AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Fighting unexpected emotions, I gave Elle my full attention and softly told her, “That is a question you never need to ask. Just take hold of my hand when you want it.”
Watching my reaction, her lips and eyebrows moved as if she was trying not to cry as her hand blindly found mine. Linking her fingers with mine, I could feel a tremble in her I hadn’t been able to see.
Dagger and Pops weren’t on painkillers and hadn’t recently gone under the knife. They were seeing things I wasn’t able, until now.
I squeezed her hand. “I can’t even imagine what you are going through, but,” I swallowed a deep sentiment that was growing for her, hourly, “I’m so proud of how hard you’re trying to get through this.”
The other men in the truck started nodding. I think they were pleased my eyes were opening, and that Elle was a hell of a fighter.
A tender peck touched my lips, then my woman whispered words I will never forget. “I need you, too.”
Spiritual moments are profound and life-changing, but it was Elle’s little tender moments that calmed my rebellious spirit with only a whisper.
More confident now, she faced forward. My hand in her lap, she said, “I would like to ask a question.”
Pops, still reading his map, approved. “Ask away.”
“Why are you using that for directions when you could use your phone?”
He chuckled, “Concerned about my smarts?”
She didn’t seem to dare to confirm his assumption. She didn’t say anything.
Is she scared of repercussions?
Dagger leaned forward toward her and reminded, “Different light.”
Staring at Pops, her tongue pushed against her inner cheek before she finally said, “I apologize for judging, but… it is such an old technique.”
Pops winked. “Something wrong with being old?”
Lacking the strength to handle his joke, she whispered, “I’m scared.”
My chest seized. My heart almost stopped beating! I’m failing her—
Behind Elle, on the back of the seat, Dagger’s finger lifted, begging me not to lose my shit.
Practically trembling with male ego that wanted to constantly rescue, I restrained myself to only lift her hand and kiss the top of it.
From over his shoulder, Pops exhaled, his expression very sincere. “Me too, Precious. That’s why I’m working very hard at thinking outside the box. Hence, my cell now being a pile of ashes.”
Her head jerked back. “What happened?”
As Vice brought the heavy truck to a stop at a red light, Pops answered, “Got an odd call. A number I didn’t know. So, I burnt it.”
Dagger and Vice both lifted their hands.
Pops chuckled, facing forward again. “Yep, and theirs.”
I’d already been told, and my cell was burnt as well.
Back to his map, Pops said, “Cartel probably went through Pup’s cell, or… Either way, no one can trace a paper map.”
That seemed to please Elle. “Oh.” She sighed. “So, you’re being very careful.”
He grinned at her. “I got precious treasure, don’t I?”
“Treasure.” She peered out the window, but not out of nervousness this time. She appeared… moved. “That is what Mammy called me.”
