21. Chapter Twenty

Chapter Twenty

Emm

I couldn't believe how stupid I was.

Of course, everything was too good to be true. Everything fell into place too perfectly.

I was having a great time. My body was being worked with magic fingers and a tongue. Hell, I came harder than I ever have on my own, and it was by the work of some guy.

Alright, not a guy, a man. A man who needed to have his ego knocked down a few notches, but I could do the honors of kicking him off his high horse. Especially, when that man was none other than Locke.

I tried not to show any look of surprise when he told me his name. I couldn't show him I was looking for him or had any recognition of his name, and I think I did a damn good job about it. I put on a facade like I always did, but instead of reaching in my bag and chloroforming the shit out of him, I had to walk away.

Why?

Well, I'm still asking myself that same question.

I stormed out of there. Not even the girls came up behind me. I saw them in my peripheral, they knew something was up but they knew not to approach. I don't think I can describe the feelings I had, right then. There are no words.

What was I going to do?

Take this guy in, get the money and free my family from one of the poorest and most crime-ridden countries of South America? Or let him go?

I didn't even know Locke, but he was part of the Fang. He was part of this club and everyone in it had checked out. None of them seemed devious or with ill intent, and this guy was part of it. Otherwise, he wouldn't have been in the club to begin with, and the girls wouldn't have let him lick me from head to toe. Literally.

When I arrived back at my campsite, Fenrir was nowhere to be found. I think that put me in more of a state of unease, because I jumped in my RV and threw all my belongings around. I had such rage, such fucking rage; because not only was I dealing with the inner turmoil to save my family, but now taking down someone who could be potentially innocent.

"We don't hurt the innocent, Emmie. " My sister's voice echoed in my head.

And what if the innocent ends up being my family? They have lived in that country for far too long. They were playing a waiting game living in that hellhole, and someone is bound to get hurt, or even die. The only reason they stayed was because the Mexican cartel didn't dare venture into that country or they didn't know my family fled there.

When I'd half decided I was going to get the hell out of here, I texted Hammer from the business card he gave me with his number. Of course, it would be three more days for me to sit here. I contemplated leaving the RV here, start over, just live out of hotels.

I burst out of the RV cursing at the stupid tires again, but then warmth, that same familiar warmth, fell over my body.

Fenrir was staring at me from the shadows, and I just knew things would be okay. How an animal companion could have such an effect on me, I wasn't sure, but damn it, I needed that big ball of scary fluff, now, more than ever.

I walked toward him slowly.

His fur was thick and his scent was even more calming, and it almost reminded me of—I blinked several times and let go of him, constantly rambling until I led him to the RV.

No, he couldn't smell like Locke. That was insane. But, the more I thought about it, the more he did smell like him.

It was a very distinct smell. Forest-like but manly. I don't know; I wasn't great with words.

As soon as we stepped inside the cozy RV, I stripped out of my clothes quickly into a large shirt. I couldn't resist flopping down on the soft bed. It felt like my big Fennie instinctively knew what I needed. He slid closer, his warm body enveloping me. In an instant, I leaned into him, finding instant comfort. The worries that had loomed large just minutes ago seemed to fade away, replaced by a sense of peace and security. The faint scent of the RV's familiar mustiness lingered, adding to the soothing atmosphere.

Now, my problems were distant, barely registering on the radar of what I needed to do next.

Maybe I wouldn't run just yet. I could gather myself, figure out if Locke really was an evil bastard, then take him out. But, what would the girls think? Would they thank me for finding out he was a jerk all along? But, what if he isn't and I waste my time, leaving my family waiting for longer?

I groaned, rubbing my face into the now thick fur of my companion.

I didn't want to leave Fenrir, either. This was his home. How terrible of a person would I be if I took him away from the wild where he grew up?

Not a very good one.

My eyes grew heavy the more I thought, so, instead I took in that deep scent of forest and masculinity. Thinking of that man between my thighs, the electricity that made my pussy pulse and those stupid green eyes that I just couldn't get out of my head.

