* 2022-12-13

Scout Special Ops Security Firm

Commander/intelligence: – Serena A.k.a. Cresc / Crescent

Assistant Commander / weapons: – Mina A.k.a. V / Venus

Medic/Hacker: – Amy A.k.a. Merc / Mercury

Muscle / transportation : – Lita A.k.a. J / Jupiter

Snipper / infiltration : – Rei A.k.a Mar / Mars

Small town Heroes

Doctor / Head of emergency department: Darien Shields (35)

Firefighter / former MMA champion: Maxfield Stanton (29) A.k.a Neph / Nephrite

Psychologist / pub owner: Keith Caine A.k.a Kun / Kunzite

Cop / former marine: Jack Danielson A.k.a. Jed / Jadeite.

Lawyer: Zack

I'm trying hard to keep this PG16 but be warned that my stories contain mature subjects. There is graphic violence, coarse language, sexual situations/scenes, and triggers as my characters deal with past or present emotional, physical, or mental traumas.

The Arrangement

Chapter 03

Darien

"What the hell Nephrite!?" I'm trying desperately to wrap my head around what just happened. "Who are they? What the hell did you get us involved in?"

"I get you're annoyed Darien, but you're being childish. Are we reverting back to fourteen?" Max drawls sardonically loosening his man-bun and rubbing his scalp as he drops to the couch.

"Stop diverting and explain!? You call me after a long shift with no explanation to treat a stab wound. A stab wound! On a supposed security guard. Who doesn't look like any guard or military personnel I've ever met!? Who supposedly took down child molesters!? How does any of this make any sense to you!?" I'm pulling my hair at this point, unable to calm myself, the vision of the brunette choking Max and my patient's scar-covered body on reply on my exhausted mind.

"Do you expect me to bow, Your Highness, and explain what has transpired in your kingdom?"

"Max. Spill," orders Keith as he leans on his intertwined arms over his desk. "I might not agree with Darien's tone or attitude, but he's got a point."

"Me, attitude? Compared to the blond, I'm a saint." My outburst earns me chuckles from around the room. Before I can formulate a response, Max grunts in frustration but sits forward scolding.

"I needed a break from… You know… So I did my usual jog through the back woods and stumbled on them. Fuck… Just as they were getting armed." He turns to Jack and grins. "You'd flip if you'd see their gear. Like squat body suits and all. The punk girl had two laptops she was working on. And before I knew it, I had a sniper gun and two handguns pointed at me… They could have taken me out, no one would have been wiser… Instead, the punk showed me the warrants and the reason they were there…" Max's tightly closed fist covers his mouth and he swallows hard, before he continues. "She showed me a couple of clips of the guys on the security feeds… God damn it! Those fucks were screwing young girls… Like fucking kids!" He bursts up, and stomps around the room, his fists clenching and unclenching. "All I could think about is those sick fucks getting their hands on Firefly or Ely…"

I've rarely seen Max this agitated, whatever he saw unnerves him to his core. That's why he's pacing around the room, not meeting any of our eyes, breathing through clenched teeth, working through his emotions so he doesn't punch a wall. Which he's done on more than one occasion. And for that, I admire him. He's never laid a hand on anyone, other than in the ring, even when he's had a shit long list of reasons or occasions to.

"They infiltrated the place and captured everyone under five minutes." He finally stops and turns to Jack. "They're no joke. The way they moved, assessed, and executed… They'd give your special ops a run for their money… And then some senator arrived but my view was obstructed," Max slouches back onto the sofa and looks me straight in the eyes.

"Look, I'm not sure who or what they are. If they're legit or not. But they took something sick down right in our neighborhood. Something we weren't even aware of! Something I'm personally grateful for because it won't endanger my girls. I can't give you details. Wish I could. But even on the ride here, they didn't raise any red flags."

"Then you're cool with getting strangled?" I can't help asking.

Max laughs, slightly embarrassed. "I've never been manhandled before. Girl handled. Whatever. Yea. If J wanted to seriously hurt me, she could have. I got a glimpse of what that woman can do. And holding me in a chokehold is the least of my worries."

