“Something smells good, babe.” Tripp states as he drops his bag in the laundry area. “What’s the occasion?”

“I missed you.” I smile innocently at him.

“Doll, what’s going on? I know you missed me, but this is something more.”

“Well, Caroline has been having some troubles with a guy from work. I sort of asked Rex to help me out and look out for Caroline. That being the case, they haven’t officially met even after all this time. Rex has been on the road or Caroline was busy. I doubt they even remember their first meeting at the barbecue.” I say looking down.

“Why didn’t you tell me that Caroline needed something?” He asks, lifting my chin forcing me to make eye contact.

“You were gone when she called. This guy at work is being a bit aggressive. Having Rex on her arm for a few work functions may deter him.”

“Is this why Caroline stayed over a few nights while I’ve been gone?”

“Maybe.”

“Is this maybe because she’s afraid of the fucker?”

Saved by the bell, the doorbell rings and I bolt to answer it. Caroline is having some troubles and I don’t know what to do for her. Rex will though. He and Tripp protected me and I know they will protect my friend.

Caroline is helping me set the table when Rex walks in through the back door. He and Tripp do the handshake, half hug, back slap thing guys do for a greeting. He waves over to me and then he faces Caroline. The smile on his face is one of seduction and surprise.

“Rex meet Caroline, again.” I say in introduction, as Tripp moves over putting his arm around my waist.

“Nice to meet you, Lux.”

Caroline’s face distorts in annoyance. “Lux?”

“Lux, as in deluxe. You’re the deluxe model. High class and shit.” Rex says settling into a chair at the table.

Caroline’s face is pleading with me to save her. I stifle a giggle at her reaction. We eat dinner as Caroline fills us in on the details of what’s been happening. Rex is pissed in a way I’ve never seen before. After dinner, Rex and Tripp go and talk in the shop, while Caroline helps me clean up.

“Are you sure about this Doll?”

“Caroline, I’d trust Rex with my own life. He’s not going to let this Chad guy get to you or keep bothering you. He’ll handle it and you can feel safe again.”

With a few more reassurances, she is feeling better about leaning on the Hellions to help her. Rex follows Caroline home. Tripp is sitting on the recliner in the living room. As I walk by, he grabs me and pulls me to his lap. Nuzzling his face in my neck, I sigh.

“I love you, Talon.”

Rather than respond, he kisses me. He’s moving around under me. Breaking the kiss, he pulls away and looks in my eyes as if he’s searching for an answer to an unknown question.