Page 108 of Brutal Truths

“Sorry!” Isabel calls over her shoulder.

We make another sharp right, then an immediate left through a set of swinging doors. The air on the other side is sharp and cold, biting through the warmth we just left behind.

The morgue.

“This way.” Lane doesn’t slow down as he leads us toward a solid backdoor. An alarm pierces the air the instant he pushes through.

“Shit!” I hold it long enough for Isabel to slip through, her footing unsteady with her shoes covered in those disposable booties. “Now where?”

A white van pulls up like it’s been waiting. The side door slides open, and a familiar face appears. “Need a ride?”

The three of us don’t waste time. Isabel climbs in first. I’m right behind her when the door behind us slams open again, the coppers spilling into the alley.

“Go!”

The van jerks forward before I’m fully in. Isabel loses her balance with the sudden movement. I catch her mid-step, pull her in, and shift us away as the door slides shut.

“Well, that was the most fun I’ve had in years,” Darius Falcon admits, trying not to fall over as the driver pushes the van harder, weaving us clear.

Isabel finds her balance and looks forward. “Sir Edward?”

The driver glances back with a grin and a quick wink. “Good to see you again, princess.”

“You too.” She leans her body against mine. “Now tell me what the hell is going on. Why did we run away from the police like hardened criminals?”

I can’t stop the words from spilling out. “Because I’m a bad guy. Or did you forget that?”

“So, this is what it’s like to live the life of crime.” She reaches down and strips the covers off her shoes. “Next time, warn me. Running in those was a nightmare. No grip at all. Pretty sure I twisted my ankle going around that corner.”

“Let me see.” I catch her leg and turn her before she can pull away, making her squeal in surprise.

The van brakes hard, and Darius is already moving, flinging the door open. “Hold off checking her until we switch vehicles.”

The others pile out. I don’t. Not now that I know she’s hurt. No way I’m letting her walk, even if it’s only from one vehicle to the other, less than thirty yards away.

Before she can argue, I scoop her in my arms and slide across the metal floor until my feet hit the ground. Then move after the others with her in my arms.

“Is it wrong that I’m a little turned on?” She leans her head against my shoulder, clearly enjoying herself. “Cause I am.”

“It’s the adrenaline,” I tell her.

“Funny, I thought it was the hot, dangerous guy carrying me like a damsel in distress.” She shifts slightly. “Good to know I can just write it off as adrenaline.”

“Don’t start,” I warn. “Or you’ll earn another spanking.”

Darius holds the backdoor open, watching us approach. “You might want to rein that in. Her brothers are right there.”

“Brothers?” Isabel tilts her head back and peeks inside. “Oh. Well. It’s like a family reunion.”

I lower her into the seat next to King Antonio, whose frown tells me he heard every word. Once she’s settled, I take my seat across from her next to a man who’s barely containing his amusement, even as the other two scowl at me like I’ve overstayed my welcome.

“Stop!” Isabel smacks Antonio’s leg. “We’re not doing this here. You will be nice or you can all fuck right off.”

“Language,” Antonio grunts.

Isabel rolls her eyes and makes introductions. “Aiden, this grump is my brother Antonio, King of Hermosa Islas. His bark is worse than his bite.”

“Don’t tell him that.” Antonio’s expression turns sharper.