“You’re under my protection now.”
Skull slams the hood closed. “Get your things, sweetheart. You’re riding with me. I can at least get this thing road-safe until I get you a new ride.”
Wait. What did he just say?
My mouth is hanging open. “Are you crazy?”
“That’s my middle name.” He leans in the car and gathers up my personal belongings.
But something in his expression isn’t quite right when he exits the car and closes the door.
“Are you sure?” I ask.
He tucks a curl behind my ear, looking me right in the eyes. “This is something you’ll learn about me. I don’t say things I don’t mean.”
Wow.
Who is this guy?
I smile and find my voice a little breathy when I say, “That’s so refreshing.”
A weight lifts off my shoulders I didn’t know I was carrying. But Skull’s attention snaps toward the park entrance.
We watch a line of black cars roll in. Beside me, he’spuffing up like a dog who sees another dog enter his territory. Gone is whatever gentle expression he gave me. In place of it is a cold-blooded killer.
I think.
Not that I’ve seen a cold-blooded killer before.
Without hesitation, Skull grabs me around the thighs and tosses me over his shoulder. The man moves like a machine, fast and efficient. A moment later we’re inside one of the cinderblock park buildings, in a restroom and he’s locked the door.
There’s a gun in one of his hands and a phone in the other.
“Rooster,” he snaps. “Me and a girl are pinned down in a bathroom at Riverside Park.”
He searches my eyes as he listens to someone on the other end. Skull replies to whatever they said with, “Copy. I’m bringing her back with me.”
When he hangs up, he presses himself against the wall so he can see out one of the narrow slot-like windows.
I’m still in shock, but things are coming into focus. “Pinned down, what do you mean?”
“The mafia spotted us. Our enemies are out there. If I were alone, I would have led them on a chase, but there’s no way I’m putting you in danger.”
His eyes narrow as he watches whatever’s happening outside the building.
“Are we safe?” I ask with a crack in my voice.
“Yeah, they won’t shoot up this building with so many witnesses.”
Shoot. Up. This. Building.
With my pulse zooming, I slide down to the floor. He rests his hand on top of my head. “Try to relax, Angel. No one’s getting in here.”
“I hope not.”
“Trust me, I know this drill.”
I worry at my fingernail cuticle while he watches until he curses. “Fucking hell.”
