Page 18 of Carver’s Crusade

“Yeah,” she says. “I’m a cook. Breakfast and dinner shifts. Lunch is kinda my only window.”

“That makes sense,” I reply, nodding. “We try to keep this slot open for that exact reason.”

Her shoulders relax a little at that.

I stand and step out from behind the desk. “Athena’s ready for you.”

Jinx rises, adjusting her grip on her bag before following me down the short hallway. I stop at Athena’s office door and give it a light knock before opening it.

“Athena,” I say gently, “this is Jinx.”

Then I step aside, letting Jinx walk past me into the room—into whatever comes next.

Once I create a file for Jinx, I grab my bag and head out to pick up a late lunch for Athena and myself.

I step out of the office and lock the door behind me; the afternoon sun filters through the windows as I head down the stairs. As usual, the building is quiet. Most of the tenants do their work over the phone, so foot traffic is always low.

Subway sits right on the corner, the smell of fresh bread hitting me the second I walk in. It’s familiar, normal. I place Athena’s order first—Italian sub, everything but olives—then mine, a turkey with extra lettuce and Swiss cheese. Routine. Predictable. I hear customers come in behind me, but I ignore them. My mind is on what I’ll be doing after work.

There are so many men out there who need to be removed for the good of all women. Men who think women are there for them to abuse. I may not get them all, but I’ll do my best to get as many as I can. I wasn’t able to take Tony out the previous night, but I’ll get him. Eventually.

“Anything else?” the guy behind the counter asks.

“No, that’s it.” I swipe my card, grab the receipt and the bags.

Turning, I come face-to-face with Tony Martin.

He stands a few feet away, and I have a feeling he’s been watching me the whole time. The predatory grin that spreads across his face freezes me in place.

He steps closer, closing the distance like we’re old friends. “Didn’t expect to see you here.”

“Yeah, well…” I start, but I don’t finish.

Because he’s already moving.

His arms come around me before I can step back, pulling me into a hug that looks normal to anyone watching. To them, we’re two friends greeting each other.

We’re not friends. Not even close.

His breath ghosts against my ear, and his grip tightens just enough to make a point.

“You fucked up. Now I’m coming for you. You can try to run. In fact, I hope you do. I’ll enjoy the chase.”

He pulls back as if nothing happened, that same smile in place.

“But don’t worry,” he adds softly, eyes locking on mine. “You’re mine now.”

CHAPTER 9: CARVER

The smell of bacon and fresh coffee fills the common room as I sit at one of the long wooden tables, a plate in front of me loaded with eggs, hash browns, and toast. The place is already buzzing—brothers moving in and out, voices low, boots heavy against the floor—but my focus stays on the food and the caffeine I need to get moving.

I’m halfway through my second cup when Ranch walks in with Athena at his side.

My grip tightens slightly on the mug.

He doesn’t just walk in with her—he guides her, his hand low at her back. Possessive, but in a soft way. When they reach the table, he pulls out a chair for her like some damn gentleman, and Athena gives him a soft smile as she sits.

Yeah. That.