Peyton

“I spoke to Phoenix. He’s going to send someone over,” Dom said.

“What do you mean?” I replied.

“He’s sending a prospect to your place. To keep an eye on things. In fact, he might already be there.”

I hurried over to the window and looked out into the darkness. I didn’t see anyone. “That’s not necessary. I obviously overreacted.”

After the stranger had left, I’d continued driving, still shaken. Instead of heading toward the clubhouse, however, I’d driven to Taco Bell and had a late snack.

“You said the guy looked like me,” he replied, not sounding convinced. “So, I doubt you overreacted, considering what’s been happening.”

“Who knows… maybe I just thought he looked like you because you were on my mind?” I said, wishing now that I hadn’t made him worry. He had enough on his plate as it was. I knew Dom was the kind of guy who wanted to protect everyone around him, and now this was stressing him out.

“You’ve been on my mind, too,” he said, a smile in his voice.

“Oh yeah?” I replied, sitting down on my bed.

“Definitely. I even told Ruby about you.”

“Oh, yeah?”

“I wanted her to know that I had a woman in my life.”

“I just hope she likes me.”

“I know she’ll love you.”

I grinned. “Is that what your spidey-senses tell you?”

He chuckled. “Speaking of senses,” he said in a low voice. “I think she has the same gifts as I do.”

“Really?” I replied, intrigued.

He told me a little bit about what they’d talked about and how her world had been filled with too many coincidences.

“They say it runs in the family.”

“Yeah.” He yawned. “It does. Anyway, I suppose I should let you go. I’m sure you’re tired, too.”

“I’m getting there.” My mind suddenly returned to the prospect. I’d almost forgotten. “Dom, I really think it’s a waste of time to send someone over. Why don’t you call Phoenix back and tell him to forget about it?”

“Can’t do that.”

“Of course, you can,” I said, noting the stubborn edge to his voice. “Seriously, Dom, I don’t need a bodyguard.”

“Look, you won’t even know the prospect is around. Just forget about him and get some sleep.”

It was obvious I wasn’t going to change his mind. I kicked off my tennis shoes. “I’d hate to have someone outside, wasting their time when they could be home in bed, sleeping.”

“Don’t worry your pretty little head about the prospect. Part of his initiation into the club is helping out in situations like this.”

I sighed. I had to admit, I felt a little relieved by the fact that someone would be watching over me. “Okay. If you really think it’s necessary.”

“Since I’m not around, it’s definitely necessary.”

“Oh, by the way, I picked up a few things at the store for Ruby.”

“You did? Like what?”

I told him.

“Wow, thank you. You didn’t have to do that,” he replied.

I stood back up and walked over to my closet. “I know. I just wanted to help. I know you have your hands full with the move and everything,” I replied, grabbing a robe.

“That will definitely help. She doesn’t have much.”

“Yeah, that’s what you said earlier. Anyway, she has you now. I’d say that’s more than a lot.”

“Thank you,” he said. “I just hope she sees it that way, too, someday.”

“She will. You two just have to get to know each other.”

“That’s what I keep telling myself. Anyway, I’m sure the dog helped.” He chuckled. “I guess I’m not above bribery.”

I looked over at Lucifurr, who was in his usual spot at the foot of my bed. He was curled up and sleeping soundly. He might not have been the most affectionate animal in the world, but I didn’t know what I’d do without him. “Admit it—you wanted a pet, too,” I said, smiling.

“Chilly was definitely, hard to resist. They’re a lot of work, though. I’d forgotten how much.” He groaned. “In fact, it looks like I need to clean up another accident.”

I laughed. “Okay. Call me, tomorrow morning?”

“Definitely.”

After we hung up, I turned off my bedroom light and peeked outside again, checking for the prospect. Not seeing anyone, I went and took a shower.