It's getting late.
I hate the idea of her out here alone in the dark.
Why the hell was she stupid enough to leave on her own? Doesn't she know how dangerous this place can be?
If she kept in this direction… dammit, Nikita.
I have no choice. Running back, I climb into the car again and start driving toward a small town—the closest placearound. It's a few hours' walk from here, but I don't want to underestimate her.
In some ways, I'd rather she found her way out there than get stuck or lost in the wild.
I drive like crazy and reach the town just before sunset.
Driving slowly along the streets, I keep my eyes peeled, searching every side road and storefront for her.
My heart flips when I see her through the dirty glass window of a small smoke-filled pub.
I park the car right there on the sidewalk, not caring if it's going to piss some small-town moron off. Running inside, I find Nikita at a bar, chatting up some random guy.
Curiosity gets the better of me, and I hang back to listen.
The guy is leaning against the bar, standing way too close to her.
"Please, if you could lend me your phone, or your car… I need help." She's flat out pleading with the guy. But instead of noticing her distress, the asshole is flirting with her.
"I'll take you anywhere you want to go, gorgeous. You can come stay at my place tonight, and then we can leave in the morning. I promise I'll keep you safe. I won't even try anything, but there's only one bed in my apartment."
My entire body goes rigid with anger.
Who the fuck does he think he is? He doesn't deserve a girl like Nikita. She's far too good for him. The fact that he's even trying has me wanting to rip his face off.
Nikita shakes her head. "I don't want to stay at your place. I just need a ride. Or if I can borrow your keys, then I can drive myself, and my brothers will get your car back to you."
"Oh, come on, baby. Just have a drink with me. You look like you could use one," he grins, reaching out to touch her face.
The moment his fingers brush over her skin, I leap into action.
"Get your fucking hands off her," I snarl, grabbing his wrist and pulling him so hard he stumbles away from the bar.
"Fuck off, asshole, I found her first," he shouts.
"Youfound her?"I growl. "She's not your fucking pet. You don't justfindher."
"Mind your own business," he snaps, taking a swing at me.
It's exactly what I was waiting for. Some half-assed attempt to come at me. It's all the spark I need to let loose on him.
My fingers knot around the collar of his jacket, and as I swing my fist, I drag him toward the punch. His head snaps back, and he groans as he staggers, blood gushing from his nose.
"What the fuck?" he yelps.
His eyes flood with rage as he runs toward me, ready to take me on.
But the asshole doesn't stand a chance. My second punch has him on the floor. And I don't stop there. This mother fucker thought he could steal my girl.Mygirl. He thought he could smooth his way into taking her home. Then what? His hands on her? His body against hers?
The images in my mind have me blinded with rage.
I barely hear her screams, but she grabs my arm and tries to physically stop me from punching him again. I pause, breathless, to look at her.
