He grunts and the back of my neck prickles. I'm not sure if he's pleased or upset, so I wriggle around to face him. His eyes are bright and he moves his lower half against me. His hardness brushes against my stomach. He's not mad. Just frustrated. Well, it's his own fault.
"I can serve you," I say. "As much as you like." I'm not bold enough to take hold of his erection, but I lean into him.
"Got lots to do this morning," he says.
"So you said."
"Don't have time to take you back into the bedroom and deal with you."
"It doesn't have to take a lot of time," I offer.
"I think it does. I'd need at least a day. Maybe two."
I smile at him and he steps away, adjusting his jeans.
"Stop being cute," he orders with a grin. I duck my face.
His hand drops to my hip, caressing me through the thin floral fabric. "This the dress I picked out?"
"Yep. You like?" I ask, suddenly bold. I twirl. The skirt swirls out. Oops, too far. He definitely got a glimpse underneath. At least I'm wearing panties.
His eyes are bright. "Careful. Don't do that around anyone but me."
I nod.
"Go on, set the table," he orders gently, patting my hip.
I obey, biting back my smile.
After breakfast, he listens to all the messages again, and deletes them. His face is serious, all business.
"Ready to roll out?"
I nod and hold up a plastic bag. "I packed water bottles. There are no snacks left-I think the Stooges ate them."
"Stooges?" Grizz raises an eyebrow.
"The three shifters…" I drop my eyes. I've insulted his friends.
"Actually, that's a good name for them," Grizz grunts. "Shifter Stooges. There's three of them."
"I won't call them that to their face," I say anxiously.
"I will. They'll probably think it's funny." Grizz grabs the motorcycle helmet and motions to me. "Grab your coloring stuff. I've got errands to run, and you might get bored."
I want to protest that I won't get bored with him, but grab my stuff instead.
As the bike zooms down the mountain, I lean with Grizz into each turn. Three days since he stole me from Augustine, and it feels so natural to be with him. The time with my master seems further and further away. But Grizz hasn't told me what he plans to do with me. I can't get too comfortable with him.
Sure enough, we're sitting at a light when Grizz turns to me.
"Where's that secret club?"
I lick my lips, glancing at the light. It's still red, but could change at any second.
"Tell me quick, Kit," he orders.
I blurt the street name. "I'm not sure of the exact address, but there was a restaurant nearby with a blue sign." I describe the area.
He grunts and faces forward just before the light turns again.
I let out a sigh and hug his back as the motorcycle rolls through the intersection. Grizz is my master's enemy. I can't forget that. Even if he makes me feel good.
We pull into the parking lot of the burger place we hit up yesterday afternoon. The white Camaro is waiting.
I hop off the bike, pushing down my dress as Grizz dismounts and pulls my things out of the saddlebag.
"Wait here," Grizz says, handing me the coloring book and pencils. I hug them to my chest as he advances on the three Stooges. One of them is wearing an old fashioned pageboy hat, the type men wear in the old black and white movies I used to watch during the day, when Augustine let me. The three shifters all lean out of the car, eager to tell Grizz something.
I fidget with my skirt and rock from foot to foot until Grizz turns and waves me over.
He meets me halfway, just as the breeze catches the hem of my dress and flips it up around my thighs. I smooth it down and make a note to wear bike shorts underneath it next time. Although the look on Grizz's face as his eyes roam over me makes my almost-Marilyn Monroe moment worth it.
I halt in front of him. He puts a hand on my back, inching me closer and bending so his face arrives at my level.
"You look good in your dress, Kit." His eyes are bright.
"Thanks," I whisper. My nipples bead against the floral fabric; I'm not wearing a bra so it should be obvious his effect on me. A slow smile stretches his scarred lips. I wait for him to do more but he steps away.
"I'm going to leave you with these guys for the afternoon. Don't worry, they're nuts but you'll be safe."
"I want to come with you."
"No can do, Kit. It might be dangerous."
I start to protest and he places a finger on my lips, silencing me. "Tell you what. I'll pick you up before dark, and we'll have dinner in."
"All right. I'll cook for you," I offer softly.
"I'd like that."
He drops a kiss on my forehead, pats my ass, and after growling out orders to the three shifter Stooges to "watch and protect her with your life," he gets on his bike and roars away.
I swallow hard and hug my coloring book to my chest as the silly shifter trio turn curious eyes to me.
Grizz
MY BEAR SNARLS as I motor away. But it can't be helped. Sooner or later, Augustine's gonna realize Jordy's gone, if he hasn't yet. And when he does, he'll be pissed. Vampires don't like other people playing with their toys. Even if they mistreat their toys. It's a power thing.
And while part of me relishes the chance to take on Augustine and teach him a lesson, I'm stupid to get myself involved. As soon as this job is done, I'm back on the hunt for the vampire who killed my mother. I eat, sleep, dream revenge and that's no life for Jordy. She deserves more.