Page 12 of Property of Hayride
She rolls her eyes.
“Tell me why you’re taking pictures, and I’ll release you.” It’s a bargain I don’t really intend to keep. I’ll let her go, but I’ll also follow her until I figure out if she’s hiding something.
“I’m gathering information to help search for my brother.”
I’m instantly agitated. “And you think my club has something to do with that?”
“No. Not really.” She sighs. “I’m just trying to learn everything I can about Raven’s Crest. Taking photos helps. I’m making my own file to help the search for Thad.”
I actually understand her reasoning. She isn’t from our town. Doesn’t know shit about the club, the townspeople, or the supernatural elements that bind us to Raven’s Crest and the Salem witch families.
Wait.Shit.She’s the one who filed the missing person report with Boomer.
“What’s your name?”
“Why does that matter?” Her chin lifts in defiance.
“Listen, Fireball. I want to help. Okay?”
A little of the tension bleeds out of her. I can feel it since our bodies are mashed together. “Natalya Scott. My brother is Thad Scott.”
Natalya. A beautiful name.
I tap my chest. “Hayden Phillips. Call me Hayride.”
A smile quivers on her lips. “Only if you call me Nat.”
“Done.” That was easy.
Maybe this little Fireball isn’t so prickly after all.
I’m still pinning her against the wall with my body, and it feels too fucking good to move. I lower my head and speak low into her ear, “Tell me what happened after you left my room last night.”
She smacks my arm as I laugh. “Be serious. My brother ismissing, Hayride.”
Shit.She’s right. “I’m listening.”
“Thad was waiting for me when I went inside your room. He wouldn’t have left me alone without a good reason. We’re close, Hayride. He’s one of my best friends. Thad has always looked out for me.”
“I hear you.” I push off the wall and gesture to the street. “We should talk, but this isn’t the right spot. Too many people.”
“Okay. Where?”
“The Barn.”
“A barn?” Her nose scrunches up. “I don’t want to hang out in a drafty, dirty barn.”
I chuckle because she’s cute. “The Barn is the clubhouse. It’s where my club members go to relax and where we hold church. And yeah, it’s not the kind you’re thinking of.”
“I’ll follow you.”
“Nope. You can leave your car here. Nothing will happen to it. I can have a prospect bring it to The Barn later.”
“Then how am I supposed to get there?”
“You ride with me.”
Nat blinks as she processes my words. “On a motorcycle?”
