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muttered. An uneasy feeling swept over her when one of the men looked their way.
    She glanced back after they’d pulled onto the highway and saw Von Calder watching her. The others seemed uninterested, much to her relief. The way Von’s gaze closed the distance between them felt disconcerting. She shook off the unnerving effect he had on her and turned her focus toward the road. They opened to full throttle and before long, the group of Black Pythons faded into the distance of her side-view mirror.
    A breaking dawn dispelled the eeriness of the previous night as she and Hatch rolled into LA. They picked up the interstate leading up the coast while enjoying a glorious sunrise over the Pacific Ocean. Fresh salt air breezed in off the tumbling waters, sending a rush of exhilaration over Flame. We finally made it! She drew a deep breath and smiled as her gaze drifted over the sparkling blue waters and frolicking waves.
     
    They arrived at Raef’s beachfront home about an hour after sunrise.
    “Hatch…Flame!” Raef greeted as they came through the door of his luxurious home. He stood tall over her, just a little taller than Hatch. He lifted her off the floor and hugged her tightly. “How’s our feisty little warrior? I’ve missed you.”
    “A little tired, but otherwise good.” She hugged him back, despite Hatch’s ever-watchful eyes. “The West Coast is beautiful just like I imagined. I’m so glad to be here.” She drew back so that their eyes met. “How are you, my friend?”
    “Better now .”
    They stared at each other for a few intense moments, lingering in that affectionate embrace. He smelled amazing and his sun-blond hair felt like silk against her cheek. An intriguing light shone in his vivid blue eyes, drawing her in. The sudden urge to kiss him took her by surprise. Their lips were dangerously close. She eased from his arms and prayed nobody saw the heat flooding her cheeks. Raef seemed to pick up the vibes instantly and she felt his, too.
    He gave her a playful wink. “C’mon into the main room, the rest of the band and their wives are here. Even Ian dragged his sorry ass out of bed in the light of day to come say hello.”
    Flame laughed, knowing now that Ian was a nightrider like her. “I’m flattered, but I’m sure they’re here to see Hatch. I don’t know them very well.”
    “With the tour finished, you’ll have plenty of time to get acquainted with everyone.”
    Hatch wrapped a shielding arm around her shoulders, gently pulling her to his side. “We won’t be staying that long. Flame needed to visit her village and she wanted to see the West Coast. A few days rest and we’ll be flying back to New York for the season.”
    “Why in such a hurry?” Raef frowned. “Maybe consider hanging out here this year and giving Flame a new experience. She might enjoy sunshine and warm weather over the holidays for a change.”
    Flame looked up at Hatch with hopeful eyes. “I’ve never been this far west. The east is so cold and dreary over the winter months. A change would be nice. I could really use some time away to put all that madness behind me.”
    “Not this time, babe.” He shook his head. “You can’t get over the past by running from it. I’m all you need to conquer the demons that haunt you. New York is my home. If we are to marry, I’d like to feel confident that you are comfortable living there.”
    “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to offend. It’s just that New York has many bad memories for me that have not yet faded. I’m not very fond of its neighbor, PA, either.”
    Hatch refused to yield. “That’s exactly why we need to create good memories, love, to erase those traumatic events which took place back east. You’re in good hands. You trust me, don’t you?”
    “Of course. As I said, I did not mean to insult you or sound ungrateful. Your apartment is incredible.”
    Raef’s gaze shifted between them. Flame caught the look of concern in his sincere eyes. She, too,