by A. M. Kusi
“The person who slashed these tires the same one who gave you that black eye?” Bently asked, standing to his full height.
TJ shifted nervously. “Why do you care?”
Bently sighed. “Because this is my town and I care about the people in it. If someone is being harassed or assaulted, I want to know.”
TJ nodded hesitantly.
“Do you want to file a report?”
TJ’s eyes grew wide again as he shook his head vehemently. “Nah, it was just a misunderstanding.”
“If you’re sure.” Bently knew better than anyone else that you couldn’t help someone until they were ready to be helped.
A flash of movement caught his eye. One of the residents stared out the window of her two-story home at him, her hand clutching the fabric of her shirt.
“Where do you live?”
“Maple Street.”
“That’s still two miles away. Why don’t you hop in and I’ll give you a ride? I’ll throw your bike in the back.” Bently picked up the metal frame.
“You don’t have to,” TJ said.
“Wouldn’t want you to have any more misunderstandings on the way back. Besides, I’m headed that way anyway. I have a friend who lives in that neighborhood.” And the last thing I need is another phone call to dispatch about a kid walking home from school. Since when did that become a crime? “Would you like the ride?”
“Uh . . . okay.” TJ opened the passenger side and climbed in.
Bently hefted the bike into his truck bed before climbing in the driver’s side. Geez. Had anyone ever sat farther away from him and still managed to be in the same car? The kid was practically crawling out the window.
He wasn’t blind. The kid was terrified of him, and unfortunately, Bently guessed the badge across his chest had something to do with it. There were so many news stories, seemingly a story everyday about clashes of police and people of color. How could Bently assure him that wouldn’t happen here in Shattered Cove? He was not a racist, and no one in his department was either—at least he didn’t think so. Maybe he should slip in the fact that his sister-in-law was black? No, that’d be awkward.
“You play any sports?” Bently drove towards their destination.
“Basketball.”
“Oh, my kind of guy . . . You lived here long?” Bently tried to keep the strain out of his voice.
“Since August. My sister got a job at the hospital.”
“What about your parents?” Bently turned down the end of the street.
“It’s just us. There, the blue one on the right is ours.” TJ pointed out the window to a small duplex. The burlap wreath over the door said ‘welcome’.
Bently pulled in along the side of the street and put the truck in park. TJ hopped out, quickly shutting the door, and Bently followed suit. He walked around to the back to grab the bike just as a door slammed behind him.
“Oh, shit,” TJ said.
“What the hell happened to your face TJ?” A strong feminine voice growled.
Bently turned. The breath ripped from his lungs. The woman before him was the most beautiful person he’d ever laid eyes on—and he’d laid eyes on a lot. Big ringlets of curls danced around her brown glowing skin in the breeze. Her dark eyes flashed at TJ with worry before she targeted him with those stormy spheres. Fear tinged the edges of her furious glare. Her bright red lips moved as his ears rang, blood rushing to his groin.
“Did he do this to you?” She grabbed TJ’s face, checking him over like a mother hen. TJ turned away from the unnamed beauty.
“Nah, just some kids at school messing around,” TJ said. “Sheriff Evans gave me a ride.”
“You got in the car with a cop?” she snapped.
Bently closed his mouth, embarrassed that he’d been standing there gawking. Wiping invisible drool from his mouth, he cleared his throat and extended his arm, offering the smile that he’d been told melted most women’s panties. “Hi. I’m Bently.”
She stared at his open hand like he’d just stuck it in a public toilet. “Is my brother in any trouble?”
He frowned and straightened from the rejection. “No. Of course not.”
“Good, then we’re done here.” She grabbed TJ’s arm and pulled him into the house while Bently stared, utterly confused. What the hell just happened?
“Belle! My bike—” TJ protested.
“Get inside!” His sister shot him a look and TJ shut his mouth and complied.
It needs the tires fixed anyways. I can do that.
The woman shoved her brother in the house and whirled around. Her powerful gaze met his before she slammed the door shut.
Damn, she was something.