"What stops them from snapping at anyone in town?" The unease I've felt since meeting them doesn't want to let this go.

"I doubt that'll happen," Jack scrubs his chin thoughtfully. "They're far too trained for that. The amazon snapped because one of her teammates was injured. And she felt ambushed. However, she did snap at an unarmed individual. Which I don't like."

"Then why did you offer them your cabin?" Zack asks.

"Keep your friends close, your enemies closer." His grin doesn't reach his eyes. He doesn't trust these women anymore than I do. "I rather have them where I can keep an eye on them. Max, I get what they did kept our town safe, but we don't know anything about them…"

"Well, no time like the present to change that," Keith offers as he gets up, heading for the door.

"You can't be serious?" I ask, flabbergast that he wants to get involved.

"Of course, I am. You coming, Zack?"

"Damn straight. Be prudes, your loss. But I'll be damned if I let a chance of learning more about Luna and Artemis. Chances like these don't just happen. So excuse me while I go pay for drinks for the lovely ladies that are celebrating tonight!"

"You're seriously going to get tangled up with them?" I look at both Keith and Zack who grin back at me.

"Of course! This evening calls for something good. Now pack up your shit in your car and let's get a drink. On you, of course!" Zack wraps his arm around my neck and tries to yank me toward the door.

"How do you figure that?"

"Three strikes. You didn't get fawned over. You were told off. And you were ignored. Three things that never happen where girls and you are involved. Probably the prelude of the ice age or something. Either way, I've got to celebrate this and I believe Keith has some of his home-brewed good shit hidden around here somewhere! Time to go hunting!" Rubbing his hands eagerly, Zack exits the room, followed by Keith telling him to stay out of his bar. Max and Jack follow my other two knucklehead friends out of the room laughing at Jack's antics, leaving me alone.

Maybe they're right. Maybe I need that drink. To distract my mind from my patient's scars that keep reappearing in my head, leaving a sour taste in my mouth. Everything about this Serena is atypical and those scars and blue eyes, are bound to pull me in deeper than my professional curiosity has a right to be.

Serena

"C... Cresc… Serena!" Mina utters my name for the umpteen time. Her worry about where my head's at is right there in the distinct shake of her voice.

I get it; it's bad for any of us to reminisce. Some things are better left forgotten. Out of the five of us, Mina knows this the best. Lives by it. Her focus is on the right here and now. She's mastered it; never lets her mind wander. It's V's lifeline. Her mantra.

Not by choice, but out of necessity.

Unlike my mind, whose lightyears away. Thinking over… Well, everything.

"What?" I murmur, my gaze on the full moon. It's still low, slightly over the dark mountain's horizon. So big and enticing this beautiful evening. A bewitching moon. And if that's not enough to temper my unease, the soft breeze that moves across my skin to dispel the day's heat should. But it doesn't.

Everything about this pub is exactly as J claimed. It's relaxing. Easy going. Even a tad bit romantic… Definitely not your typical bar!

Fairy lights dangle by the building, while the rest of the deck is illuminated by lit citronella tiki torches and candles, leaving the view of the lake unobstructed. The houses adjoining the lake are far enough off thus allowing us to sit under and enjoy the view of the Milky Way and star-sprinkled sky. And the moon that premiers tonight is a golden glow that calls to my soul.

A coyote or wolf howls in the distance as I adjust my chair to face V. Even if it's made of hard natural oak, the craftsmanship is exquisite because of how comfortable and smooth it is. Actually, as I look around, every single piece of furniture looks hand-made and carved.

"We've never been grounded before… This isn't normal…" Mina starts as soon as my eyes land on her. "Why now? Why here?"

Looking over my shoulder at the girls getting our drinks, I pull a hand through my waist-length hair wondering the same thing. "Wish I knew… Doc's been pushing us to take a break… God only knows the last time we took one."

"Coming from a woman like Doc who's always on duty. Please. This doesn't feel right."

"It doesn't with me either. Maybe that's the point. It wouldn't have been a break at home. We'd all start helping at the shelter instead of vacationing…"

"Fifteen years soon…" V considers but just as fast diverts her attention to the bottles placed on the table. "We're going all out tonight? Is that smart considering we haven't scoped out our temporary sleeping arrangements?"

