Page 51 of After the Burn

Classy.

A brunette sitting near the front windows stared at me with hostility before her attention shifted to the street outside.

Following her gaze, I was surprised to see Beck.

He stood across the road beside Adrian, near the boarding house, watching the motel without trying to hide his interest.

“I think they’re here for me,” the woman tittered. “Both of those fine-ass men have walked by several times since this morning.”

The blonde sitting beside her narrowed her eyes as she looked Beck up and down. “They’re enhanced. If they’re forming a family group, they’ll have their pick of women.” She pulled her shirt lower. “I noticed the one with the glasses and the ‘I’ll-spank-you-before-fucking-your-brains-out’ good looks checking me out.” Big-boobed bitch sneered in our direction. “They won’t be competition.”

“More importantly, both of them look they could take on a horde and live through it.” The brunette stared at them in longing.

I filed both women away immediately. I had absolutely no problems cutting a bitch or two if needed.

I hadn’t forgiven Adrian, but no one else could have him. It made no sense, even to me, but I really didn’t give a shit.

At least things were starting to feel familiar again. Catty women, I could deal with.

Harper rolled her eyes. “Come on. They’ll know soon enough just how wrong they are.”

I narrowed my eyes at her, but stayed silent. If Adrian and Beck had confided in her, she must be trustworthy. Still, I’d make my own judgments.

Lila stayed close beside me as we followed her down the hallway.

Women looked out from cracked doorways as we passed. Most of them seemed curious, but none seemed as hostile as the two in the lobby.

An older woman holding a toddler gave us an almost sympathetic look before quietly disappearing back into her room.

I wondered how that worked. Did she get to keep her child with her after she was claimed?

Harper stopped outside room twelve and unlocked the door. “This one’s yours.”

The room was small but clean. There were two full beds, a dresser, and a small kitchenette.

Lila walked toward the door next to the kitchenette. “Nice.”

The bathroom was modest, with a tiny shower, a sink, and a toilet.

“Hot water is limited. Gideon likes the generators turned off around 10 pm to save fuel.” She grimaced. “Try to get showers before then.” She laid the key on the dresser.

I moved toward the curtains immediately and peeked outside. Beck and Adrian were across the street, seeming deep in conversation.

Harper leaned against the doorframe while Rory stood quietly, holding her hand. “You’ll both be expected to work even after you’re claimed.”

“What kind of work?” Lila asked.

“It depends on where Gideon assigns you," she said, shrugging. “There are several options: medical, administrative, assisting with the school, food preparation, or gardening.”

“I like keeping busy." I pulled my long hair up into a high ponytail with the band on my wrist.

Harper laughed. “I don’t think that’s going to be a problem.”

“Will we get our weapons back?” I felt naked without GG.

“I don’t know.” She hesitated. “I’ll try to make sure Adrian and Beck get the things you came with.”

I gave her a cautious look. “Why would you do that?”