“The charges were dropped,” he said.
“Great.”
More seething glaring from Tank.
“I need my things.” She glanced from him to the desk clerk.
The doe-eyed woman was locked on Tank. “Mr. Santini, it was soooo good chatting with you.”
“Where do we go next?” he asked.
She’d never seen this side of him. He was an intimidating man on his best day. Now, he looked like a monster—the one youneverwant to find under your bed in the middle of the night.
They walked in an icy silence. She collected her handbag, checked that everything was there. When they set her weapons on the counter, relief flooded her. She took the SIG, holstered it. Tank took the Walther.
“Let’s go.” The chill in his voice sent a thrill racing through her.
She loved a challenge.
They left the police station, the frosty evening nothing compared to his cold reception. With a swagger than kept her glued to his hard-muscled backside, he strode down the sidewalk. Rather than run to catch up, she kept her stride exactly as it was. She had no issue with his anger. She got it. She’d fucked up. Big time. But she wasn’t groveling.
There was no scenario on planet earth where Sydney Austin would grovel to anyone.
For anything.
At any time.
Ever.
And that included the man who was shooting daggers at her with his eyes.
He stopped next to a black Harley Davidson Heritage Classic motorcycle and her brain skidded to an abrupt stop. He unlocked the saddlebag, set her Walther inside. “Give me your weapon.”
“Where’s Caroline?” she asked.
“At home.”
“I’m not getting on that,” she said, her tone filled with defiance.
“I need your weapon.”
On a grunt, she handed it over. He set it in the compartment. After locking it, he buttoned her winter jacket. Though he wouldn’t look at her, she loved how he was taking care of her. When he finished, he pulled up her collar, then peered into her eyes.
A jolt of need hit her like lightning. Her breath hitched, her insides roared to life. The fury thundering off him was frightening. Only she wasn’t scared. It fueled her, made her feel like she could do anything, conquer any goal, overcome any fear. She felt invincible simply by being around him.
His power was that strong.
He fitted on his helmet, held out a second, and she pulled it on.
Her first motorcycle ride. Secretly, she was thrilled out of her mind to be riding with him. Five minutes ago, she didn’t know he owned a bike. She was seconds from climbing on and going for the ride of her life.
With gentle hands, he tightened her strap. “Hold onto me. Do not let go. Do you understand?”
“Yes, sir.”
“Lean into the turns.”
“Okay.”