That stupid cocky smile was the last thing I remembered before I fell asleep gripping the fur of Fenrir, purring contentedly.

The phone rang four more times until it went to voicemail for a second time. I pulled it away and hung up, staring at the blank screen. It wasn't like Elena not to answer. It wasn't like for someone not to answer. It was eleven their time and someone had to be up, especially Abuela. She could have been making lunch for my sister, or doing some of her magic potion, or doing some sort of drug she wasn't supposed to be doing.

After fretting last night about their safety, my anxiousness doubled. Fenrir stretched from his spot on the floor and trotted over to me, rubbing his head on my hip.

"They aren't answering," I muttered to him. "They always answer." I rubbed my neck and dialed again. They didn't answer for a third time, and I huffed in annoyance.

What the hell was going on?

I rubbed my hand down my face, and jumped when I heard my other phone ring. When I glanced and saw it was Delilah, I weighed my options about whether I should answer it. If I didn't, they may come over here, since Switch told them, they all knew where I was anyway.

I sighed and slipped my finger across the screen. "Hello?"

"Hey, there's the bar wetter, did I wake you?"

I groaned and leaned my head back on the seat. "Did that really happen?"

Of course it happened. It was one of the best orgasms you've ever had.

"Duh, we all saw it and boy, that was hot. I think all the paired couples went home and got off on it. Maybe even some singletons." Delilah snickered into the phone.

"Dios Mio." I rubbed my forehead.

"Yeah. Anyway, a lot of us are getting together at the gym to do some sparring. You said you liked kickboxing and I thought you might want to join."

I let out a deep sigh, feeling the weight of the world on my shoulders. With a gentle motion, I began to rub Fenrir's head, his soft fur gliding beneath my fingertips. As I did, I could hear his purrs resonating in the room, a soothing melody. His snout brushed against my thigh, leaving a warm sensation. The faint scent of his fur filled my lungs, comforting and familiar.

It crossed my mind again this morning; I could take my belongings and leave, but with Fenrir right here in my lap I don't think my heart could do it.

Maybe beating the shit out of someone would help me get rid of my frustration, instead of fucking it out of someone.

"Yeah, sure. Is it just guys or can the women join, too?"

Delilah's laugh echoed through the phone. "The women can join too, alright. They can even mix and match. Nadia's kicked some tail before."

I huffed out a laugh and bent down to kiss Fenrir on the snout. "Alright, count me in."

Delilah squealed on the other end and hung up promptly. My hand still clutched the burner phone with my family's number.

One more time.

It rang only two more times before it went to voicemail, and instead a text message came onto the screen.

Elena: "We're okay. Abuela and Luis have a cold and are sleeping. Try calling later."

I wrinkled my nose in distaste and sent a quick message back.

Emm: "I expect you to pick up next time. I need to know you are okay."

Instead of breaking the phone, I put it in my bag with me. I'd just make sure to keep the phone with me. Fenrir stood up with me as I changed my clothes, watching every move I made.

"I'm heading out. Do you need something to eat?"

Fenrir stood by the door, with his tail wagging. I shrugged my shoulders, and he stepped out of the RV with me and strode to my truck. He watched me with piercing eyes as I stepped up into Marlow and started the engine.

"Going to guard the fort?" I shouted at him as I rolled the window down.

He didn't reply, just stood there, watching.

As I tore my gaze away and began to drive, a heavy pressure gripped my heart, compressing it within my chest. Through the rearview mirror, I observed the campsite fading into the distance, my eyes fixated until a sharp turn beckoned me towards the rugged path I'd forged. When I stole another glance behind, Fenrir had vanished from the site, causing my shoulders to droop in disappointment. With a sigh, I navigated my way back to town, feeling a sense of deflation settle upon me.

Once I pulled up to the gym, I shut the door with a slam and was immediately greeted by Delilah with a mischievous giggle. "So, how did last night go? You left in such a rush, I didn't get to ask you."

