Ride With Me (Paige and Jace) novel Chapter 296

CHAPTER 167-T

Diesel’s growl continued, and I watched the stranger standing just inside the entrance while every instinct in my body told me something was wrong.

The man looked completely ordinary, because he wore jeans, a dark jacket, and work boots, while his motorcycle looked like the kind of bike we serviced every day.

Still, Diesel did not seem convinced.

The dog moved closer to the entrance, his body stiff and his eyes fixed on the stranger.

“Diesel, come here.” I said and he glanced at me but did not move.

The stranger gave me an uncomfortable smile.

“Is he always like this?” He asked.

“No. He usually likes people.” I said, keeping my eyes on him and the man’s smile disappeared.

“I was hoping you could service my bike.” He said as I glanced toward the motorcycle parked outside.

“What kind of service?” I asked.

“Basic service, mostly. Oil change, brakes, inspection, and whatever else you notice.” He said.

“That sounds straightforward.” I said.

“I was told this was the best place around.” He said and I smiled politely.

“We can take a look.” I said as Diesel growled again and the stranger looked toward him.

“Your dog really doesn’t like me.” He said.

“He seems to have made up his mind.” I said and the man laughed awkwardly.

“Dogs can be strange.” He said.

“They can.” I said as I gestured toward the waiting area.

“You can bring the paperwork inside, and we can get your information started.” I said.

He walked toward the counter, but Diesel moved with him, keeping several feet between them.

I noticed the man’s eyes flick toward the dog before returning to me.

“What is his name?” The man asked.

“Diesel.” I said.

“Friendly name.” He said.

“He usually lives up to it.” I said.

The man gave another uncomfortable smile, and Mia approached with a clipboard.

CHAPTER 16.

“Name?” She asked.

“Mark.” He said.

“Last name?” She asked.

“Ellison.” He said as Mia wrote it down.

“Phone number?” She asked.

He gave her the number, and she continued filling out the form.

I looked outside at his motorcycle and there was nothing unusual about it at first glance, but something

about the man still bothered me.

Maybe it was Diesel.

4

Maybe it was the way the customer kept looking around the workshop. Or maybe it was simply everything that had happened recently.

After Victor’s threats, I had stopped assuming strangers were harmless.

“Can you tell me when you need the bike back?” Mark asked.

“We should be able to inspect it first. Once we know what it needs, we can give you an estimate.” I said.

“That works.” He said.

He turned toward the door, but Diesel stepped into his path and growled again and Mark stopped.

“Seriously?” Mark asked.

“Diesel.” I said firmly.

This time, he moved beside me, but his eyes remained locked on Mark and the customer glanced at me.

“Maybe I should leave him outside.” I said.

“That might be easier.” Mia said as he nodded before walking back toward his motorcycle.

I waited until he was outside before looking at Mia.

“What do you think?” I asked as she lowered her voice.

“I think Diesel knows something.” She said.

“That’s what I am thinking.” I said and Mia glanced toward the parking lot.

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify