High-Sided: An Armed & Dangerous Novel by L.P. Dover Page B

weren’t here when I needed you the most.”
    “Kassie,” he murmured, his steps drawing closer. His phone rang and he growled in frustration. “Yeah?” he answered.
    I angrily wiped my tears away and turned around. He didn’t need to see my pain. The last thing I wanted was his pity. I could hear a deep voice on the other end, but I couldn’t make out what he said.
    “Good deal,” Logan replied. “Meet me at my place later and we’ll get to work.” He hung up and slipped his phone back into his pocket.
    “Everything okay?” I asked blandly.
    He nodded. “I have to get back soon. But I don’t want to go until we talk this out.”
    I shrugged as if I didn’t care, even though I was breaking on the inside. “There’s nothing to talk about. You’re here for a mission and once it’s over, you’ll be gone. It’s all business as usual.”
    “That’s not all I’m here for, Kassie,” he said, taking a step toward me.
    I lifted a hand, halting him. “It’s probably best it is. So let’s get back to your task. What all are you going to do to help my father?”
    His jaw clenched. “Are you gonna be difficult this whole time?”
    Standing straighter, I crossed my arms over my chest. “Maybe. Then again, you deserve it. Now,” I said, waving my hand impatiently, “tell me about your plans.”
    “First, your father’s going to let me put up security cameras around the shop. If anyone tries to do anything malicious, I’ll know.”
    “Do you have any leads?”
    “Not yet, but I have ruled some past acquaintances out. Whoever wants revenge on your dad, targeted Levi and Ethan for a reason. I just need to figure out why. I’m hoping by bringing Ethan back, it’ll piss those people off.”
    “Isn’t that dangerous? I don’t want Ethan to get hurt.”
    “Ethan knows the dangers and offered to come back willingly. I’ll figure this out before anyone gets hurt, especially you. Whoever these people are, they aren’t afraid to kill. I need you to be on your guard at all times.”
    “I see you’re still the overprotective ass you were before.” The sound of his chuckle made my chest ache. I used to love hearing it, long ago.
    “Always. Now get on your bike so I can follow you home. I want to make sure you get there safely. Then tonight, once I get done at your dad’s shop, I want to see you again.”
    “Where are you staying?”
    He nodded toward the road. “The same place I lived before.” Which happened to be right down the street from me; effectively making him my neighbor, since there was no one else to the right of my cabin.
    I didn’t know if I was ready to step foot in his place yet. There were so many memories there. “I think you’ve said everything you needed to. What more could you possibly have to tell me?”
    Gaze torn, he straddled his bike and sighed. “You have no idea. Now hop on your bike and let’s go.”
    “What if I want to stay here?” I countered.
    He started to put on his helmet and stopped. “Then I’ll take you back on mine. Your choice, Kassie.” When I didn’t move toward my bike, he set his helmet down, no doubt living up to his word. He’d strap me down to his motorcycle if he had to.
    Rolling my eyes, I took a deep breath and got back on my bike. “Fine, I’m ready. Let’s go.”

Logan
    B y the time I got to my cabin, the sun began to go down. Micah sat on my front porch steps, tapping his watch. “Took your time, didn’t you?” he shouted. I shut off my bike and hopped off. “How did sweetcheeks take your apology?”
    Huffing, I took my helmet off. “She didn’t. But at least she didn’t slap me, which was what I expected.”
    Micah burst out laughing. “There’s still plenty of time for that. When are you going to see her again?”
    I stormed past him toward the door. “Fuck if I know. She doesn’t want to be anywhere near me. I screwed up big time.”
    Micah followed me into the cabin. “Yeah, you did, but I bet she doesn’t know the