“Stop that,” she giggled. Was it the wine or the excitement that made her like that? She only had the one glass, but she downed it pretty quickly. She didn’t act drunk. She acted happy.
So he did it again, not missing the lust in her eyes. Even her normal shyness was gone. It was like he could see straight into her soul now. Her want reflected his own. She was enjoying this little game of him trying to carry her. She was just playing hard to get. Wine caused or not, he could play this.
He started to go to the right knowing she’d go left and reached for her, but she was more slippery than he thought she’d be.
“You can’t catch me,” she taunted, her steps picking up.
He watched mesmerized as her hips swayed with her hastened steps. He could have easily caught her, but he was enjoying the view too much. Surprisingly he was enjoying the chase, too.
Normally he only chased down insurgents. This was much more fun. He kept a small space between them, giving her a false hope she was leading him. Every few steps she looked over her shoulder, making sure he was still there while trying to avoid running into people. He didn’t pay them any attention, for all he cared they were the only two people on the street.
Destiny squealed again when he lunged for her. They were only a block away from Carol’s condo. It was close enough to claim his plunder. He’d carry her to her car and give her a taste of what was to come when he got her in her home.
He preferred to make love to her in her house than his. Much more cozy.
As his fingers closed at the back of her dress, he saw a shadow move in front of them blocking the path. He instantly sensed a threat. Destiny came to screeching halt. Mike would have bowled her over if he hadn’t had such quick reflexes. He quickly pushed her behind him keeping himself between her and harm.
The shadow stepped forward, Mike didn’t miss the glint of a knife in the man’s gloved hand. He was covered head to toe in black. A mugger in this town? That was strange. It wasn’t unheard of, but crime was low here. Most were petty crimes like theft or break-ins, not robbery. They really were a magnet for bad timing.
Mike remained calm as he faced off the mugger. He could tell it was man based on his build. He stood at least a foot shorter than him. Mike easily outweighed him. The guy was a fool to try and rob them. Even if Mike wasn’t highly trained to disarm guys like this, his size alone should persuade the guy to leave them alone. Either he was desperate or targeting them specifically. Or just one of them.
“Money,” the masked man ordered.
Mike thought about just disarming him now but didn’t want to risk Destiny getting hurt. “Alright, I’m reaching for my wallet.”
“Don’t try anything funny,” the man’s voice shook. He was nervous. He should be.
“Nothing funny.” Mike reached for his wallet in his back pocket and held it out. The man snatched it and shoved it into his own back pocket.
“You have my wallet now just turn around and go.”
“Shut up. Who said that’s all I wanted?” The man turned to Destiny. “You’re coming with me, darlin’.” Mike could hear the grin in the man’s voice. He caught the unmistakable look of lust in his eyes. Destiny wasn’t going anywhere near this guy. He knew what an asshole like this would do to her. Over his dead body.
Lightning quick, Mike sprung on the guy. One step closed the distance between them. He grabbed the guy’s wrist of the hand holding the knife and twisted hearing the distinct pop. The guy screamed in agony and dropped the knife. Mike kicked it back to keep it out of the guy’s reach. He swept his legs out from under him knocking the guy flat on his back.
Placing a knee on his back to keep pressure on him, Mike addressed Destiny without looking up. “Des, call the police.”
There was a moment of silence then he heard her fumbling around behind them. They had started to draw a crowd, but Mike only gave them a cursorily glance to make sure they were only looky-loos and not someone set to hurt Destiny.
“They’re on their way,” Destiny said, the phone still pressed to her ear.
Mike only nodded, keeping his attention on the mugger. He was shocked the guy wasn’t struggling or saying anything. “Why did you attack us?”
“I’m not saying shit,” the mugger said defiantly. It was almost comical. The guy was face down with a knee pressed against his back and yet he still acted like he was in control.
Mike thought about shaking him for answers but didn’t want to scare people by flinging this guy around like a ragdoll. “If not to me, you’ll be telling police. It would be easier on you if you’d just cooperate.”
Only silence greeted him. So be it. Mike had friends on the police force. They’d keep him apprised of the situation if it was a random attack or something worse. Could this have something to do with Carol’s situation? His gut told him it was, but he didn’t have any evidence. Nothing had happened in the past few months since she’d starting hanging out with her. Destiny had never mentioned anything out of the ordinary. So why now?
The sound of sirens coming was music to his ears. The sooner he could get this guy into their hands the sooner he could get Destiny off the street and home safe. He didn’t like feeling so exposed.
Within twenty minutes, the police had taken their statements and were told they could leave. Terry, the local sheriff and a friend, agreed to keep him in the loop. With that taken care of, Mike escorted Destiny to her car then home. He opted to drive them, seeing as Destiny looked in a stupor and he didn’t want her to cause an accident or get in one. She was holding herself together well, but he figured that was the adrenaline and would wear off soon.
“Are you okay?” he asked, guiding her to her house. Her body felt stiff against his and cold to the touch. He rubbed her arms up and down trying to push warmth into them. While she spoke to the police he had been in military mode and focused on getting the information to the police. Now that the threat was over, he could focus on her.
“I’m fine.” Her voice was calm and steady, but he knew it was anything but. He’d seen it so many times. He needed to get her in the house before she crashed.
“You were very brave.” It was true, but he was trying to distract her until he could get her in the house.