"Actually, I've just offered for you to crash here as Jack's place needs to be opened for the summer. It's still boarded up from winter," Keith tries to keep his offer nonchalant but the furtive murderous look he's throwing over his shoulder says he's not exactly thrilled with the sudden arrangement.

"Wait, what!?" snaps V, her chair scraping loudly as she gets up garnering attention.

"V, chill," I order as I yank her down. Staring her down, I can tell she's had enough of today's twists. Looking around, I see a karaoke machine inside through the big bay windows. "We appreciate it, but it's fine, we'll sleep in the Jeeps and head out tomorrow to the chalet. But as it's Merc's… I mean Amy's Bday, would you mind if we use your karaoke machine?"

His face totally drops. It's quite comical. Pure horror paints his features. Why does the thought of a bunch of drunk girls singing the night away instill such dread in a bar owner? Why get the machine in the first place if he hates the bad singing that often ensues?

"Don't worry. I promise to keep M & M away from the mike. Trust me when I say, you won't regret it," I keep my smile bright and enticing. Because if I start praising Mina's voice, she won't sing. She needs an outlet, stat. And Ami deserves a fun evening. Or at least a night off. Although, I don't think turning that brain on speed off is possible…

I push him toward the back entrance while he protests in vain. It might be his bar, but… "Trust me on this. I know we just met, and I was a bit of a brat… But I promise you really won't regret it."

He eyes me skeptically for several moments only to smirk. "You girls are the worst kind of trouble," he muses opening the big bay window and pulling out a mic and a portable speaker. "Do you need the screen to read the lyrics, or is it fine if I leave it inside?"

"No need. V won't need it," my giddiness and anticipation surges in my voice.

"Aren't you singing?" he asks surprised.

"NOOoooo! Not a chance! People will run for cover if I try…" I joke knowing full well the only people I'll ever be comfortable singing to are the shelter's children. "Mina! Get over here."

She glares at me. Good. That wrath pointed at me is the safest outlet. "No."

Merc and J read the tension simultaneously. Lita's grin turns mischievous as she throws V over her shoulder. "Don't be shy now, love."

"You have to sing for me since you didn't get me anything," Ami demands monotonously, even though we never do the gift part. Instead, our gift to each other on Bdays is no bloodshed and girls' night.

By the time Mina's next to me, I think she's gone through a string of curses that even I'm unfamiliar with.

"Well, what will it be?" she's fuming.

The guys we've met seem ready to bolt at the first off-key note, it's the funniest thing. Only then do I realize that Merc's pointing at me to choose. I beam and that's when the girl's faces show dread. I nod. They shake their head adamantly. I nod some more and turn back to V.

"U must be by Gina Rene…"

"Figured as much, but it's not exactly a party song…" now even Mina's amused. Of course, I'd pick a romantic song for this enchanting setting. Especially since I know it'll make the girls cringe. And uncomfortable. And want to drown me in the lake. At first, until they relax. And that's the point. But, hey, they told me to pick. Plus, my job's done! V is back to normal and occupied for a while.

Heading back to my chair, I hear the first notes of the song, and then Mina's voice fills the air. It's low, enchanting, and mesmerizing. She captures your soul and takes it to another plane. I pass a couple who tries to take a video and ask them politely and firmly not to. And with how enthralling V is, all the patrons follow suit and put their phones down as I sit back at our table. Rei puts the Morgan bottle down, Amy rests her chin in her palms and Lita throws her feet over the railing, closing her eyes. Yup, I think this might be heaven. At least for tonight… If only I can get my preoccupied mind to shut off.

"Thank you."

I turn to find the young doctor, lawyer, and civilian approaching our table. My scrunched brows make him pull out a chair and sit down rapidly, holding his hands up in a sign of peace.

"For that." He points to Keith, whose being patted on the back by an older gentleman, and gets a light bump on his chin from his lovely smiling wife. They proceed to start dancing, swaying to Mina's voice, their enamored gazes raising an unwanted pang in my gut. But the bartender stays by the back entrance, his face a mixture of awe, yearning, and loss.

