Outlaw (Wolves of Royal Paynes #4) - Kiki Burrelli Page 0,80

he wasn't wrong now. "Diesel, all I know is the last time I was separated from you, I didn't have a really great time for a long while after. There's danger here. That's not the argument. When you're fighting hell, the danger is everywhere." I bent to retrieve my sketchbook and broken pencil pieces, holding the book tightly against my chest. "I've been scared too, thinking about everything coming after us, and I've comforted myself by remembering that when whatever is coming comes, and I am afraid, you will be there. Right beside me. But I guess that's not what you want."

Maybe it was unfair to flounce immediately after, not giving Diesel a chance to respond, but there wasn't anything he could say. We'd both claimed that we wanted to be near the other always, and only one of us meant it.

Diesel entered the meeting room, head swiveling as he searched the packed room for me. His brows lifted when he saw me in our usual chairs around the table. Jamie and Isaiah set out all the toppings and shells needed for people to make their own burritos. The twins and Sitka already had theirs made. They'd had difficulty stuffing so much inside, and all three had needed more than one shell.

Diesel sat in the chair next to mine like he was expecting the legs to give out under him. The prospect of my sabotaging his chair out of anger wasn't so off-base, but I couldn't argue we should be near each other always and then refuse to be near him.

That was just hypocritical.

Besides, he hadn't chased after me in the ballroom this morning, and by now, he must really miss me.

When the chair held, Diesel sighed with relief, checked my plate to make sure I'd put food on it, and then got started on his own.

A true professional, he recognized the folly of one huge burrito and made three large ones instead. The pack as a whole could eat, and none of them was all that shy about it. I'd helped Siobhan care for the children one day and, during a single conversation, watched her polish off a sleeve of macarons, after I'd witnessed her catch—and eat—an entire duck— as a wolf, of course.

It didn't take long for the bowls to empty, and with such an elaborate setup, there were stacks of dishes to wash. I'd already finished, and Diesel had a surprising two burritos left still, so I got to my feet and gathered the dishes that were already empty.

The kitchen was a disaster. Every vegetable must've gotten its own cutting board. The stovetop was piled high with dirty pots. One was still on, frying a crisp layer of refried beans to the inside. Amid it all, shredded lettuce was scattered atop the counters like Christmas tinsel. I dropped my haul on the counter next to the sink and returned to the meeting room for another round.

Jamie met me at the door with his own stack.

"Don't worry," I said. "I can do these. You already washed dishes after breakfast." I'd feel better getting lost in a mindless task anyway—instead of spending that time dwelling on Diesel.

"Should you be doing strenuous chores for the next two weeks?" Storri asked, sitting closest, his face wrinkled with worry.

"You all realize pregnant people can do almost everything not-pregnant people can do?" Hallie called out from the other end of the table.

Dr. Tiff snorted into her tea. "She's right. There's no reason Quinlan can't do dishes if he wants." She didn't sound like she knew why I'd want something like that. The doc wasn't big on housework, but she was an amazing doctor, so it all worked out.

With verbal permission from the woman who would know best, I continued stacking dishes, feeling Diesel's eyes on me the entire time. He didn't say anything as he ate and tracked me.

I was elbow-deep in soapy water when I felt him approach from behind. He was still feet from me, but close enough to feel that heat. My anger for him had died out before lunch—before I left the ballroom, if I was being honest. But now, I was just hurt, and that felt so much worse. I'd rather mask it in anger.

"Do you need help?" he asked softly, setting his dish down on the counter.

"I'm fine, thank you." I pulled my eyes away from him with a silent eye pop. He was a gorgeous man; it would be hard for anyone to look away. I