A deep chuckle comes from behind me, sending a shiver down my spine as goosebumps pebble my arms.Fuck, he sounds so good when he laughs.
“So youdofind me attractive, then? You just don't want to admit it.” He observes as I grab a pink hat off a rack and stack it on top of my growing pile.
I head for the coolers and pick the most expensive energy drink I can. “Never said that.”
“You didn't have to, Sunshine.”
Again with that damn nickname.
Awareness tingles across my neck, and I swear I feel hisbreath on the nape before I force myself to walk ahead.
“Are you planning to buy the whole store?” Rowan calls after me as I pass another aisle. “Breaking my bank is going to be much harder than buying a few cheap souvenirs and candy, Addison.”
“My name is Rowan, and I probably rob orphanages for quick cash.” I mock quietly with an eye roll as I round another aisle. I notice the three men huddling together on the other end of the shelves and stop in my tracks as I pick up on their conversation.
“She’s traveling with the leader of the Midwestern branch. This shit isn't what I signed up for.” The tallest one shakes his head, taking off his Stetson hat before scratching at his thick curls.
The man to his right slaps his shoulder hard, a smirk tugging at his lips. He looks conniving in his intensity. Dark eyes sparkle with mischief as he reassures the other two men. “Relax! How bad could this guy be?”
The third man, the shortest of the bunch, shakes his head. He’s older, with salt-and-pepper hair that flops into his eyes. “You boys haven't met Rowan Kingsley, and it shows. There’s a reason they call him Silent. You see him before you hear him.”
I’m totally invested in the conversation despite my heart thundering like a drum in my chest. These men know Rowan, and I’m more than confused at everything they’ve mentioned.
Midwestern branch?
Why does the tall guy seem so hesitant about following us?
The older man seems to know something I don’t about my travel companion.
A hand reaches out, clamping over my mouth as I’m dragged around the aisle and held tightly to a solid chest. I’m out of sight now, and gaze up into Rowan’s hard features as he scans over the aisle. “Whatthe Fuck, Addison?” He hisses, keeping his eyes on the men from his vantage point.
I elbow his side, breaking free of his hold. “What? Ididn't know!”
He keeps his eyes trained on them as they wander around the store. “Let’s just wait them out.”
I stand beside him, my items overflowing my arms as he moves me from aisle to aisle. Time passes, and I begin to grow bored of hiding as the three country bumpkins following us seem to finally give up with their search. They head for the doors, talking as they point out Rowan’s truck in the parking lot.
“Don’t fucking do it,” Rowan groans as we watch one of the guys drop under the hood and cut something below the vehicle.
I pat his shoulder. “It’s probably something that can be easily replaced.”
“That’s not what I’m worried about,” he says. “We need new transportation. They know my truck.”
I snort. “So, what? Do we go to a car dealership?”
“Not exactly.”
My brows knit as I stare at him. “Rowan, are you going to steal a truck?”
“Absolutely.” He peers around the parking lot as my mouth hangs open in shock.
“You can't be serious,” I mumble.
“They’re leaving. Let’s pay for your stuff, then I need you to distract everyone while I get our ride.” He instructs as if it’s the easiest thing in the world.
I slap a hand over his chest, halting him before he can enact this crazy plan. “Hold on! I’m not stealing a car!”
He grabs my wrist and holds it up. “You’renot stealing anything. I am. Now let’s pay for all of the useless junk you seem to need to spite me, and then you can work on your distraction.”
