Total pages in book: 83
Estimated words: 78631 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 393(@200wpm)___ 315(@250wpm)___ 262(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 78631 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 393(@200wpm)___ 315(@250wpm)___ 262(@300wpm)
Zeph was waiting as soon as they slipped through the door. “Glad you’re out in one piece. Security says the cops are on their way.”
He handed the older man another fifty. “You’ve been gold.”
“I didn’t think the boss lady was going to show up.”
“That makes two of us. Any idea why she’s here?”
“Nope. She just went in. I let you know as quickly as I could.”
“Appreciate it.”
Zeph nodded and handed back the money. “Keep this. I just hope you find whoever took those girls. Go!”
Nash wanted to argue, but sirens started wailing in the distance, so they dashed around the building and across the street, running full sprint until they ducked behind the old brick buildings erected in the downtown area’s heyday, then huffed-and-puffed their way to his motorcycle.
He willed his adrenaline to take a back seat to urgency and unlocked his saddlebags before tossing a helmet her way. “Put it on.”
Thankfully, he didn’t have to ask her twice or give her any other instruction. He hopped on as he secured his chin strap, then revved the engine. Haisley was already behind him, clutching his middle tight. He was ridiculously grateful not just because she kept him warmer in the winter chill, but her body temperature and grip assured him she was okay and with him. Her exhalations on his back as he eased out of the parking lot and onto the street before flipping on his headlight reminded him that she was alive and vital.
He’d risked her too much.
His head spun as he raced through the dark, nearly empty streets. Her place was closer than his. And he’d rather have her in his space where he could watch over her. Protect her. But she’d only balk if he took her to his home. And fighting wasn’t what he wanted to do with her.
Fear, adrenaline, and need all pounded through his veins, scorching his insides. His cock was hard as concrete and throbbed for action. He had to calm the fuck down. But that wasn’t going to happen until he got alone and took himself in hand. Haisley wanted “professional” from him, and he couldn’t trust himself around her until he bled off this surge of excess energy.
They reached her place without incident. He parked on her side yard and killed the engine. “Inside.”
“You okay?” she asked as she peeled off her helmet.
“Fine,” he lied as he stashed their brain buckets. It was taking every fucking ounce of his restraint not to push her against the wall and seize her soft mouth while he tore away her yoga pants, then plowed into her sweet cunt.
Her scowl clearly said she didn’t believe him. “If you say so. I got it from here. Let me know about the phone once you get it—”
“No.” He grabbed her by the arm and hauled her to her front door. “I’m going to go in and make sure that you’re alone and it’s safe. Then I’ll leave you. Don’t tell a soul you left your place tonight and don’t open the door for anyone.”
“What do you think could—”
“Happen?” He gestured impatiently until she unlocked the door. “Anything. The police could come. Mila and her gun could pay you a visit. Whoever’s behind the abductions might know we’re onto them.”
She let them in the front door, then pressed a hand to her chest. “Maybe you should stay.”
Was she trying to kill him? Or tempt him beyond what he could endure? “That’s a bad idea.”
“Wouldn’t I be safer with you?”
Jesus, did she not understand that he was hanging on by a thread? That his self-control was slipping, and the longer he stood near her, smelling the remnants of her fear tinged with her female musk, the more likely he’d lose his goddamn mind? “From a life-or-death perspective, yes.”
“Is there another perspective that would make me unsafe near you?”
“You ever spent time with anyone directly after a combat mission?” If she had, it wasn’t him. He’d always been careful not to bring his battle hangover to their bed because he’d never wanted to scare her.
“No. I don’t—”
“Understand?” He walked at her, his stare fierce. She backed away. Making herself his prey was the worst thing she could do now. His hunting instincts activated, adding to the electric fire ripping through his system. “I’m about two seconds from stripping you, penetrating you, and not letting you up until we’re both exhausted and sated.”
She gasped, her rosy lips parted, her big blue eyes searching him. She licked her lips as she retreated another step. Her back hit the wall. “Nash?”
“Let me check the fucking house. Then I’ll go.” Doing his best to ignore his screaming need to touch her, he pulled the SIG from his holster and scanned the dark foyer.
Behind him, she shut the front door and locked it. “Stay with me.”