“Sass and I can share a room so you both don’t have to give up your space.” She says somewhat timidly.

Grabbing her hand, I guide her to my bedroom. “We’re only here two days tops. Once Delatorre has his shipment, we go on the move. For now, Roundman wants things to look normal. It’s one, maybe two nights, Rex and I have slept on far worse than a couch and a chair. Make yourself at home.”

“Well, thank you. Who would’ve thought a Hellion could be so considerate? Tripp you’re a real gentleman.” She says with a breathtaking smile.

Unable to resist, I pull her into me. Her head slams into my chest. I place my arm around her waist and trace circles on the small of her back. Inhaling her scent of ocean and coconut, I put my other hand around her braid. I tug gently, pulling her face to look up at me. Leaning down, breathing against her ear, I whisper to her.

“I’m no gentleman, Doll. No, I’m the man to fuck you seven ways to Sunday. I’m not the man you settle down with or you settle for.”

Her breathing now coming in pants, I quickly release her and exit the room.

11

So Close, Yet So Far

Tripp lives in Catawba, only an hour or so outside of Charlotte. If we were here under any other circumstances, I would be at Caroline’s visiting. As much as Sass and I want to see our friend, it wouldn’t be fair to bring our troubles to her doorstep. Delatorre obviously watches us and now is no different. We have other friends here that I would love to see as well, but this trip is not for pleasure. This ride is about safety, I remind myself.

Tripp and Rex slept downstairs last night. Although I found comfort in his bed, as it engulfed me in his scent, the sandman eluded me. Waking up after only a few hours of rough sleep, I’m on edge and irritable as I begin a busy day of preparations.

Changing over to burner phones is strange for me. My dad has gone on runs before and switched to using one. It’s always bothered me to know I can’t reach him whenever I want because he doesn’t want to be traced. Imagining the stress he is feeling back home brings on more feelings of guilt. My dad has never been in a situation where he isn’t able to call me. I may not have been able to freely call him, but he’s always had an open line and opportunity to call me. Soon enough, though, that will be our new reality. No longer underestimating the threat from Delatorre, my dad doesn’t want us to be traced at all. He has multiple burner phones for me to check in with and switch out throughout this journey. None of us will be using the same phone twice.