***
A few hours later, Bently pulled the bike from his truck bed, admiring his handiwork. This fresh set of tires and the tune-up he’d performed would be the perfect icebreaker. It wasn’t unusual for him to go above and beyond the call of duty for his fellow townsfolk. But none of them had a sister who was hotter than sin and feisty as fuck either. Does this count as breaking my no-hooking-up-with-locals rule?
Nah. This was just good old-fashioned flirting and helping a fellow community member out. It wasn’t like he would follow through.
Bently knocked on the door, noting the older model Ford Focus in the driveway that had seen better days. Red flowers bloomed at the base of the porch, a discarded pile of pulled weeds off to the side. Several potted plants were spaced around the small area and a few baskets hung from the rafter hooks. He swiped the sweat from his brow and drew in a deep breath. Nerves scattered through him as he shifted his feet. Since when was he this off kilter over a woman?
The energy shifted as the knob twisted. His heart beat faster as he swallowed.
The door opened and Belle’s smile quickly morphed into a frown.
“What do you want?” Belle said, her chin rising.
“Good evening.” He smiled and waited a beat. Her scowl only deepened. Have I lost the touch? Did cancer steal this from me too? He cleared his throat. “Uh, I just wanted to return TJ’s bike.”
She looked at the metal object as he set it on the porch. “Okay.”
“Is he home?”
“He’s doing homework,” she answered with a hint of suspicion in her voice.
“I’ll only be a second. If you don’t mind, can I come in and ask him about who gave him that shiner one more time?” Maybe she’ll see I’m just trying to help.
“Do you have a warrant?”
“E-excuse me?” he asked, baffled. He was used to not being everyone’s favorite person as an officer of the law, but this was something more.
“Unless you have a warrant, you cannot come into my house or search my property. I know how you people work.”
What the fuck?
“You leave my brother alone. He’s smart and he’s going places. He’s a good boy. We don’t want any trouble, officer.” Belle’s voice was steady, but her trembling hand gave it away. He glanced at her dainty fingers shaking at her side.
Belle balled them into fists before he considered her face, the fear in her eyes. She’s scared of me.
“I never intended to cause trouble. Just wanted to make sure he got home safe. Have a good evening, ma’am.” He turned and walked back to his truck, utterly speechless.
Defeated, he started the engine and shifted into gear. He needed a good strong drink. A woman’s company wouldn’t hurt either. Visions of sucking on those red lips and fisting those dark curls made his cock jerk. He gripped the steering wheel until his knuckles turned white.
Too bad it would only be a fantasy and his hand tonight.
To continue reading Bently and Belle’s story, visit the website below to get your copy.
www.amkusi.com/defyinggravity
Thank You
Thank you for readi
ng Glass Secrets. We hope you are emotionally satisfied with Andre and Mia’s love story. If you enjoyed this novel, please consider leaving a review on your favorite retailer and sharing it with your friends and family.
Also, you can get book 3 in The Shattered Cove Series right now!
Bently and Belle in Defying Gravity (Book 3).
Thank you again for reading Glass Secrets!
Cheers,
Ash & Marcus.
About A. M. Kusi
A. M. Kusi is the pen name of a wife-and-husband team, Ash and Marcus Kusi. We enjoy writing romance novels that are inspired by our experiences as an interracial/multiethnic couple.
Our novels are about strong women and the sexy heroes they fall in love with, are emotionally satisfying, and always have a happy ending.
Discover more about us at:
www.amkusi.com
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Ash & Marcus
Also by A. M. Kusi
Choose your next read from these series and standalone novels today.
A Fallen Star
(Book 1 in The Shattered Cove Series)
Defying Gravity
(Book 3 in The Shattered Cove Series)
The Orchard Inn
(Book 1 in The Orchard Inn Romance Series)
Conflict of Interest
(Book 2 in The Orchard Inn Romance Series)
Her Perfect Storm
(Book 3 in The Orchard Inn Romance Series)
For a complete list of all our books, visit:
www.amkusi.com/books