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Nicky moves to shake his hand, blushing as she has to switch arms.
Ripper winks. “Just a souvenir from my time in the Space Force. The globnark took my hand, but I’ve got its tentacle mounted over my bed. The buzzkill over there is Blade.”
Blade is standing too far away for a handshake, but he nods his head at her when she tells him hi.
I cut in before she gets completely fooled by their innocent smiles. “Seriously, I talked to Dad last night. I don’t care what’s in that box. Go home.”
Ripper leans in, capturing me with those brilliant green orbs of his. Pure steel hides behind the sparkle of humor he holds up as a distraction. “Sorry, sexy. We’re here until we know you’re safe.”
Nicky practically melts in her seat. “Is Faith really in danger?”
“Yeah, from them,” I grumble.
Alpha shakes his head. “I don’t blame you for not trusting us, but we aren’t the bad guys here.” He puts his elbows on the table and leans forwards, putting his burly shape way too close for comfort.
“Oh really? If you aren’t, then who is?”
“Do you really want to know?” Blade asks coolly. “Or will you be happier letting us get our hands dirty while you pretend to not be a part of it?”
“Look, here’s the fucking deal,” says Alpha. “I bet it seems unfair, but you’re neck deep in a shitty situation right now and we’re here to make sure you don’t drown in it. Giving us the tape isn’t enough. We’re not going any-fucking-where, whether you like it or not, so get used to us.”
I wait for Ripper to crack a joke, but he’s nodding along. As much as I want to hate him for it, I know Dad wouldn’t suddenly send a trio of bodyguards if something hadn’t changed. Something to do with the patch on that jacket that dragged my nightmares straight back to when I was an innocent kid—or as innocent as a ten-year-old growing up in club culture could be—and my whole life changed.
“Let’s go. We have to open the shop.” I stand up and head for the door. Nicky falls into step next to me, glancing back over her shoulder at the men.
The guys follow us out of the cafe. Outside are parked three massive motorcycles. No doubt who those belong to. I pointedly look away and start marching towards the bookstore. Nicky has to do a little skipping jog every few steps to keep up. I’m not very tall, but I’m determined.
Engines fire up behind us, three deep rumbles that bring back a whole slew of memories I could do without. Both good and bad. For a block and a half they follow us, the growl of their engines constantly just a few feet behind.
Seriously?
Unable to take it anymore, I stop and face the guys. They stop too, putting their feet down to balance the bikes. “Stop following me!”
“Hop on, we can get you back faster,” suggests Alpha. “We’ve got room.”
“I’ve never been on a motorcycle,” Nicky whispers, eyes pleading. And here I thought she was my friend.
I point an accusing finger at Alpha. “No. If you’ve got an old lady I don’t want to put a target on my back, and if you don’t, I don’t want to give anyone any ideas.”
“Old lady?” Nicky frowns at me.
“She wants to know if I’ve got a woman back home. The answer’s no, honey.”
“I wasn’t asking! Old ladies are the only ones who get to ride on the back. Think wives, but it’s not as romantic as it sounds. They’re more like possessions.”
“Shit, girl. Who hurt you?” Ripper asks with a chuckle.
Alpha shakes his head. “Just a ride, I swear. You’re Prez’s daughter. It won’t mean shit.”
Nicky looks at me like I’ll be the worst friend who ever friended in the history of friends if I don’t agree. And wearelate. I let out a brief sigh, sure that I’m making a mistake. “Fine.”
“Yes!” Nicky pumps a fist.
Blade helps her onto the back of his bike, and with a lot of objections and a tiny bit of anticipation, I hop on behind Alpha. A few moments later, we’re racing down the street towards Books & Crannies. I put my hands around Alpha’s broad chest and close my eyes, letting myself think back to the pink helmet Dad bought for me when I was a kid and the smell of summer, sea and asphalt as we drove up the coast, just the two of us.
Not all my memories are bad, and sometimes that makes it even harder.
5
