Page 83 of Property of Player

“You don’t know who it is. Wait a damn minute.” He moves to the window and checks, then throws the bolt. “It’s them, darlin’.”

I race outside.

Player is off his bike and flinging his helmet across the ground when I slam into his body, desperately clutching him.

“I missed you so much,” I whisper.

His arms wrap tightly around me and lift me clear off the ground. When he sets me on my feet, he gives me a long, passionate kiss, then breaks off and cups my face, searching my eyes. “Got here as quick as I could. You okay?”

“Yes,” I reply, frowning, wondering what he means.

He takes my hand and moves my sleeve up, revealing the white bandage.

My head swivels to Cici who followed me out and is standing near Drae. She shakes her head, letting me know she didn’t tell Player.

“Let me see,” he says, and the expression on his face tells me he won’t take no for an answer.

I peel the tape off and lift the gauze. It’s healing, but it still looks red and gnarly.

The sound of his breath sucking between his teeth lifts my eyes to his face.

“I’m gonna kill that motherfucker.” His voice is a low, rough vibration that cuts through me. His eyes lock on my face. His jaw tightens into a murderous, rigid line.

“How did you know?” I whisper. I drop my eyes to the ground, my body quivering as the blistering heat of his body steps into my space and presses flush against mine.

“Zayden texted. You and Cici were in his shop looking to cover a bad burn with a tattoo. Why didn’t you tell me?”

“I was going to when you got home.”

He tips my chin up, his thumb brushing over my bottom lip. “Tell me his name.”

I swallow, dreading telling him about the man.

“I already know, Tay. Talked to your sister, Kayla. I just need you to confirm it.”

“You talked to Kayla? When?”

“After I heard from Zayden. Figured she might tell me more than you. Figured you would hold back on the full extent of the story.”

“So, you already know.”

“Say his name. I want to hear it from your lips,” he growls, his voice dropping a lethal octave to a dark, raspy demand I can’t ignore.

“Randall Cunningham.” I suddenly realize he and Drae are the only two here. “Where is the rest of the club?”

“Drae and I hauled ass. They’re comin’ behind us. Probably be here before the end of the day.”

My hands move instinctively, my palms flattening against his waist, feeling the rough leather of his cut. I slip them underneath and press them to his t-shirt. I can feel his hard muscles. His body vibrates with the tension rolling off him. “You came for me? That’s what this lockdown was about?”

His arm locks around the small of my back, hauling me against his hard body. The scorching heat of him pressed flush against my front is dizzying.

“It was about keeping you safe. There’s nothing I wouldn’t do for my woman.” He leans closer, brushing my ear with his mouth. “I’m going to find him, Tay. And when I do, the last thing he’s ever going to see is what happens when someone touches what belongs to me.”

I’m frozen in place. I believe every word.

“Come on.” He takes my hand and leads me inside. He doesn’t stop at the bar, moving until we’re in his room and he’s locked the door behind him.

Player closes the distance between us. “We’ve got a lot to talk about, but right now, all I can think about is fucking you.”