His Loyal Rebel - Debra Kayn Page 0,52

exciting and mysterious.

One day, she'd like to ask him to take her on a ride with him. Even though she'd lived with Big, she had never ridden on a motorcycle before. Never had any desire before.

But she wanted to sit behind Whip and wrap her arms around him. He always appeared to exude power when he rode. She was sure she wasn't the only one who noticed.

The light turned green. She followed him through the intersection and crossed two streets, heading out of town. Before they reached the open county road, he turned and slowed down.

No streetlights aiding her way made it hard to see. She concentrated within the beams of her headlights on the dark road until she spotted Whip pointing his arm and turning onto a gravel driveway.

She slowed, keeping her distance from him, knowing he'd need extra time to navigate the uneven ground.

He stopped in front of a single-story house set back from the road with the lights on inside. She put the car in park and shut off the engine, but stayed in the car.

They were out of the neighborhoods, almost in the country. There wasn't a neighbor in sight.

Whip got off his motorcycle and walked back to her, opening her door. She stayed inside and looked at him curiously.

He hunkered down beside her and said, "My sister wants to talk to you."

"Now?" She glanced at the house, suddenly nervous. "Isn't it a little late to come visit?"

Her interactions with Tracy were stilted, at best. The last time she'd seen her, it was obvious that she was unhappy with her brother's relationship with her.

"It's a good time for her. The kids are asleep, and she can give you her full attention." He took her hand and pulled her from the car. "I'll take you in."

"Are you staying?" She walked beside him, holding on to him tightly, hoping he'd understand how much more comfortable she would be if he stayed by her side.

"I'll probably go in the garage with Rick and have a beer while you visit. All you have to do is yell if you need me."

She blew out her breath, trying to settle her nerves. It was one thing for Angie to treat her like shit. She wouldn't let Whip's sister make her feel like she wasn't good enough for him. Yet, she wanted to start their relationship off on the right foot.

Swallowing hard, she looked at the front door. Whip had told her how his parents had died and what his sister had lived through. She couldn't fault him for shooting the Cusclan members. He was protecting his sister.

Because he loved his family, she would do her best to get along with Tracy. But if his sister meant to chase her away and force her to break up with Whip, she wouldn't give him up without a fight.

He opened the door as if they expected him or he was welcome without an invitation to come in. She held his hand tighter and stepped inside after him.

"I'm in the kitchen," called his sister.

Led through the house, she stepped over stray toys littering the floor and stopped in the kitchen.

Tracy held up a pot of coffee. "Anyone want a cup?"

Whip let go of her hand and moved toward the fridge. "I'll have a beer. Is Rick in the garage?"

"Yeah, he's working on his motorcycle." Tracy looked at Twyla. "Coffee?"

"Sure. Thank you." She clasped her hands in front of her, not knowing what to do without Whip at her side.

He winked at her and walked through the door, leading to what she suspected was the garage.

"Sugar? Milk?"

"Black."

Tracy handed her a cup. "We can sit in the living room."

She followed her into the other room and sat on the couch. Whip's sister took the chair in front of the front window. Intentionally or not, she couldn't be sure. So far, Tracy was trying to make her comfortable.

"I'm glad you came." Tracy curled her feet underneath her in the chair. "My brother mentioned he's been watching out for you while you work, and I didn't know if you'd want to come over this late after being on your feet all day."

"It was nice of you to invite me." She sipped the coffee, not sure what else to say.

Tracy waved her hand in front of her. "I wanted to apologize for the other night and thought it would be easier here, without my kids interrupting. My reaction to seeing you and Whip kiss was rude."

"Oh." She held her breath, surprised