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"We’re not together.”
Because we weren’t. Technically. I might be having fantasies about him but that was it. Nothing more.
Tank gave a non-committal hum. “If you say so.”
I turned and headed back to my motel room, pulling out my phone from my pocket as I went. Once I was safely behind my locked door, I thumbed at Brewer's number. He'd given it to me right before we parted ways after the bar. Brewer picked up on the first ring.
"What's wrong?" he said, a stiff edge to his voice.
"I met Tank today.”
Brewer was silent for several long seconds.
"Don't be pissed, Alexandra," he said, his tone careful and measured. He knew he was treading in sensitive territory after I'd explicitly stated I didn't want anyone else involved in this. But it was too late for that.
I sighed, tilting my head back.
"I'm not pissed. I'm annoyed. I don't appreciate being watched." I paused. "But I get it."
"I'm glad you do," Brewer replied quietly.
I rubbed at my forehead and sank onto the foot of my bed.
"How many of your MC brothers have you assigned to guard duty?" I asked.
"At the moment, just Tank. Haven't heard any word of Stephen stirring up trouble so we're keeping it low key for now. When Tank needs a break, I'll relieve him."
A shiver rippled across my skin at the thought of Brewer keeping an eye on me. Watching me from the shadows. It was yet another sign that I should have been wary of him, but I only felt safer, knowing he had my back.
"Well," I said. "When you boys do the changing of the guard, at least stop by and say hello. I'll keep the coffee warm."
Chapter Six
I swapped shifts with Tank around two o'clock in the morning. After Alexandra's offer, I was tempted to drop everything and visit her then and there. But I was busy checking with my network in the community for news of Stephen's next move. I knew it was only a matter of time before the bastard popped up again like a damn cockroach.
All was quiet at the motel when I shut off my motorcycle's engine and headlight, coasting into the parking lot. The scrawny motel clerk was on a smoke break outside the lobby, cigarette tip gleaming cherry red in the dark. He flicked two fingers in my direction by way of acknowledgement when I climbed off my bike, pocketing the key.
Thin yellow light emanated from the blinds in Alexandra's motel room – the only room with the lights still on. I had a feeling she wasn't getting much sleep these days, now that Stephen had popped back into her life.
I considered knocking, but at this time of night, that would probably scare the shit out of her. So I sent a quick text instead.
Any coffee left?
A moment later, the door opened and Alexandra appeared. She tucked her body behind the door, which I was grateful to see. It meant she was shielded, and she could easily keep a weapon concealed from view. Judging from the flickering light of the television screen and the myriad of junk food wrappers on a nearby table, she hadn't even tried to go to bed yet.
"You're not sleeping, are you?" I asked, stepping into her room.
As Alexandra closed the door behind me, I noticed the small pistol in her hand. She set it on the end table by the door.
"I do when I'm tired," she countered.
One look at her face – the dark circles under her eyes, the worry clouding her gaze, the tension around her mouth – told me she was exhausted. But she would only sleep when she couldn't keep her eyes open. Even then, it certainly wouldn't be restful.
I reached out, running my palms down Alexandra's arms until I took her hands in mine. She closed her eyes at my touch, releasing a long, low breath of relief.
"Lay down," I said. "I'll keep watch."
Alexandra nodded, giving my hands a grateful squeeze. She practically dropped onto the mattress, not even bothering to pull up the sheets. Curling on her side, she tucked her hand behind her head.
