12. Kinsley

12

KINSLEY

I slept like a baby in Tiberius’s arms. He jumped from the bed within seconds of me sleepily rubbing my bottom against his hard, rigid cock bursting from his crotch. He’s huge. I know it’s only a matter of time before he puts it to use.

That was a few hours ago, and now I’m bored to death. After yesterday’s near miss, I was terrified. It knocked my confidence down a great deal. Today, however, I feel back to normal and grateful to be alive.

Tiberius told me the shooter is dead. I got the impression he was pissed about that because he didn’t get to be the one to kill the bastard.

Now, though, I want to do something pleasant, like feed the ducks in the town pond. It’s somewhere pretty to go and, hopefully, safe.

I pause as a thought occurs to me. Someone had to know I would be seated in that particular spot. Tiberius hasn’t ruled Rogers out, but he thinks a man named Edge is behind the shooting.

I realize now that when my parents were alive, I lived in a bubble, and now that bubble has burst.

With a hefty sigh, I pull open my bedroom door and find Jock sitting outside my room, reading Jane Eyre.

I grin. “That’s a good choice.”

“It’s different from my usual tastes.” He blushes. “My sister tells me I need to broaden my literature.”

“I think I’d like your sister.”

“She’d like you too. So, what’s on the agenda for today?” He falls into step beside me as we move downstairs.

“First, I want to talk to Tiberius. If he agrees, then we’ll be going out to eat.”

Jock frowns and places a hand on my arm. “Kinsley, I’ve been friends with Beckett for a long time, but I need you to know that if he, um, well, tries something you don’t?—”

“Stop there,” I interrupt him. “I love how you want to protect me. I really do. But I’m drawn to him, Jock. It isn’t one-sided, okay? And last night he held me while I slept. Nothing more.” I grin. “My virtue is safe, for now at least.”

The big man clears his throat. “Good to know.”

I lift to my toes and press a kiss to his heated cheek. “Thank you.”

I turn and knock on the office door.

“Go away,” Tiberius grumbles.

“Did you get up on”—the door flies open—“the wrong side of the bed?” I grin.

“I’m busy.”

I step into the room and glance at the desk, which is covered in papers. “So I see.” I sigh. “I guess going out to lunch is out of the question, then?”

“You want to go out to eat with me in public? After yesterday?”

“The shooter is dead, and this is not a planned meeting. Only me, you, and Jock would know about it. Salem too.” I grin and flutter my lashes.

His eyes narrow as his gaze stays on me.

I raise a brow when he takes too long to respond. “Well?”

He scowls. “It’s not safe to be in public, Kinsley.”

“Then we can have a picnic.”

“A what?”

Jock laughs under his breath.

Tiberius gives him the finger and slams the door in Jock’s face. Jock’s loud laughter echoes through the thick wood.

“A picnic is where you take food to a nice, quiet place and eat.”

“I know what one is.”

“So, a picnic, then?”

He glances at his desk and then to the hopeful expression on my face.

“Fuck it!” He snatches my hand and pulls me out of the office with him.

Jock stands in front of the door and grins when he sees us emerge.

“We’re going to be at my house. Keep that information to yourself. Tell Salem to follow us.”

Jock’s brows shoot up to his hairline. “You never?—”

“We’ll be back in a couple of hours.”

When we reach Tiberius’s SUV, I say. “We need food.”

“There’s a deli not far from my house. We’ll stop there and pick up whatever you want.” He gives me a small smile as we climb inside his very posh ride.

“I don’t know what the fuck I’m doing, Kinsley, where you are concerned.” He fires up the vehicle and gets us turned around. He glances in the rearview mirror, and I twist to look out the back window to see what’s caught his attention.

A sleek black sports car pulls in behind us.

“Salem,” Tiberius says. “He’ll follow us.” When I glance at him, he adds, “I’m not taking any chances with you.” He pauses before sharing, “Two of my tires were shot the other night, and after yesterday, I’m worried.” He quickly catches my eye before concentrating on the snake-like road ahead.

My heart thuds in my chest at his offhand comment, as though having his tires shot out is an everyday occurrence. I wince. Maybe it is to him.

Instead of focusing on that, I enjoy the view. I love traveling along this section of road because of the kissing trees that create a tunnel for us to travel through. They’re beautiful. I sigh with delight when Tiberius slows down.

“You like it here?”

“I do. Mom used to slow down here so I could enjoy them. Dad wouldn’t because he was always impatient to get from A to B. Me, though, I never get tired of the trees and the mountains. I can’t imagine living anywhere else.”

“What about the city?”

“I’ve visited the big cities of Boston and New York, and I didn’t care for them. I did like Newbury Street and Boston Harbor.” I frown. “You’re not in the city, are you?”

“I think it will surprise you as to where I’ve been living all these years.”

“I can’t wait to see your home, Tiberius.” No sooner do I speak than he’s pulling into Maureen’s Bakes she is family. My family. Watch your fucking mouth." He narrows his eyes on the woman. “Do I make myself clear?”

“Of course. No need to be so dramatic,” Veronica says.

I notice the dock down below, so I stand.

“Is it okay if Salem accompanies me to the water?”

Tiberius’s frown deepens, but he nods.