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“He hasn’t left his apartment since last night. And Dillon will follow your girl,” Savage growls back, voice low and steady. “He’ll make sure she’s safe.”
“Keep it that way. If anyone even looks at her sideways, I want to know.”
He laughs, a dark, guttural sound. “You got it.”
I give it five minutes before I’m in my SUV, heading toward the garage, but my eyes are constantly darting to the phone mounted on my dash. My hands are tight on the wheel, my knuckles white against the black leather. I tell myself I’m being paranoid. I tell myself that Vegas is my city, and nothing happens here that the Steel Sinners don't know about.
The garage is a blur of activity. Benny is swearing at a carburetor while Chris and Edwin fight over who’s the best at tune-ups. I try to focus on the shit on my list, but my mind is elsewhere. My phone buzzes on the metal tabletop, a sharp, vibrating dance that makes me jump. It's a text from my sister.
PITA
Stop defiling my bestie. I need to talk to you.
I roll my eyes at her drama. When we finally caved and told her about us, she barely batted an eyelash. My little sister had been rooting for us this whole damn time. Hell, if I’d known she’d be this chill, I might’ve made Serenity mine sooner.
Me
I’m busy. What do you need?
PITA
I’m coming to town this weekend.
Me
Come on.
PITA
See you soon
Me
Thanks for the warning.
She sends a middle finger emoji, and I have to laugh.
Another text comes through, and it’s from Serenity.
Sweets
Do you want anything from The Cozy Bean?
Me
I just want you back safe and sound
Sweets
You’re so freaking sweet. I’ll be there in a few.
I let out a breath I didn't know I was holding, my shoulders dropping an inch. I respond with a quick Hurry back and try to actually listen to what Jax is telling me about the inventory order. But out of nowhere, unease cuts through me. It sits in my gut like a lead weight, a cold, sharp sensation that tells me the world is shifting under my feet.
A few minutes later, the phone buzzes again. I grab it before the first vibration finishes. It’s not a Leaving now text. It’s a string of gibberish, followed by a single word that makes the blood turn to ice in my veins.
Sweets
HELP. In bathroom.
