Page 30 of Brock’s Mate

He snorted. “Judging by that kiss last night, that would be awesome. But get this straight: I don’t expect you to buy my help with sex. Ever.” He shook his head. “What kind of guy would even want that?”

That little sixth sense tried to tell her he was sincere, but nobody was that much of a Boy Scout. She rolled her eyes. “Don’t tell me you believe in meaningful sex or love at first sight or some other Valentine-y shit.”

“What can I say?” he said dryly. “I’m a romantic.”

She rattled the cage door, then turned to him and lifted one eyebrow. “I can see that.”

That got a reluctant smile. Making him smile gave her a little warm spot inside her chest, which immediately made her suspicious he was playing her.

But for the moment, it was in her best interests to play along. If he really could teach her how to get a handle on this wolf thing, she needed him. And he was hot as sin—she wouldn’t be against a little side action, if things played out that way.

She said, “Okay. Would you believe me if I say I’ll be a good wolf and obey all the rules?”

He laughed. “No.”

“Then you won’t let me out of this cage.” Dammit.

Brock gave her a long, steady look. Then he got to his feet and reached through the bars to put his finger on the cage lock scanner.

The lock clicked, and he pushed the door open, standing back so she could leave.

Was this a trick? It had to be a trick. She’d probably get to the top of the stairs and the door would be locked.

“What if I run?” she asked.

He shrugged. “I’ll just have to follow you and keep you out of trouble. I count at least three, maybe four groups who are out to kill you, or take you prisoner. Your ex and his friends, who may or may not be the same as the guy in the van and his friends, the Bubba wolf hunters, and the Shifter Council.”

She shrugged. “Fair warning—I’m pretty good at escaping. It’s kind of my superpower.”

Brock said, “I’ve found you twice so far. Three times if you count waiting for you outside the back door of the bar. I’m thinking the odds are in my favor.”

She wanted to stay on her guard, but just like last night when she’d sensed when the people in the bar were lying, she sensed now he was telling the truth. He’d follow her—leaving whatever life he had—and try to keep her safe.

“Why would you do that?” she blurted out.

“I’m a fucking soft-hearted idiot. Ask anyone.”

“Huh. Here I thought you were a dangerous predator.”

“That too.”

He gave a gesture, ushering her out, and she walked out of the cage.

Chapter 12

Brock stood back, waiting to see what Desi would do. If he was going to be able to help her at all, he had to somehow persuade her to trust him.

After a moment’s hesitation, she walked past him and straight up the stairs. When she reached the door at the top, she rattled the doorknob as if she expected it to be locked.

Like he was some warped serial killer who was going to dangle escape in front of her, and then break out in maniacal laughter when she realized it was all just to torment her.

Either she watched way too much TV, or her life up to this time had really, truly sucked.

That made his heart hurt.

Don’t get involved, he told himself. As if he wasn’t already way past ‘involved.’

One day, he reminded himself. Maybe two.