"His mom was a phenomenal jazz singer that used to perform here… We lost her a couple of years ago… Thank you. This undoubtedly brings back good memories for him."

We stay silent; him lost in memories, me watching the older couple lost in thought.

Fifteen, ten, or even five years ago, being the top security firm was all we wanted. We set it up and then used it as a front for our real objective. Revenge.

But something's changing… I can feel the undertone and it seems so has Doc.

Getting grounded and forced into vacation means only one thing. Time to think. Contemplate. Reassess. And after avoiding doing just that for years, I'm pissed at being forced to face it when it's the last thing I want or am ready to do.

I glance in the guys' directions wondering when was the last time we interacted with people our own age. That weren't targets or clients… Our socializing circle consists of our adoptive mom, aunts and the children and women at the shelter. With the occasional impromptu visit from Mrs. Luna and her outspoken husband, Mr. Artemis. Who never fails to reaffirm that men are the scourge of the earth… As paradoxical as that is since, well, he's a man! He claims it's due to his line of work; criminal defense attorney. The real twist is that his clients don't realize he's supplying us with information and target names and details.

But these guys don't look like a scourge. People greet them by name; hug, talk, and joke with them amicably. This pub's comradery makes me uncomfortable. Makes it impossible for me to enjoy the peaceful vibe the night is giving off. Interacting with normal civilians, people who've never seen the ugly underbelly of the world is new territory. Hanging out just to pass time or have fun around strangers is a novelty. And while I'm ten years past teenager angst, suddenly I'm feeling it.

On top of everything, I'm frustrated with Doc's orders. Oh and in pain, but otherwise… I can't put my finger on it.

My leg visibly bounces thanks to my scattered thoughts and because I should be planning our next mission or doing recon. My workaholic tendency screws this moment. The respite. Reaffirming that this unplanned vacation is not a good idea. My unease keeps growing in the pit of my stomach. Or maybe I'm still hungry.

Bullshit. I know exactly what's crawling up my spine.

Sitting on a Monday night at a breathtaking deck under a full moon, watching a few local patrons laughing and talking, and listening to Mina sing… It's putting my life in question. If I hadn't been taken that night? If I had finished highschool? Would I have ended up in a place like this?

I watch as the old couple sits back down and sips glasses of champagne over decadent desserts, celebrating something. That pang hits me again. Because deep down, a simple life is what I've always wanted…

But whom am I kidding? It's never going to be an option for me.

Jaded? No. To start, I have obviously trust issues. Secondly… V high-fives me, then fist bumps the other girls when she's done and rejoins us. I'm their glue. What would happen if I step down? If I leave the team? Who'd keep J out of fights, Mar from isolation, V amused, and remind Merc to take breaks from her screens?

And let's not forget all the things I've witnessed. All the things I've done. A simple life is just not an option. That's easy to realize. Because while I joke with the girls, my smile wide, I'm monitoring every sound, every move, every person. I have nothing in common with ordinary people. I don't even know how to respond in normal situations. Movies, series, and books don't replace real-life experiences.

Usually, I don't regret what I missed out on. Sure, what happened to me sucks but I escaped. Have since helped save so many lives. I wouldn't change anything if given a chance. Freedom is a right everyone deserved.

It's only when I witness simple life moments, such as the loving elder couple, that I question my life. Question if I still want to lead the security firm. Question how many more close calls can I survive? Question how many more injuries can I recover from? Wonder how many more broken wills and shattered gazes can I look into and try to save?

No matter how many assholes we take down, more take their place. I was so blindly optimistic as a teen. Now, I'm no longer sure… But other than this or working at the shelter, I really don't know what else to do. I haven't given it a thought.

"What's next?" asks Mina as she downs a shot of tequila.

"We're in mixed company," Amy nods with her head to a couple with three rambunctious daughters. "Disney."

V downs another shot as her eyes light up. "We'll sing you're favorite then!" she almost squeals at Amy as she heads to the mike dragging a very reluctant J.

"Tale as old as time…" V starts and J takes the male lead with her deeper voice, getting squeals from the kids as they run to dance next to them.

