Men always leave. Except, apparently, Jaeger.
He came back.
The steps outside the door creak. “Did everything go okay?” I ask without opening my eyes.
“It most certainly did not,” a peevish voice answers.
My eyes fly open. Mr. Wilson, our creepy landlord, stands over me. His BO hits me as he leans down, scowling. “Is your sister going on a trip? You both owe me back rent.”
Great. Here’s another one of my problems, now moved to the top of the list. “I’ll get it to you,” I lie. I’m a sitting duck in this apartment. As soon as I can, I’m going to run. Get to an ATM and get out as much cash as I can. I’ll find a by-the-week hotel room, pay with cash, and lie low.
I’ve spent my life running from my problems, so why stop now?
“You said that last week.” He steps closer, and his stench wafts over with me, making me gag. “There’ve been a lotta men lurking around here. Asking ’bout you both. They don’t seem very nice. I try to protect my renters—” He’s lying. He’d sell out his grandmother to save his own skin. “But they look dangerous. I’ll have to tell them everything I know unless you make it worth my while.”
I’m too tense to breathe. As threats go, this is a good one. He could spill everything to the loan shark’s thugs, and they could intercept Margot and the kids before she has time to get out of the city.
Godsdamn this man. He’s a loser who preys on people weaker than him. When there’s blood in the water, even the bottom feeders swarm to get their pound of flesh.
“I don’t have any cash on me.” I raise my empty hands.
He shrugs. “We could figure something out.” He’s close enough that I can see the old stains on his faded black pants. “Your sister is the pretty one,” he says with a leer. “But you work at that mob club, right? I bet you suck dick real good.” His hands go to his zipper, and I cringe back, averting my head to avoid smelling his stench and seeing the contents of his pants.
A shadow falls over us both. “Get away from her,” Jaeger rumbles softly. Mr. Wilson doesn’t have time to look up from his half-opened pants before Jaeger grabs his shirt and sends him flying across the room.
I clap my hands over my mouth. I didn’t even hear Jaeger come up the stairs. He’s stealthier than a man of his size has any right to be. I’ll have to remember that.
Mr. Wilson staggers to his feet. His pants are now at his ankles, and I try not to look too closely. At least he’s wearing boxers.
“Who are you?” He gapes at Jaeger.
“You don’t want to know.” Jaeger clamps a hand on the back of his neck and sends him careening toward the door. “You’re no longer welcome here.”
Mr. Wilson is stupider than I thought because he hits the door jamb and stands his ground. “It’s my building. I have rights! She owes me rent.”
Faster than I can follow, Jaeger shoots forward. The next thing I know, Mr. Wilson is falling into the hall, his mouth full of bills.
“There.” Jaeger kicks at a fallen wad of cash. “That should cover it. And spread the word: Elodie and her family are under my protection.”
Mr. Wilson sputters, spraying cash, and Jaeger shuts the door in his face.
I still have my hands over my mouth, panting like I’ve run up ten flights of stairs. I know Jaeger is violent, but watching it unfold before my eyes is another story.
And now I’m alone with him. What is happening? Why is he here?
Why am I under his protection?
Slowly, Jaeger swivels to face me. His face is blank and scary. I know he won’t hurt me, but he’s intimidating as hell right now. He moves closer, blocking the weak light streaming through the window, and his shadow swallows me whole.
“Now, bunny,” he says in a soft voice that sends chills up and down my arms. “You’re going to explain to me what’s going on.”
5
Jaeger
She stares up at me,her freckled face so young in the morning light. It’s all I can do not to drop to the couch and pull her in my arms to assure her that everything will be okay. But I’m still filled with rage after dealing with the sleazy landlord. I don’t dare touch her in case the beast breaks free. I’ve spent my life on edge, ready to fight, and she’s a tiny, fragile creature. I won’t risk hurting her.
“I can explain.” She hesitates. “Did Margot get a cab?” Even helpless and in pain, she’s so focused on helping others.
