“Good thing it comes free of charge, then, viper.”
She growls something under her breath. Shehatesthat nickname.
“Enough,” the fallen guard interrupts, pulling his companion away. “Ace will get the contract tomorrow. Don’t start shit now before she has a chance to consider.”Contract?
His friend pauses. The indecision to leave or to fight wars behind his eyes. I make it easy for him, clicking the safety off and grin.
Unfortunately, he’s too smart and ducks inside without another glance.
“Thanks,” Collins says snidely. “I really needed that after my night.”
I gesture with my gun before putting it away. “What was that about?”
She ignores me, turning back to her sedan.
She’s not getting out of this so easily.
Grabbing her wrist, I spin her to face me. “Collins, answer me. What the fuck was that about? Are you fucking Roman?”
Because that’s the only logical reason for all of this. Why else would he care about loyalty, about good,behaved women?
I ignore the twitch in my gut that Roman is screwing Collins. If I think too hard about it, I’ll vomit.
“What? No.” Her lips twist. “Gross. Nothing like that.”
My chest deflates. Thank fuck.
“Then, what?” I press, encroaching her against the car. “Roman just happens to have his guards throw you out? Telling you to behave? For what, viper?”
“They weren’t throwing me out.”
“Fine.Escorting.”She always has to correct me.
I step closer still, chest brushing and I inhale her sweet perfume—like a stroll through the streets of Paris in the height of springtime. “Why, viper? What did Bruno want?”
“Jesus, I don’t need this right now.” She seethes, waving me off. She darts away, taking off before I can grab her. “I haveenough to worry about without your fucking third degree, and I’m already late getting home.”
Running after her, I sidestep her exit. “Then you can come home with me. Just like old times.”
Days when I was her bodyguard, her ride, her only means of protection.
If Bruno is sniffing around, then she needs all the protection she can get.
Collins bristles, hating the idea of being close to me on the bike. “Because that won’t be suspicious? We didn’t leave together.”
“How is this any different than picking you up from school?” I lead her over to the bike, even as her feet drag. “Want to stop for ice cream? That used to cheer you up.”
“Fuck you, Hayes.”
I can’t help but laugh, throwing my only helmet at her. “No? Maybe you can tell me what the fuck is going on then. Because messing with Bruno is one sure way to piss your sister off.”
“Jesus,” she curses, lean arms catching the helmet, glaring at me. Another flash of silver. Oh, she’s very mad tonight, a hissing cat ready to claw my eyes out. “I get it, alright. The clan—Maeve, all come first. I don’t plan on pissing her off.” She rolls her eyes, slamming the helmet on.
When she misses putting the strap together, I grab the edge, pulling her close, visor still open. The quick jerk brings our bodies flush and I bite back a groan. “You’re in rare form tonight. Do you need something to take the edge off your latest performance?” I adjust the strap, pulling tight. “All that build up, dancing on stage, feeling the hormones. You’re probably feeling needy. You know, I’m always willing to help out.” She thinks I just say shit but she doesn’t know how willing I am.
She yanks away, feet tripping in the gravel. “God, you’re disgusting. I wouldn’t touch you with a ten-foot pole.”
I wink. “Good thing that’s the length of my cock.” Her cheeks darken and those eyes flash again.God, it’s so easy to get under her skin.I have a damn death wish to do it so often. “C’mon, viper, get on the bike.” I tug her by the thin tank. She’s not dressed for a bike ride. She’ll freeze right off.
