“Thanks, man. I really appreciate you guys getting there so fast.”
He grinned. “We were badgering V at work, so we were close. She’s got Nixie right now, but…” he glanced at Glory, andchewed his cheek, “does she… do you like dogs? I could bring her here to give some hugs?”
Glory lifted her head, finally a little life in those dark eyes of hers as she stared at me, then Rocket, but her eyes dipped fast, like she was afraid of too much eye contact.
“I… I love dogs,” she practically whispered, and that’s something I knew of course.
Rocket grinned. “It’s date night with V tonight, so shall I pop her around for a little pupsitting?” The fucking chancer!
“Oh, now I get why you’re offering, you cheeky bastard.”
Glory flinched against me, and I kicked myself for the millionth time because I shouldn’t be fucking startling her.
Rocket had sobered a little, tucking his hands in his pockets as he glanced back at Stag, sitting astride his own ride.
“It helps. With Caroline, and with Has-Been, during the uh… his stuff. I just thought... you know, dogs are uniquely talented at distracting us from our shit… and…”
“I get it. I’m sorry, you’re right. You want that, Glory? Want a pup to cuddle this evening?”
She nodded, hiding her face against my chest, and I think another piece of my heart fucking crumbled as I watched her hide from literally every fucking thing.
I squeezed my eyes closed, and guided her to the front door, letting her in.
“Go get settled, I just need to talk to Rocket.”
Her eyes were wide and startled, but I nodded reassuringly, or what I fucking hoped looked reassuring right now as I was losing my shit. Abandoning her in yet another unfamiliar place was a dipshit move, but I needed a moment.
I watched her step inside, and turned to walk back to Rocket, my fists clenched so tightly they burned with the pressure.
He took one look at me and nodded grimly. “He’s dead, brother. Just say the word, and he gets what he deserves. You don’t need to ask, yeah? We’re family, and we back each other.”
I tried unfolding my fingers as they practically cramped up, feeling the need to point out the brutally fucking obvious.
“I’m only a prospect right now. I get that today was a no-brainer, but something bigger than this?”
“So am I, but the fact remains. You’re a brother, and you need help. You need backup. Micro won’t even hesitate, brother.”
Chapter Three
Istepped inside afterthey left, and the first thing I realised was that there was no sign of Gloria. Where the fuck did she go? My heart started racing again as I ran into the living room, and the kitchen, heading for the hallway with my small office, and then upstairs.
I found her at the top of the stairs, huddled beside the wall, clutching her backpack to her chest like a lifeline. Jesus.
“Glory? You okay?” I slowly approached her, like I thought she’d run if I moved fast, because honestly I had no idea how she’d react. She seemed to be locked in some kind of permanent fight or flight situation, and I had no idea what to do.
“Glory. Hey, you’re safe here. My home is your home, yeah?”
She flinched as I reached toward her, and why the fuck did I think I had the right to touch her right now? I lowered my hands, chewing the inside of my cheek.
“Want me to show you to the spare room?”
“Sp… spare room?”
“Yeah, sweetheart. I’m not going to do anything messed up like expect you to share mine. It’s me, remember? I’m your best friend. I’d do anything for you.” Fuck, I wanted her in my room, even just to hold her at nights until she slept without fear.
“I… okay…” Good. It was a start. I walked over to the door of the spare room furthest from mine, because it was one of three spares, and she frowned.
“Where… where’s yours?”