Whoever was doing this, they were after Lark.
Hell, no.
Everything inside me locked tight. Thatwasn’thappening. I wasn’t letting this fucker near her.
“This isn’t a coincidence,” she murmured. “It’s my fault they’re dead.” Her face had turned impossibly pale. “He’s here for me.”
I spun and cupped her jaw. “Well, he can’t have you.”Because you’re mine.
I didn’t add that bit. I knew her. That sort of declaration would make her run.
I took out my phone and snapped a picture of the threat on the wall. “Come on.” I grabbed her hand. “We’re going to your apartment to get your stuff. You’re staying with me.”
“What?”
“It’s not safe, Lark. He knows you’re here. He’s hunting you. I can keep you safe.”
“Ican keep me safe.”
“Even the best assassins can stumble into an ambush.” I dragged in a deep breath, pushing away the images of her hurt and bleeding. “My place is more secure.”
She made a sound. “I attacked you in your penthouse, remember?”
“That security breach has been plugged.” Fear scraped my insides. There was no way I could leave her here alone, unprotected. “Please.”
Her gaze moved to my face. Then her nose wrinkled. “Fine.”
I pulled her closer and dropped a quick kiss to her lips. “Thank you.”
There was a faint blush on her cheeks, and I wondered if she was thinking about what I’d done to her in my kitchen.
What I wanted to do again very soon.
Now is not the time, Thorne.
Then she stiffened. “God, he could’ve gone into my apartment.” She shoved toward the front door.
“Wait. The cop is still out there.” I pulled her to a stop, then slipped my backpack off my shoulder. I saw curiosity spring to life on her face as she leaned over. I unzipped the bag and pulled out a dark windbreaker.
I held it up. Crime Scene Investigations was emblazoned on the back.
“This is the real deal,” she said. “Where did you get it?”
I shrugged the windbreaker on. “I keep a few things stashed for when I might need them. From the old days. Nash and the others have added to it.”
Her gaze narrowed. “You have a secret assassin stash of goodies under your casino.”
My lips twitched. “I do. It’s even kept in a secure vault.”
“Have you got weapons?”
“Yes. Including some knives I bet you’d like to get your hands on.”
She pressed her tongue to her bottom lip. “I want to see this secret vault.”
“If you’re very good, I might let you. Now, wait here. Slip out once I’ve got him distracted.”
She nodded.