"Is that really your favorite song," the lawyer asks leaning against the railing with a shocked expression on his face.

"No. But Mina is a huge Disney fan and Belle is one of the only characters I enjoy; love of books and all. But did you know the original story was told to teach girls to love and accept whom they ended up in arranged marriages with? No matter what kind of hideous creatures or how monstrous their actions were?"

"I heard it was about a man who suffered from hypertrichosis?"

"Yes, but that's only one version. The other was…" Amy continues to enumerate all the other variations, but I block them out. Like Mina, I love the Disney version. It might be a little too PG for my liking, but Belle did tame a wild Beast.

"I must say… It's a bit surprising hearing them singing Disney songs after what I saw them do…" muses the confounded civilian, shaking his head as he lowers his beer. "It's just… They took down the men in that house like it was child's play and now they're literally playing and singing with those kids."

"Our job is not who we are. Just a facet. Your buddy over there became a cop after serving in the Marines. Just because we have certain skills doesn't mean we aren't capable of human interaction." I know my voice holds resentment and anger because his eyebrows pinch. But I can't help it. It's not like life gave us much of a choice… Better be the hunter than the hunted.

"Sorry," the lawyer elbows his buddy in the ribs. "He didn't mean to be a dick… How about we start this evening all over, ladies." Lifting a mug up, he winks at Amy. "Happy birthday, um… Amy, right?"

Amy nods and clinks her drink to his before everyone joins in. "Thank you. But it's not my birthday. It's…"

Mar shoves a shot at Merc, forcing her to drink it down before she reveals too much.

"It's complicated. But it's the same principle as a birthday. So cheers again!" I add rapidly to dispel the questions filling their eyes.

"You're right, it's too beautiful tonight to be bickering," the doctor adds, helping me to dispel the tension.

"Cheers, Doc."

"Darien, please," he turns fully to me, and as the moon illuminates him, I remember why I was a bitch to him. And it has nothing to do with being chauvinistic. Okay, maybe a little egotistical.

It doesn't help that these guys, well are all attractive. And I'm not just talking about their handsome faces. Nope. It's the air around them. The tight friendship, comfortable manner, easy confidence, and genuine thoughtfulness. These are the kind of guys I read in my smut novels or watch in romcoms. Not at all the kind of guys I usually hunt down. Ironic, isn't it?

How did that song go?

"Isn't it ironic, don't you think?

Like meeting the man of my dreams

And then meeting his beautiful wife."

Except in my case, it's meeting my smut hero and knowing that nothing will come out of it. And while he did insult me, it didn't detract me from realizing he looks like any girl's fantasy. Except my girls have very different preferences. Lita prefers bulky guys, ones she won't break. Rei doesn't really have a preference, as long as they don't talk much. Amy prefers dating screens to interacting with humans. And Mina… Will shoot a man or anyone, before letting them touch her. Literary.

His eyes aren't a perfect shade of blue. The center is an ocean hue that bleeds into navy, almost indigo, with the outer rim almost black. They are startling, to say the least. His thick long lashes and dark brows accentuated them. He also has a perfectly straight nose, high cheekbones, and a strong jaw. Strands of his short black hair keep falling over his forehead as if they can't be bothered to stay in place. His black t-shirt and low-cut faded jeans do nothing to hide his lean swimmer's physique.

Of course, I almost tripped going up the steps out back. One look had been all it took to unbalance me. And I resent that. My hormones and fantasies do not rule me. My training made sure of it. It taught me to deal with hot guys and play them like fools.

Sure, he's a looker, but it's his actions that destabilize me. It's the way he looks at me. The way he treats me. Like a normal person. And damn if that makes me feel uncomfortable. Women who are highly skilled and military-trained, intimidate men. But he treats me like a normal girl. While a part of me feels offended at the damsel treatment, I realize it's not that he thinks women are weaker. But that he doesn't like to see people in pain or hurt. So him being a doctor, a profession I have the utmost and almost sacred respect for doesn't help.

Yea, he's the total package. At least in my books.

Here was the male character of my favorite romances, and what did I do? I put on my bitch mask to hide behind because I can't even indulge in it.

