Page 45 of The Crowing of Hell
My eyes shot open in mortification.
“Do not be rude!” I chided Rooster, who laughed.
He began serving up pancakes and handed me a plate.
“The boys know the rules. If it’s not theirs, don’t touch. Do not leave Hellfire land. They are the main ones. The boys know the others,” Rooster replied. “They have them memorised, despite how many there are.”
“Okay. We’ll be fine,” I said.
“They have children’s dirt bikes, they can ride them, but not the ATVs. They’re too powerful for them, and after Brax put one in the stream, they’re not allowed them,” Rooster added.
“Helmets?”
“Yes, and they have full protective suits and boots. If they are going out, they wear them. Troy may come over as well. He’s got a bike and the gear, too,” Rooster said.
“That’s fine. And they have to stay within the compound?”
“Yes, and they all carry a walkie-talkie.”
“Great. Boys, I expect you back at one for lunch, okay?”
“Yep. Troy will come too,” Kit responded around amouthful of pancake.
“Not a problem, but if you’re late, you’ll get dry bread and water,” I warned.
Brax looked horrified. “Not me, Angel Kenny?”
“Yup, even you,” I replied.
Rooster laughed, and we finished our breakfast before he headed out. He dropped a light kiss on my lips. Rooster’s eyes said he wanted to do more, but he winked instead.
“Good things come to those who wait, woman. And I’ve waited a long time for you. I’m going to savour our courtship,” he stated and left.
And damn, if Rooster didn’t leave me craving more.
???
“They’ve behaved?” Rooster asked down the phone as I shut the barn’s door that the ATVs were kept in.
“Yeah, they’ve behaved impeccably.”
“Makes a change. I was sure they’d have been up to mischief by now,” Rooster replied.
“Nope, they went out on their bikes all dressed up safely and with helmets and the gas can,” I said.
“Can?”
“Yes, I guess they need it, as the bikes are kid’s bikes, and they might run out,” I responded.
“Kenny, they may be kids’ motorbikes, but they hold the same amount of gas as mine. Did they say anything else?” Rooster asked, alarmed.
Panic hit me as I realised what a mistake I’d made. Rooster had warned me they were demons withangelic faces. Shit!
“No!” I gasped, looking around.
“I’ll call the brothers. Those little fucks!” Rooster swore and hung up.
In the far distance, I spotted a rider, and I searched for a ride. Seeing an ATV, I headed for the key cupboard Kit had shown me and grabbed a set of keys. Praying they worked, I started the engine, and it roared to life. Without a second thought, I drove out in the direction I’d seen the lone rider. Hopefully, it was one of the boys.