“Don’t you want your boss to know you’re dead? How else would I let him know where to find your body?”
“Bitch,” he said again through gritted teeth.
“Here, you’re right. Let me help.” I shoved the knife back in as he screamed. “I don’t particularly care where your body ends up or if anyone ever knows about it. Anything more important you need me to pass along?”
He grinned, blood coating his teeth now, which couldn’t be a good sign for him. “Nothing they don’t already know. You should watch out, though. I wasn’t the only one.”
I glanced around, not seeing anyone else with him. “You never are. It only matters to me if you mean you’re not the only one right now, or ever.”
I heard the bike before I saw it. The echo of the exhaust filling the parking garage. I froze, already reaching for my phone. It only sounded like one bike, but if this guy was threatening me with more of them showing up, I couldn’t be dumb and wait to see if there were going to be more.
By the time I got my phone and keys out, the bike rounded the corner. The rider angled the bike at us, flying across the open garage until he nearly ran over the guy still trying to get up off the ground. The bike skidded to a sharp halt, the tires kicking up stray rocks as my breath caught.
I was frozen, but it didn’t matter. The rider tore off his helmet and my stomach flipped—Aiden.
He swung off the bike, face unreadable but eyes dangerous.He moved fast without hesitation, and before the guy could react, Aiden grabbed my knife from his chest only to sink it in again.
And again.
Andagain.
The blood sprayed, dark and quick, as the man slumped back to the ground.
Aiden finally turned to me, wild-eyed and chest heaving. “Are you hurt?”
I didn’t answer. I didn’t think I could.
Because Aiden looked unhinged.
Like something barely held together, something too raw and furious to be the composed version of him I knew.
And I loved it.
“Evie.” His voice was sharp, a growl. “Are you hurt?”
I couldn’t find words, my mouth dry as I stared at him.
He stood up straight now, unfurling his tall frame until all six foot four of a bloody, pissed off Aiden stood in front of me. I’d never wanted to jump him so badly.
What is wrong with me that feral and bloody made me lose every sane thought in my head?
“What are you doing?” I finally asked.
“Saving you, apparently.”
“I mean, he already had the knife in him,” I said, motioning to the knife once again stuck in his chest. “Is that really considered a rescue?”
“And was still very much alive and able to get back up to attack you more if he wanted.”
Aiden’s gaze swept the garage, checking for more threats. His shoulders tensed, the faintest furrow creasing his brow. Before he could finish whatever silent calculation he was running, I stepped into his line of sight, forcing his attention on me.
“There weren’t any more with him. None that I saw, at least. Now tell me what you are doing here.”
“I was out for a drive and heading to park here. I heard a commotion and figured I should check it out.” He shrugged as he pulled out his phone.
“You don’t hide it well when you’re lying so blatantly. You won’t even look at me.” My hands flew to my hips as anger boiled beneath the surface. “Did you follow me here tonight? There’s no way you could have known I was here unless you followed me.”
“I didn’t follow you.” He glanced at me, his eyes jumping to my car and then back at me. Someone else may not have noticed, but I did. “Not exactly.”
