Phoenix glanced at the prone body at his feet. “Nah. He fainted. He’ll need a few stitches when he wakes up. We should get out of here before that happens.”
“I’m going to be in so much trouble with my boss,” she muttered.
“You knew them?”
“Yes. They’re part of the maintenance staff.”
“Ratting you out for being here with a tiger out of a cage would require them explaining they were stealing,” he pointed out.
She rubbed her face. “What a mess.”
“Only if we’re caught. I’m sorry. I never meant to cause trouble.”
“I know. This isn’t your fault.”
“I’ll make this right.”
“How?”
“I’ll figure something out. I won’t let anything happen to you.” A vehement promise.
Their gazes locked with an intensity that roused a part of him that really had shit timing.
She cleared her throat and turned her head. “You should get dressed.”
Probably, but he found himself instead tempted to say,Maybe you should get naked with me.
Not the time or place.
He slid into the overalls she’d found, the rough green fabric not exactly pleasant against his flesh but better than wandering around with his dick swinging. The rubber boots she’d set down when they entered fit snugly, but, again, better than his bare feet.
“Now what?” she asked as he knelt by the unconscious body, rummaging through pockets.
“We need to put some distance between us and this zoo.” He held up a key. “Let’s go find our ride.”
“You’re going to steal his car?” Her eyes widened.
“Yup. And before you ask, no, I don’t feel bad about it.”
Finally, her lips curved. “Oddly enough, neither do I. He would have done worse to me.”
The statement froze him. “What did he say to you?”
“It doesn’t matter now. Let’s go.” They exited the building, with Nadirah taking long strides and giving instruction. “If we encounter anyone, let me do the talking.”
“Think that other thief tattled to the security guard?”
“Doubtful, as he’d have to explain why he was in the zoo in the first place.”
“Unless he’s got a deal going with the security guard.”
Her lips pursed. “I hadn’t thought of that.”
“Where do you think they parked?”
“If they were brazen and working with the guard, then the parking lot.”
“Which way?”
