“Why would you bring me here?”
He tilted his head. “I almost didn’t. Then I considered blindfolding you.”
“Blindfolding!” I exclaimed. I didn’t bother to tell him I hadn’t paid one ounce of attention as he drove here. I had no clue what part of the city we were in.
He hummed and reached across the seat, brushing the backs of his fingers against my cheek. “But I didn’t want to cover up such beautiful eyes.”
No one’s ever called me beautiful before.Completely tongue-tied, I could do nothing but stare.
“I didn’t think it was possible.” He went on almost as though he were talking to himself.
“What?”
“For someone as innocent as you to exist.”
“I’m not innocent,” I protested.
“Harmless.” He hummed, and I would have been completely offended if he didn’t seem utterly charmed. “Only a hazard to himself.”
I scowled.
“I know what I want.” He was bold. It seemed he never got nervous or anxious.
Swallowing thickly, I nodded, ready to fulfill my promise.
Pocketing the keys, Kieran left the car and walked around the back. As he did, the overhead light went off, and the SUV was even darker than before. Seconds later, the passenger door opened, and he filled the space.
“I want you to let me take care of you tonight, little hazard. I want to make sure you’re safe.”
Safe.
The word—the idea of what he suggested—made me ache.
When you live in survival mode, safety is a luxury you can’t afford.
“Let me watch over you tonight,” he implored, shifting a little closer. “I already promised the hospital I would.”
And what about tomorrow?my heart whispered, already wanting more.
Tomorrow was a mere possibility, but tonight was a promise, so I agreed.
CHAPTER
SIX
Kieran
Iwas a hitman for hire. A killer on the loose. I ended lives. Never saved them. I learned many years ago that snuffing out the rotten was much easier than trying to protect the innocent.
You know why?
Innocence—pure good—is harder to find than rot.
And then, surprisingly, it was there, disguised behind a desperate proposition and two-toned eyes. The war-torn cynic in me whispered that this had to be some kind of scam, but still, I couldn’t resist his pull.
And for the first time in my adult life, I wanted to protect someone instead of kill them. I wasn’t good at keeping things alive. The fading plants on my windowsill were proof. My skill set was much more suited to elimination, and I knew it was better if I just stuck with what I knew.
He will only disappoint you.
