Total pages in book: 23
Estimated words: 21169 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 106(@200wpm)___ 85(@250wpm)___ 71(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 21169 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 106(@200wpm)___ 85(@250wpm)___ 71(@300wpm)
“Fine, but you’re gonna have to fess up sometime.”
The parking lot is empty this time of day. The afternoon rush has passed, and only a few cars from the late leavers remain. Unluckily for us, one of those cars belongs to Damien Murray. Seeing how we share some of the same classes, it makes sense that he’d still be here. But what puts me on edge is that this time he’s parked much closer to Lucy’s car, and he and his pack of hoodlums are hovering outside it instead of leaving.
“When am I gonna meet him?” Lucy asks, oblivious to what’s happening behind her.
“Soon, I promise. I just wanna bask in the glow of having him to myself a little longer first,” I say, trying to keep my voice steady. It could be nothing, right? They’re just chatting before they go home.
That dream is dashed when they notice us walking up. Damien nods in our direction, and starts walking over to us.
Fuck. They probably noticed it was Lucy’s car and waited for us.
Noticing my discomfort, Lucy looks over her shoulder to see Damien and the other three coming toward us.
“Not today, boys,” Lucy says long before they get anywhere close.
It doesn’t deter them. They continue walking until they’re on us. Two in front, two behind.
My heart starts pounding in my chest, and I get the feeling that this is going to end very badly. My first instinct is to call Rex, but it’s too late now. If I reach into my bag, they might make a move. And I’d prefer to get out of this unharmed if I can.
“Ladies, looking sexy as ever,” Damien’s the first to speak. “Dylan here,” he pats a tall, lanky guy on the shoulder. “Is throwing a party tonight. And I wanted to extend your invites personally.”
He’s all smiles, playing polite. But his eyes tell a different story. They’re filled with malice and ill intent.
“Like I said, we’re not interested,” Lucy speaks. I don’t know where she finds the strength to stand up to them.
“And if I said it’s mandatory?” Damien’s face hardens and he shoves a hand into his pocket.
Seeing it makes me scared for the first time in weeks.
And all I can do is pray that this doesn’t go where I think it will.
9
REX
Rushing out this morning had nothing to do with working late. Well, not really. I did go to my office, catch up with my team, and scan some of their reports. But I had to be in and out in a couple of hours if I wanted to get back to Hailey on time. If last night did anything other than bring us closer, it strengthened my need to watch over her. Protect her from invisible threats.
And today, it seems, my ever-watchful eye is paying off.
I spotted them before Hailey made it to the parking lot. They were parked far off in the distance and made a point to park close to her friend’s car. By the time they started walking over to Hailey, I was halfway across the street, making it close enough to hear his final threat before he delivered it.
Too scared of the men in front of her, Hailey hasn’t noticed my approach. I’d give anything for her to look over, see me, and know she was safe. But there’s more ways to skin a cat.
“These guys giving you trouble, Hailey?” I say, stepping up behind the one who spoke to her. Her eyes snap up to meet mine, an easy task when I tower over the guy.
The guy’s body goes rigid with fright hearing my voice so close behind. Oh, to be young and dumb again. Feeling on top of the world. Oblivious to encroaching threats. If you couldn’t tell, that was sarcasm. Army life taught me many good lessons, but one of the best was to keep my head on a swivel.
There’s no telling what kind of monster is lurking just around the corner.
“Rex? You’re here?” Relief washes over Hailey’s face. Lucy’s too, though her wide-eyed stare might be directed at the sheer size of me.
“I am, Kitten. Now, I asked you something. Are these guys bothering you?” I ask sternly. I want her to say yes and give me a reason to leave these guys in a puddle of their own piss.
I plan on doing it regardless, but I wouldn’t mind the nod of approval beforehand.
The guy turns around to look at me, and shudders all over again, realizing what hell he just walked into.
“No, sir, we’re not—” My hand shoots up from my side and I grab him by the face to shut him up.
“You’ll get your turn, until then, shut the fuck up.” I squeeze, hard, feeling his cheeks contort in ways they weren’t meant to.
Hailey can’t answer me with words. Might be nerves caused by what could’ve happened had I not suddenly shown up here, or maybe the excitement of seeing me unexpectedly. Either way, she nods in response to my question.