“Killer,” she murmured.
“Brandi, what the hell are you doing here?” His tone wasn’t sharp, but there was an edge of exasperation beneath it.
She lifted her chin. “I wanted to know whatwas going on.”
Killer’s expression tightened.
“I wanted to make sure Tool wasn’t doing anything stupid,” she added.
“You need to leave before you’re seen,” he warned.
“Why?”
“It’s not just us tonight.” Killer glanced back toward the others. “The Road Devils are watching the Gypsy Kings now.”
Brandi’s stomach dropped.“Why?”
“Because he called them. To helprescueyou—and all the other old ladies.”
Brandi’s hands curled into fists on her lap. The conversation in her room had been more of a demand than a conversation. More of a lecture than a moment of concern.
Killer leaned in slightly, lowering his voice. “You being here, is only going to make things worse.” His gaze flicked past her, toward the line of bikes parked in darkness. “Go back to the B&B, Brandi.”
She hesitated.
“Text Tool in fifteen minutes,” he continued. “Tell him you’ll be waiting for him.”
Sheshouldargue. Sheshouldinsist on staying. But deep down, she knew Killer was right. Exhaling sharply, she nodded. “Thanks, Killer.”
Brandi watched him walk back towards the others before she leapt from the SUV. Brandi ran, her hair dampening from the misting rain, her feet barely touching the ground as she pushed toward one person. Tool.
“Shit!”Killer cursed, taking off after her.
Brandi ran, her heart pounding, her pulse roaring in her ears.
She didn’t care about the rain. She didn’t care about the stares.
She just needed to reach him.“Tool!”
Her voice cracked through the night, cutting through the thunder rolling in the distance.
Ahead of her, Tool turned, half-swiveling just as she reached him.
Killer was close behind, but he was too late.
Brandi crashed into Tool’s chest, and without hesitation, his arms came around her, sweeping her off the ground. For the first time in what felt like forever, she exhaled.
Her face pressed against his neck, her fingers curling into the back of his shirt. “I’m sorry,” she whispered, the words raw. “I didn’t mean what I said.”
Tool’s grip tightened.“Shhh,I meant what I said.”
He set her down, but his hands remained firm on her waist, keeping her close.
“You and I have lots to figure out.” His voice was steady, his dark eyes locked onto hers. “You calling me a coward a few days ago, wasn’t far off the mark. I’ve been acting like one when it came to us. But, when we get back to Lampsing, all that’s changing.”
She swallowed past the lump in her throat. “Thenplease—don’t go in there.”
His face softened for just a second. Then, just as quickly, it was gone.
