Tamar

Feeling damn content and happy with myself, I stay snuggled against Kage’s side while we continue driving, loving the solid feel of his muscular body, especially when he’s got his arm around me, holding me protectively. I may give him a hard time about this thing we may or may not have going, but it’s only because I already like him too damn much, and I really don’t feel like getting my heart broken.

Not that he would.

I may not have known Kage long, but from what I’ve seen, he’s damn loyal, and I don’t think he’d hurt me on purpose. Either that or I’m being a naïve idiot who’s gotten swindled into some love-at-first-sight romance, just because I’m tired of being so damn lonely.

Yeah… I have Dessa, and I even have Virgil. But this thing with Kage is fulfilling a need that doesn’t ever get filled otherwise. And I don’t want to let him go if I don’t have to.

We drive until nearly dark, finally pulling off the main road, and down several back roads before settling down in an abandoned home and barn that are tucked away and partially hidden from the road by trees and shrubbery. We do a quick search, but it’s empty, just like so many of the homes we come across. I don’t know if people simply died, or have moved to warmer climates where it’s easier to grow things year-round, and the winters aren’t as harsh.

Everyone’s tired and grumbling, and by some small miracle, no one’s murdered Benji, though the night’s still young. I head to the kitchen to see if there’s anything to scavenge for a meal before we dip into our supplies. Of course, most of the food is old, but we usually make do, supplementing with anything we’ve hunted, along with what fruit or vegetables we’ve found growing wild.

It makes me think of the solar home Huntington has put out for the bounty. My gaze drifts to Cashwell, who’s sitting in an armchair in the corner, looking exhausted and like he’s been through the wars. But if he’s got a way to bring the grid back, then this isn’t just about our group. Not if we can help right this world for everyone.

“Shit. The stove’s electric, not gas.” Which means we’ll be eating jerky, fruit, and anything in a can that won’t be disgusting if eaten cold. We dig through our supplies and sit down to eat, some of us at the dining room table while I head for the sofa, happy when Kage sits down next to me, the two of us munching away on dinner.

“There’s a tub. A big one.” He keeps his voice low, and though I’m grateful, I don’t think we’re fooling anyone. Certainly not Benji, who’s watching us like a hawk.

“We need to talk about this bounty.” Benji sits forward, looking tense and ready for a fight. “I didn’t sign up for saving the world. I just want my cut after we turn this guy in.”

I shake my head no. “That’s not fucking happening. This isn’t just about us, Benji. The last thing Huntington needs is to be in control of all the power. And if we can get the grid back up and running, we might finally be able to get our lives back.”

“I’m not chasing some pipedream when there’s a payday ahead of me.” Benji sits back in his seat, his gaze taking everyone in. “If you want to try and save the world, do it on your own fucking dime. Not mine.”

Dessa kicks Benji’s chair. “Why do you always have to be an asshole?”

“Suck my cock, Des.” Benji doesn’t flinch when Lars curses and pulls out a gun to defend Dessa’s honor. Everyone gets to their feet, though it’s doubtful anyone will bother to take Benji’s side.

I growl, my patience with him already nonexistent. “Fuck off, Benji. Let me remind you that the only reason we’ve let you tag along is that you worked for my father. No other reason, asshole. So, if you don’t like it, there’s the fucking door.”

Benji finally stands, clearly pissed off. “I’ll go—but I’m taking the bounty with me. I have just as much right to him.”

I’m going to fucking murder him with my bare hands. “Like hell you do.”

More guns are drawn, and this time it’s Kage who’s pressing a gun to Benji’s temple. “Wasting this bullet on you would be worth it, just to not have to deal with you again. Get the fuck out of here before I drop you.”

“Kage…” Fuck. I hate that this has gotten out of control.

“I know you’re loyal, Tamar, but this no longer affects just you. He’s not worth the trouble and doesn’t deserve your loyalty.” Kage shoves Benji toward the door and they disappear into the night followed by Lars and Ramon. I’m torn, though I stay planted on the spot, doing nothing to stop what’s happening.

Virgil steps to my side and puts a comforting hand on my shoulder. “Let him go, girl. He’s been nothing but trouble, and even your father would have cut him loose by now. You don’t owe the guy anything. Your debt’s been paid many times over.”

I know he’s right, but I still don’t like the way it’s all gone down. “It shouldn’t have been this difficult.”

“No. It shouldn’t have. But that’s on him, not you. Now let those brothers handle Benji. You know your dad used to be friends with an MC. Shit, we all know how they handle their own business. Let’s leave it to them.” Virgil sits back down to his meal when the brothers walk back in a little while later.

Kage’s eyes are dark and his body is tense as he crosses to my side, even though he’s addressing everyone. “Benji’s gone and won’t be coming back. We gave him one of the vehicles and some of our supplies. He’s not happy, but frankly, I don’t give a shit. It was either he left or I put a bullet in that thick skull of his.”

“Do we all agree to help Cashwell bring the grid back online? Or is there anyone else who has a problem with it?” I wait for someone to protest, but by the looks of it, everyone’s on board. “Good. Finish eating, two on guard, and everyone else get some sleep. It’s been a long fucking day.”

“Dessa and I will keep watch.” Lars bumps her shoulder since he doesn’t tend to wander too far from her side.

“Good.” I head to Cashwell and undo his bindings. “Don’t make me regret this. Am I making myself clear? Because if I’m forced to hunt you down, I won’t be happy. And if I’m not happy, then not only will I hand you to Huntington, I’ll give you over to him in pieces.”

“I swear, I’m not going anywhere.” Cashwell looked ready to shit himself, and I was pretty sure he’d rather take his chances with us.

“Good. Now go get yourself something to eat.” When Kage joins me, I let him pull me into his arms, not caring who notices.

“I’m taking you to bed.” His words are a murmur in my ear, making my pussy clench in response since I damn well know he has little intention of letting me sleep. At least not until he’s done a thorough job of fucking me.

“Are you now?” Not that I’m putting up any sort of fight when he takes my hand and leads the way up the stairs, even as I feel everyone’s eyes turn in our direction. Though I’d rather have a bit more privacy, there’s nothing to be done for it, especially since I need Kage to fuck me. It’s been over a decade since I was last with a man, and after that blow job in the car, I’m so fucking horny, I can’t take it.

I’m not at all surprised when we end up in the master bedroom. “I’m going to draw you a bath, and you’re going to relax.”

The more I get to know Kage, the more I realize he’s got a sweet side to him under that muscular, kick-ass exterior. It’s clear he’d like to do right by me, even if the circumstances make it difficult. “I have no clue how you’re going to make that happen, but if you think I’ll say no to a bath you’re crazy. But you’re joining me.”

The tub is certainly big enough for two.

“Twist my arm, kitten.”