AllFreeNovel
Share Us
My face heated as I clenched my jaw. The man in question stepped into my line of sight, proving he’d been here just as long. Guess I could’ve just taken the front door since no one else was in the darn house.
The events that occurred over the next minute weren’t my finest, but instinct and stubborn pride overruled me.
Slamming my foot into Otto’s, I kicked him in the groin as I spun out and twisted his arm. He didn’t even put up a fight, going down instantly. I dropped him and took off running, hoping I was quicker.
I was not.
Reuben’s arms snaked around me within a second, pulling me back to his chest. He tossed me into the truck and shut the door quicker than what should’ve been possible. He didn’t even look at me as he stomped over to his friend, his shoulders tight with tension. I yanked open the handle, only to fall back from the force as the door stayed locked tightly.
“Freaking child locks. I’m not a child!” I banged on the window, ignoring how much it hurt that Rueben had tossed me in here, his usual soft touch and care gone.
He didn’t even look over as he picked up his friend and helped him return to the truck. As I watched Otto limp, guilt swarmed me, and I locked down all my emotions. There wasn’t time for feelings when I had someone to kill.
Reuben stood in front of the other door, blocking it, so I couldn’t try to force my way out when it opened. Sitting back, I crossed my arms and legs as I stared out the window. If they could be pissed, so could I. I once went an entire month not talking to Harlow. Granted, I didn’t think she noticed, but I’d done it. This would be a piece of cake.
“Don’t look like that, Little Bird. We’re still going to do it. Just together. Now, will you give us the address, or should we drive around this Canadian town until we run out of gas and hope we stumble upon another person dressed like you?”
Gritting my teeth, I debated the pros and cons. The faster I got this over with, the faster I could return with my guys and the girltheyloved—not the killer version of myself.
“The Oceanside Hotel,” I muttered, turning and looking out the window.
Rueben reached across Otto and buckled me in, squeezing my leg twice before he put the truck into gear. I didn’t want to read too much into the gesture, but it softened me, and I dropped my arms from my chest.
The ride was quiet as we made our way there; the GPS giving off the directions. When Rueben pulled into the back parking lot, I said nothing as the three of us sat there.
“I have to go in alone.”
“No,” Rueben said, using his words to slice my heart open more.
Pressing my eyelids closed, I took a few deep breaths. “You’ll be a distraction.”
“No,” he said again.
Bending over, I pressed my head between my legs as I screamed. Sitting up, I turned and gave him my death glare. Rueben didn’t flinch; he just held my eyes as he tried to tell me everything he couldn’t say.
I love you. This is what we do. No one goes alone. I got you. Let us help you.
I love you, Angel.
Otto sat back, a smile on his face despite how pained he seemed. Sweat beaded along his brow, and I worried I’d done more damage than I’d realized. Guilt swarmed me as I realized I’d actually hurt him.
“I’m fine. Go in, and then we can grab some fatty food,” he encouraged.
“Stay out of my way. I take the lead. Don’t play hero,” I commanded. Rueben nodded as he opened the door and walked around to open mine.
Taking a second to recenter myself, I pushed them both out of my mind as I got back into my killer mindset. Slinking along the building, I held my phone up to the door and hit the button to disengage it. When it beeped green, I slid inside and climbed the stairs. I didn’t glance back to see if he made it in. It would serve him right if he didn’t. Instead, I focused on keeping my breathing steady as I climbed.
“Stupid stairs,” I grumbled on the eighth floor. Wiping my brow, I took a second to bend at the waist and catch my breath. “With all the sex cardio, I thought I’d be in better shape.”
A chuckle behind me had me spinning, my knockout spray raised again before I remembered Rueben had followed. Placing my hand back on my chest, I rolled my eyes to the ceiling as I tried to calm down.
“Don’t do that. I have to pretend you’re not here, or I won’t be able to focus. Please. Just do this for me so I can return to being the fun girl you love.”
I dropped my head as I rubbed my temples. Large hands gripped my face, tilting it back up.
“I love every version,” he whispered, bending down to kiss me.
The walls I’d constructed fell at his soft touch and words. Reuben pulled me to his chest and carried me up the rest of the stairs. I didn’t know how he knew which floor, but I was a puddle of goo with shaky legs, so I’d let him carry me for now.