I thought the look on my face was enough, but apparently, it wasn't.

"Not as well as I had hoped," I admitted.

Delilah frowned. "Did he not fulfill what you wanted? The chemistry was freaking—"

I cleared my throat, heat rushing to my cheeks. "Ah yes, he was great. Just maybe it was a bit much." An information overload. Was what I wanted to say, but I kept that to myself. What could I say?

While he's fucking hot as hell, knows all the right buttons to push, he's the guy I originally came to this town for, so I can free my family from poverty, get them citizenship in the US and live free from constantly looking over their backs?

"It's complicated . " I finally sighed, and pushed the door into the gym.

Delilah tutted, wrapping her arm around mine. "I don't see how it's complicated when he ate you out on the bar, just fine, and led you to his room. The guys here are great, Emmie. You need to give the guy a chance. He might be a little crazy around the edges, but the men around here take care of their own. Especially Locke."

A knot formed in my throat when she led me inside. "How do you know that? That all these guys are good? A background check can only go so far. I'm sure they have some pasts that aren't on record." I kept my voice calm and as I spoke, made sure it didn't waver. I didn't even look Delilah in the eye, to show my reluctance as I said it because part of me knew that wasn't the case.

Delilah sighed, understanding the weight of my words. "Emmie, you're right. But these guys are different. They fight to survive, not to hurt. We've all been through hell and back, and each of us has our own story. I can tell you that Locke is a good person. He's got the scars to prove it, but they're battle scars earned for the sake of our community. He's a fighter, just like you."

I tilted my lip into a smile.

Delilah squeezed my shoulder, her voice lowered. "Emmie, I know you're worried, but I've been around these guys long enough to trust them. They're good, I promise. Besides, Locke has been looking out for us since we got here. I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for him. He took me in and gave me a home when I had nowhere else to go. I trust him with my life." Delilah's eyes watered.

Damn it, I was fighting it. I was fighting it; hard.

But why wouldn't Locke tell me his name, last night? Was it really because he was trying to be mysterious? The entire night was a whirlwind full of booze, music and let's face it, me being horny.

Maybe I was being a little—rough?

But still, I had my family to think about, and if I did not pursue Locke I needed to find another job.

"You ready for this? Ready for some sparring?" Delilah waved me closer to the ring. Two men were already in position. Their knees were bent and their arms out in front of them, until one of them leaped and attacked the other.

It was brutal. Sweat was already covering their bodies, blood was coming out of one man's nose. Grunts, growls and even scratches marred one person's back.

This wasn't the typical sparring I usually saw in a gym.

"Damn," I muttered under my breath.

"Yeah, pretty cool, huh?" Delilah puffed out her chest. "I love seeing them rip each other apart. You should see my man. He really likes to make noises and dig into them." She rubbed her hands together.

Jesus.

"Hey! It's my favorite RV tires customer!" Hammer shouted from the other side of the gym. He waved and ran toward us.

I think I am his only RV tires customer.

"Damn, you really do look just like—" Delilah swatted him in the back of the head before he could finish saying anything, and I gaped at her violence. For a thin blonde girl she had quite an arm.

"Look like who?" I asked.

Delilah glared at him and Hammer stuttered, rubbing his head. "Ah, uh, well, you really look like Sofía Vergara, the actress, you know, when she was in her 30's."

I gaped at him.

I looked nothing like her.

"You know you are right." Delilah bobbed her head. "She really does."

"I do not," I argued back. "Nothing like her, at all."

"Maybe it's her skin. They have the same glowing skin." Hammer patted his cheeks.

I pinched the bridge of my nose, listening to two men grunt in the background until a body slam knocked one out. "Just forget it."

When I turned around to see who'd won the fight, I found myself not seeing a bloody mess but a male with no shirt, glistening muscles and a smirk that really looked good between my thighs.

Locke—staring down at me.

"Well, hello there, Princess."