So he can try to call a truce between us, but I can't let that happen. This vacation and time to contemplate make me uneasy. Not working makes me edgy. And his presence is a literal sucker punch.

I force a polite smile back and nod. Then I down my fruity drink, hoping it shuts my brain off and numbs some of the pain because tonight isn't about existential questions. Those will come in the next couple of days whether I like it or not. No. Tonight is about celebrating. Celebrating the good times, the victories, the friendships… And possibly a brighter future.

Darien

It's been eighteen hours I've been on my feet. Dealing with my obsessive trainee, intense surgery, and finally, Max's cryptic call, kept me on my toes.

Except, it never crossed my mind that I'd treat a private security guard that looks like the next miss universe. Add to that her shiny personality that switches from miss congeniality to hell's kitchen, and attitude to give anyone whiplash.

It all compounds to one outcome. The migraine I'm sporting. It's nothing new, but still unwelcome. And yet, I'm not leaving…

I should since I have an early morning. Patients to see, surgeries to perform, and residents to train.

Damn, just the thought of dealing with my resident Beryl sends dread down my back. The girl practically climbs me at every chance she gets instead of paying attention and learning. Which makes me question how she got through med school in the first place. She's making critical mistakes daily. And while I really want to bring this up with the board, I can feel my father's breathing down my neck to accept her as the future Mrs. Shields. All because she comes from money.

I get it. I'm almost thirty-five and should be looking to settle down now that I'm head of the hospital. But no woman holds my attention for more than a night. My looks and job keep the bees coming, but I just don't feel that need to settle down.

No yet… I feel like I haven't done enough.

Jack served in the marines and overcame the odds of recovery, only to become a cop who looks tenaciously over the well-being of our community. Zack got his degree and license in record time while working two jobs to cover the tuition. He now has his own practice, while simultaneously volunteering every chance he has and going out of his way to help anyone even if they can't afford him. Max went through family and life hell and now finds himself the main caregiver to his niece, trying to keep the gym functioning while working as a fireman. And Keith… Shouldn't have gone through what he did, but he got through it. Then he got his psychology degree, sees clients during the day, and runs the pub in the evenings.

Leaving me, the rich kid with ivy league schooling who knows next to no hardships, feeling like I haven't done nearly enough. Because I owe these guys everything. If it wasn't for them, I'd have ended up as jaded as my father, or entitled as my mother.

As Mina launches into a jazz song, I watch Keith's face freeze. Well of course as I'm recalling the past, she sings something that sounds similar to what Keith's mom used to sing. It must bring back memories, but from the look on his face, it's good ones.

"Thank you," it comes out before I'm consciously aware of it.

The way her eyes slightly open in astonishment but her brows frown in annoyance, tell me I'm on shaky ground. Hurriedly, I pull out a chair to explain before she snaps at me. Again. Which is her default setting when it comes to our interactions.

Which I get. I was a dick… Who cursed at her and demanded she listen like she was a little brat. Which she isn't.

The moment she got out of the jeep, Serena commanded the situation and everyone's attention with an ease I've rarely seen even in the emergency room. She didn't bother to raise her voice or manhandle the tomboy who was about to snap Max in two. Not an easy feat considering the guy is a former MMA fighter and still trains daily. And yet, her instructions were followed by her team without question or hesitance. Even the guys, begrudgingly, followed her requests.

After spending seventeen of those eighteen hours on my feet, then getting orders directed at me and watching her run the show… It rubbed me the wrong way. Especially when I got a closer look at her dizzying multitude of scars and that bleeding wound.

Before I could assess her state, she took chugs of alcohol. Something in me snapped at that. Here was a woman who could command a room, and yet, who knowingly didn't take care of her own body. The multitude of scars was a prime example of it. But then she destroyed my assessment by revealing her line of work and the circumstances she found herself in and…

While I follow what everyone is talking about, something to do with the Beauty and Beast franchise, my gaze doesn't want to stray from the ash blonde's knee that keeps bouncing. Even after being stabbed, she's talking, laughing, and swaying to the music. But her smile never reaches her eyes, her focus drifts often to the full moon.

