He moved. Fast. He dodged them both, and they slammed into the wall.
Dammit.
He charged. I swung my hand in a deadly chop, but he blocked it. I attacked again.
We moved across the bar, trading blows in a dangerous dance. I kicked and he blocked. I punched and he deflected.
I grabbed a stool and tossed it at him. He kicked it away. There was a sharp, cracking sound as the wood broke.
“I had a good reason to kill him, Lark.”
My chest tightened. I growled and leaped at him.
I’d break his neck.
But again, he caught me. This time, powerful arms wrapped around me. I fought like a wildcat. Far too easily, he subdued me.
No. Frustration hit me.
I always had to work harder to compensate for my smaller size and strength. Bastian took two steps, with me wriggling and kicking.
His arms tightened. I was trapped against his hard chest. His scent engulfed me—expensive notes of wood and spice.
Then he slid down the front of the bar, sitting on the floor with me in his arms. I went crazy trying to break free.
“Stop fighting. Just listen.” His lips were right near my ear.
I heard the edge of frustration in his voice. “No!” I twisted violently.
But he kept me pinned against him, one hand in my hair.
“I miss him, too.”
I stilled.
“He was the only father I ever knew.” Bastian let out a long sigh. “I know he had so many shades of gray. Anyone in our line of work does.” He paused. “But I…I uncovered a streak of pure darkness, Lark.”
No. No. My heart started pounding, the sound filling my ears. I didn’t want to hear this.
Ed Galloway saved me.
I exploded into action, scratching at Bastian’s face. There was no finesse, no thinking, just panic.
“Lark—” Bastian threw a hand up to protect his face, then he shifted, trying to keep a hold of me.
I broke free and rolled backward.
Our gazes met for a second.
Then I did something I didn’t usually do unless it was my last resort.
I turned, snatched my knives from the wall, and ran.
CHAPTER 5
BASTIAN
Imoved along the row of seats, then sat down beside Landon.
