around her. It wasn’t strong. It was the scent of man, with a hint of the outdoors.

She touched her lips to his, pausing to see if anything scared her. When she was okay, she nibbled along his mouth, tasting each inch before tentatively licking his lips until he opened. Her tongue tangled with his, and she let herself feel the heat running through her body. All they were doing was kissing, but her breasts tightened, her nipples beading.

She wanted to see what would happen if she pressed her chest against his but was worried he’d think she was ready for more or that she might freak out because of flashing back.

Tonight, she enjoyed the feelings the kiss evoked until she knew if she continued, she might force herself too far. She pulled back from Torrent’s mouth. His eyes opened. The side of his mouth quirked up. She guessed he was pleased that she hadn’t freaked out.

“Goodnight, Torrent,” she breathed, settling down on her pillow and pulling the comforter up. Monster stood up, turned around and lay with his head on her leg.

“Night, Cecilia,” Torrent echoed softly, taking off his glasses and lying down. The light went off, and Cecilia closed her eyes. She was safe beside Torrent, and if anyone who meant them harm came through that door, she was positive Monster would stop them.

Chapter Fifteen

The shop was on the clubhouse compound, so Torrent had told her they’d walk. Chey had offered to stay with Calliope in their room; she didn’t have anything to do at the mortuary and had planned on hanging around the clubhouse anyway. She’d been so sweet with Calliope at their reception that Cecilia had no qualms about leaving them together. Harley had come by and said he’d keep watch. For some reason, he seemed to be taking a protective stance with her, and Cecilia wasn’t opposed to it at all.

Last night, she’d awoken to a wet dog tongue licking her face and Torrent’s voice saying she was safe. Instead of waking up screaming, she’d giggled at how close Monster’s face was to hers.

This morning, she felt refreshed and ready to check out the shop. She’d dressed in jeans, tennis shoes, and a short-sleeve top. Torrent had said that unless she wanted to cover the bruises, she didn’t need to because club members were the only ones allowed in the shop.

She wasn’t sure what she’d expected but the building in front of her wasn’t it. It was a large Morton building in a dark gray. If she didn’t know it was a shop, she’d assume it was someone’s home because it looked like those barndominiums she’d seen on design shows. The front had large sliding doors that were currently open. A large, covered area was to the left of the sliding doors with a table, chairs, and a grill. Monster kept step right beside her. She hadn’t even needed to tell him they were leaving; he’d simply followed her wherever she went. He gave her a sense of safety in addition to Torrent.

Torrent led her into the main entrance, and she paused. The floors were sealed concrete. She’d wondered what the shop would smell like. The overwhelming smell was of fresh-cut wood. She’d wondered if the strong smells of stain or varnish would be overwhelming in the area, but she was pleasantly surprised.

Torrent led her through the building, pointing out the restrooms, a small kitchen with drinks, and his office. He paused when they were at the back corner of the shop. Workbenches lined the walls except for a door that he opened and led her through. A ten-by-twenty cement patio was decorated with so many wood birdhouses and mini picnic tables that she didn’t even bother counting.

He seemed to be waiting for a response.

“These are gorgeous. Did you make all these?” she marveled, her eyes wide with wonder.

He nodded, pointing at the items. “For the birds. For squirrels.”

She picked up one of the mini picnic tables, noticing it had a place for the food and a wire with a hook to suspend it from a tree. She picked up one of the birdhouses, but it didn’t have a place for the bird to go inside. The opening was a painted circle.

“What about this one?” she admired, tracing the painted details.

“Sally wanted decorative,” he said.

She laid the green one down she’d had and walked over to a beautiful yellow one with a dark roof. There were butterflies and ladybugs painted on the side.

“Do you do all the painting?” she asked.

“Cauldron, Mav, Me,” he replied.

“Could I have this one for our suite? It would look very pretty on the side table by the couch,” she ventured quietly.

He nodded, motioning to the patio. “As many as you want,” he offered.