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“I said, get in,” he barked.
“Blade, please. Just…go,” I begged, shoving my phone back in my purse.
He didn’t say a word, simply continued glaring at me.
Fight or flight kicked in like a ninja. Since there was no way in hell I was going to fight the man, I pushed off the tree and limped toward the sidewalk. Behind me, Blade mumbled something, but I continued my trek without looking back. I hadn’t even reached the cement before he hoisted me off the ground and into his rugged arms again. A yelp of surprise pealed off my throat. But when I saw the rage blazing in his blue eyes, up close and personal, my surprise turned to fear.
“Put me down. Now,” I snapped indignantly.
He shook his head and clenched his jaw, then turned and carried me to the truck. Without a word, he unceremoniously dumped me onto the soft leather seat. Before I could try to scamper out, he whipped the seat belt around me and locked it in place.
“Let me go,” I demanded, fear and panic swirling wildly.
“No.”
“What…you’re kidnapping me now?”
“Call it what you want, but the fact is…you don’t live here,” he growled, jerking his head toward the house. “You’re alone, and got no place to go.”
“So?” I didn’t bother lying. Somehow, he knew the truth. Well, partially.
“If you think I’m the kind of man who’ll leave you on the side of the road, like a fucking stray dog, and drive away…you’re sorely mistaken,” he growled, slamming the door shut.
The thought had never crossed my mind. But then, him coming back to check up on me hadn’t either.
“I’m not your problem,” I yelled as he rounded the front of the truck.
“You are now,” he sneered, sliding in behind the wheel.
“Where are you taking me?” I asked, inwardly cursing the quiver of fear in my voice.
Blade closed his eyes, gripped the steering wheel, and deeply exhaled. Long seconds later, he swiveled his head toward me and opened his eyes.
Compassion replaced every drop of anger in his dazzling blue pools.
“Back to the ranch, where I know you’ll be safe,” he said, scraping a knuckle down my cheek.
Fighting the urge to nuzzle against his comforting hand, I shook my head. “That’s kind of you, but unnecessary. If you want to take me somewhere, take me to a bank, then a rental car company, and I’ll be out of your way for good.”
“You’re not in my way, darlin’. If you need to stop at a bank, I’ll take you.”
“And the rental car?”
“We’ll talk about that on the way to the bank,” he said, pulling from the curb.
While the quaint, quiet neighborhood faded behind us, I tried to purge the shame and embarrassment coursing through my veins…but couldn’t.
“I’m sorry I lied,” I whispered.
“Which time?” he smirked.
My heart sputtered while my guilt expanded.
“Every time.”
“So, why did you?”
“It’s…personal.”
