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She flinched at the bite in his voice. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.” That bite wasn’t quite as snappy.
He turned to walk away but abruptly stopped and glanced over his shoulder. Amusement stamped its place on his handsome face. “Oh, and um, Jade? Whatever you’re hiding in that freezer? We’ll probably discuss it soon.” His lips twitched. “In fact, if it’s what I think it is, feel free to grab some more from the grocery store.”
Chapter Four
Eight hours later, Kellan tossed and turned. He’d been on his feet most of the night, pacing in front of the window, waiting for Sarsarone’s men to make a move. And they would soon make their bold play.
Jade’s attacker had friends in the right places and within an hour of his arrest, someone had bailed him out. Soon after, Kane had called to let Kellan know the details. There wouldn’t be a hearing. Apparently, Jade had dropped the charges. Still, dropping the charges wouldn’t keep this guy from returning in the near future.
Kellan sat up again, narrowing his eyes on the empty street. Nestled against a forest, Jade’s condominium complex was located at the end of a cul-de-sac and other than the occasional coyote call, the neighborhood remained still and quiet.
Stretching out again, Kellan couldn’t help but think about the woman in the next room. In the short time they’d spent together he’d realized a lot about Jade Summers. She was brave and strong with an appealing inner strength, one which had undoubtedly helped her when she’d first been attacked.
He admired the young woman’s independence, too. Even though she probably realized she needed protection, she hadn’t willingly invited him to stay.
His lips twitched, right along with his cock. He grinned at the memory of shopping with her. She’d pushed the buggy right past the gingerroot, turning two shades of red when he paused to browse. After he’d taunted her without saying a word, they’d quickly gathered fruits and vegetables before moving on to collect other necessary items.
Once they returned to her place, Kellan gave her a break. He made a few calls and checked in with Madden since he was basically his handler on this job. He had avoided her refrigerator at all costs. He’d play later, when it was more appropriate.
They enjoyed a great dinner which consisted of a Greek salad and white wine. He liked her company and while Jade’s current predicament had put her in a dangerous situation, they would undoubtedly become fast friends—as if friendship was all he wanted.
Kellan grunted then and stretched out on his right side, staring at the plain wall. He needed to get some sleep. About the time he closed his eyes, he heard a terrible racket downstairs.
Scrambling to his feet, Kellan grabbed his .45 from the nightstand, and raced out of the room. Adrenaline kicked in and he almost knocked Jade over as he sped right by her.
“Kellan?” Jade called after him from the top of the stairs. She gripped her robe at the collar and met him halfway. “Someone’s here. Did you hear that?”
“Stay in your room. Keep the door locked.”
“You’re not leaving me up here.” She grabbed hold of his bare bicep. “I’m coming with you.”
He quickly considered the dangers. Thinning his lips, he debated what might happen if he left Jade alone. What if Sarsarone’s men were waiting for them downstairs? What if they weren’t? What if they’d watched her place long enough to realize she wasn’t alone? Their first goal would be to conquer by dividing them.
“Keep your back against the wall,” he whispered, sliding along the flat surface. As they approached the foyer, he grabbed her hand. They took the final three steps together and he released a heavy breath as soon as he spotted a large flat rock in the center of her dining room floor.
Jade screeched. “Now I’m being vandalized?”
“Sarsarone’s guys have a wicked sense of humor.” Kellan’s nickname was Stone Cold and he could see the red paint and the word “cold” from there. Of course Sarsarone would’ve known his codename. Clink had been under the mob boss’s surveillance for over a year.
“They think this is funny?” Jade looked scared to death. “I’m not laughing, Kellan!”
“Listen to me.” He grabbed her shoulders with both hands. “Look at me.”
She shook her head over and over again. “I’m Nory’s friend. That’s all. I mean … I don’t want anything to happen to her but I don’t know anything.” Of course she didn’t know anything. Nory protected her family and her father. “What do these people want from me?”
That was the million-dollar question. And Kellan wouldn’t stop until he knew the answer.
Outside, a car wheeled out of the neighborhood at a high rate of speed. Barking tires stirred the dogs in the neighborhood, too. Kellan turned on the porch light and a few lamps in the living room.
Stooping to pick up the rock, he asked, “Why’d you call the cops and decide not to press charges?”
“I didn’t.”
He cocked his head. “You didn’t talk to anyone?”
“No,” she replied, going to the kitchen for a
