Stone gritted his teeth. “Right before she kicked me in the nuts.”
The truck was silent and he turned back around. Bogs’ body jolted and shook. She looked over. His elbow rested on the door with his hand covering his mouth. Even through the dark, she could see his face. His lips were pressedtogether but not in anger. He was trying not to laugh. He thought this was funny?
His gaze shifted to her and something set him off. He burst out laughing. Not a snicker or a chuckle. It was a complete hearty, loud laugh that echoed through the truck. The last thing she should have done was smile, but she couldn’t help it, his laugh was contagious.
Movement from the front caught her attention and her smile immediately faltered. Stone was staring back at her. A wave of fear trickled up her spine. She tightened her grip on Bogs. It was ridiculous to think he would do anything to save her from the man who looked like he wanted to pay her back by slamming her face into a brick wall.
“Relax, bro, I’m sure it all works fine. No permanent damage, just put you outta commission for a day or two.” He chuckled. “When did you get them back anyway? Thought Sadie kept your balls on a tight leash.”
Bogs’ teasing was playful. There was no doubt these men were close.
“Fuck you, asshole.” His anger didn’t simmer. Bogs was playing but this guy was not. She took a deep breath.
“I’m sorry. I was scared and just reacted.”
Her apology did nothing to calm the situation. If anything, he appeared more incensed.
“I was trying to fucking help you. Get you the fuck out of there.”
Kenzie shrugged innocently. “I didn’t know, I’m sorry.” It was the truth.
“Fucking idiot.” His words were nasty. They were demeaning and her first instinct was to tell him to fuck off but she didn’t. She clamped her mouth shut and internally chewed him out.Screw you, jerk, I didn’t know you were trying to help, you just came at me. What do you expect, asshole? I hope your balls are bruised for a week.
“Back off, Stone. She said she was sorry, don’t be a dick.”All the playfulness was gone from Bogs’ tone. There was an edge of protectiveness Kenzie thought she heard. She gave Bogs’ profile a side glance. His brows furrowed and his jaw was clenched.
Stone’s face hardened and darkened a shade. “Don’t be a dick? You take a foot to the fucking balls and then you can talk shit, asshole. She fucking dropped me to the ground.”
“Are you shitting me?” Bogs turned to Kenzie. “You dropped Stone?” He laughed again, this time she refrained from joining him. “Need to put that shit on your resume, babe.” He winked. “It doesn’t happen often.”
“Bogs, I’m seconds from beating the piss out of you.”
“Is that even possible? Man, you need to be icing your balls, not trying to fight me.”
“Kicking your ass isn’t fighting.”
“Can you even fight with a faulty set?”
The car lunged forward and swerved to the right, sending her flying across his lap. The car came to an abrupt stop and she fell against Bogs’ chest. His arms covered her protectively.
The driver, T, turned around and pointed at them. “Shut the fuck up, all of you! It’s like fucking dealing with asshole kids. Shut the fuck up! One more word from any of you fuckers and I’m going beat the piss out of each one of you.” He glared at Kenzie and she sunk deeper in Bogs’ chest. “And I’m gonna start with you.”
She could feel her face pale. His eyes stayed locked on her. She nodded, acknowledging his threat. She swallowed and her body began to shake. It was uncontrollable, like being in a snowstorm with just a bikini. The best thing to do would be to look away but she couldn’t. Bogs’ arm wrapped around her tightly pulling her deeper into his chest as his hands caressed her back and arm. She could feel his breath in her hair. She was still shaking but not as harshly.
T’s eyes darted over her head then flicked back to her. Something had changed, a barely noticeable softening to his features. T retreated back into his seat and turned around.
He got what he wanted. No one spoken another word for the next twenty minutes. She remained snuggled against Bogs. The one time she shifted, thinking it was absurd to be hanging over this man, he tugged her closer, not letting go.
There was a deep sense of dread as they passed her exit on the highway. She knew it was a long shot they’d take her home and be done. Two exits later, they pulled off. She knew the area, but not well. Running was an option but she probably wouldn’t get too far. Where would she go anyway? They knew where she lived. She sighed, falling deeper into Bogs’ chest. His hand circled over her arm sending a shiver rippling through her body.
This guy. Why couldn’t she have met him on the street, in the grocery store? Hell, she would have paid for an online dating service, if it meant being matched with Bogs. Her luck with men sucked. They should be on a date, not in the back of some truck where she’d basically been taken hostage.
They made a right at the side street and pulled up in the back lot of a small building. The silence remained as they got out. She followed Bogs closely, the other two behind her. Once he unlocked the door, he gestured her in and flicked on the lights. They were in the hallway of what looked like an office.
“It’s our office,” he said, and she immediately looked up. She returned his smile and followed him in through the second door on the right.
“Have a seat. You want something to drink? Water?”
She shook her head and sat in the chair at an old conference table. The room consisted of furniture and a large filing cabinet. The bleak walls felt sterile and cold. She hugged her arms around her stomach.