Everything about this girl vexes me. She's a mixture of contradictions. There's no debating that she's a head-turning beauty. But that's not what's got me hooked. It's the way her eyes are analyzing every little subtle detail; from her teams' interactions to the locals who raises their phone to the sound of the back door squeaking open. Then just as quickly back to the sky, her features morph slightly which each passing thought.

How can someone split themselves into two? Be fully present, only to be a thousand miles away?

One moment smile and joke, only to switch and snap the next?

And then there's the way she drawls the word Doctor each time she addresses me, as if questioning my qualifications, even after I treated her. There's not one thing about her that doesn't raise my ire.

"Darien, please." My voice drops an octave as I try to keep my cool. Prevent any more arguments. Not just between myself and her, but the whole group. Why the guys thought it was a good idea to join them… Shaking my head, I reach out a hand to her, because I'll be damn before I let anyone get under my skin. After years of sustaining my father's insults and disdain, nothing riles me. Which is great when dealing with emergencies. But to have a woman, a head shorter and smaller than me, get my blood going. Nope. Can't have that.

"Would you care to dance?"

The horrified expression on her face looks like I'm offering to remove all her organs instead of breaking the ice between us. And I can't help but chuckle as she shakes her head rapidly like it's the most ludicrous idea ever in the history of ideas.

"No thanks. I'm going to crash in the Jeep. J, keep them in line. That includes yourself." She pulls herself up and I catch her slight flinch. Before she can leave, I place my hand on her back. Probably not a good idea, as she might grab and break it. But as she freezes, I hurry to explain why I'm following her.

"Keith offered to let you crash at his place upstairs. Let me show you the way before I head out."

"It's really fine, we can crash in the Jeeps. Used to it."

"You need a good night's rest in a position that won't compromise the stitches," I counter. "Look, I get it. We didn't get off on the right foot. So let me make sure you're resting properly as my thank you for dealing with the town's ugly situation and the beautiful singing."

She stays silent, scrutinizing me for longer than I feel comfortable with. But nods finally. Keeping my hands to myself, I lead her to the back of the pub, up the side stairs, and unlock Keith's loft. She stays by the entrance, examining the room while I pull out blankets and pillows from a side cupboard and leave them on the huge three-piece sectional that takes most of the open living room space.

"A sofa is comfier than a car seat," I try for casual.

"Thank you…" she answers, looking me directly in the eyes. And I find myself wondering where her thoughts are at; if she's really one hundred percent here. I never imagined I'd want someone's full attention as much as I suddenly do hers. Even if she does infuriate me. But as the silence stretches between us, I'm not sure what to say. I know that if I give her medical instructions, it'll irritate her. If I say something casual, she'll blow me off. I'm not even sure, why I'm trying.

"As soon as we get the okay, we'll be out of your hair. We shouldn't be imposing on you, even less asking for accommodations," the frustration in her voice bleeds her unease. Which is surprising. I assume she'd be totally comfortable in any situation. So the fact she isn't, intrigues me.

"It's fine. Jack and Keith wouldn't have offered their places if they didn't trust your characters."

"But you've just met us. You don't know anything about us."

"You're right. But Max wouldn't have called me and the guys if he didn't approve of you. So whatever he saw, was enough for him. And makes it enough for us," I hesitate, not sure if I should pry. "This doesn't happen often, does it?"

"No. Actually, never." The revelation and unease rolling off her make me frown. But from the bags under her eyes, I can tell how exhausted she is. This is not the time or the place to pry her secrets. Maybe I'll never get to. She might be gone by the morning…

"I'll let you get some rest. If you're still here tomorrow, I'll come by and check on your stitches. Goodnight then." Before I do something stupid like sit down and try my hand at conversation, I close the door behind me and run down the steps to my car. Only as I fasten the seat belt, I see an envelope on my passenger seat. Hesitant, I reach for it. Inside is a stack of bills. Probably the money she said she'd pay for my services. But I know my car was locked and the alarm on…

What else can these girls do? Shaking my head, I drive away. Except, my thoughts stay with the patient with the multitude of scars.