“Yeah, those two morons decided they were gonna lift cash from the fights. Trent’s mark was in the process when all hell broke loose. My guess, Kenzie was there to play decoy. By the way, your girl royally sucks at the part.”
“Oh fuck.” Dante was not someone to be associated with or crossed. The Garrison brothers hadn’t dealt with him, and up until now, there was never a need. They had their share of sketchy associates but Dante went beyond the average thug. Illegal fights were just the tip of the activity men like Dante dipped their hands into. Drug dealing, murder for hire, the list went on.
Stone snorted in disgust. “Yeah, now they got us linked to these two, and if we don’t find them before Dante’s crew, it’s over for them.”
Bogs sighed. “I got Kenzie.”
“You got her?”
“Yeah. Look, meet me at the south end in five. I think there’s an exit. Park a hundred yards away. I’ll look for you.”
“Got it. You call if you run into trouble, ya hear me, Bogs? No fucking hero shit.”
Bogs laughed without a trace of humor. “Not looking to be a hero, man, just looking to be alive.”
He clicked the phone and untangled Kenzie from his hold. She made it difficult, clinging onto him, but he managed to step away without releasing her hand tightly clasped in his. He inched forward, surveying their surroundings. He knew there’d be people in the park. Drug dealers, the homeless, and God only knew who else. He just needed to keep them from being seen by anyone paid off to inform.
His arm was pulled back and he stopped.
“Is she okay?”
Bogs rarely lost his temper but her inquiry set him off. She was so concerned for her friend that got her into this damn mess. Where the hell was her self-preservation? Maybe at another time he could appreciate, hell, he might even admire, her loyalty. Now was not that time.
He leaned closer and he could see the fear cross over her face. “You think she’s worried about you right now? She’s not, she’s too busy saving her own ass to worry about yours. Now, get your head straight. This shit storm just started, and if we don’t get outta here, I’m pretty fucking positive you’re not gonna like the end result.” He tugged her into him. She fell forward and her small hand landed on his chest.
“How about you show a little concern for the guy who is out here risking his life to save your ass?”
Her mouth opened and closed twice. She looked stunned, which was almost comical. He would have laughed if not for the tears forming in her eyes.Ah, fuck me. He tightened his hold on her hand and rested his other over her back. If this wasn’t the most fucked up situation... He’d been hot for this girl for the past week and he finally got her in his arms and she was a blubbering, sobbing, scared shitless mess.
He caressed her back and felt her cheek lean against his chest. It struck him as odd how easily she fit into the curve of his body.Perfect.
“I’m sorry,” she muttered.
He didn’t say another word. What could he say? His handmoved over her back down to her waist. He felt the top edge of her phone in her back pocket. There was no way she would give it up if he asked. He had the feeling, given the first opportunity, she would reach out to Taylor. That couldn’t happen. He hugged her into his body and lowered his mouth to her ear.
“Look at me.” As she shifted and glanced up, he took advantage of her moving and pinched the edge of her phone between his fingers and lifted it out of her pocket. “Stay with me, okay?”
She nodded. The tight strain of her features was an indication she would do pretty much anything he said at this point. He smiled and gripped her hand. They slowly exited the tunnel. There’s wasn’t anyone around that he could see. If they cut straight through the center of the park, he’d be at the south end in minutes. Unfortunately, that would put them in the open. Instead he stayed close to the bushes and trees outlining the park. The voices in the distance kept him on high alert. The last thing he needed was any more surprises tonight. They passed a man sleeping on the bench. Bogs pulled Kenzie into his side, curving her under his arm and picking up the pace as they got close to the meeting spot. He spotted the black truck and shifted into the bushes pulling Kenzie with him. The iron fence separated them from their getaway.
“I’m gonna lift you up and I need you to climb over.” He took her face in his hands. “Do not run, ya hear me?”
She looked at the fence wide eyed. “Why can’t we just leave through the opening?”
“Because if someone is watching, they expect us to come out that way. Not gonna be sabotaged. Now, c’mon.”
He reached for her hips. She grasped his hands looking over her shoulder at the fence. “Um…I don’t know,” she stuttered. She jerked her head back, fear casting over her face.
“It’s really simple, I lift you up, you grab onto the top rail, swing your leg over, and climb down the other side.”
“What if I fall?”
Bogs eyes darkened. “Well, then you fall. Most likely end up with a bruise on your ass. Considering your other option is a bullet to the brain, I’d say ya give the fence a shot.”
She drew in a breath, nodding vigorously her eyebrows reaching her hairline. “Yeah, I’ll go over the fence.”
Bogs smirked while he lifted her. “Smart choice, pretty girl.” Her body trembled in his hold. He kept her steady without much effort. She wavered grasping onto the top. He hoisted her higher as she swung one leg over and then the other. She eased onto her feet and looked down the dark street.
“How are you gonna get over?” she asked.
