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“Yes. To see you again.”
“Your Harley? What’s wrong with it?”
I gave her an offhanded smile. The woman knew her bikes. “Broken down. Driveshaft.”
“You’re not from Charleston.”
“No,” I muttered and finally took several steps away from her. “Driving through, or I was until last night.”
Crystal sucked in her breath, contempt still remaining in her expression. “I don’t know your deal, Blade, or why you’re really here, but I don’t like shit and I refuse to deal with liars, just like you don’t. However, I appreciate what you did more than you can know.”
“I understand.” I gave her a respectful nod. She had such a coat of armor surrounding her. What had happened in her life to make her so defensive? I could tell she didn’t want to explore what had occurred between us.
A long sigh escaping her mouth, she folded her arms. “I do believe you about the Desperados. The assholes will be back.”
“I will keep you safe. You have my pledge of honor, and you won’t know I’m there.” I respected her hesitation.
“And what about your bike?”
“It’s in a shop. Nothing I can do about it right now.”
She opened her mouth twice before answering. “Fine. I have a really big and ferocious dog that will cut you down. Doesn’t matter how big you are, Zorro will protect me with his life if necessary.”
Her vehemence in the statement created another round of desire furrowing into every cell, pushing my cock to full attention. Whether or not she’d paid any attention to my condition didn’t matter at this point. I wanted to get her the hell out of here.
In truth, I wanted to spend some time alone with her, even with her vicious dog.
* * *
Fortunately, I didn’t detect any signs that we’d been followed, although my guess is that the gangbangers knew her vehicle. The fog had thickened, hovering over the wet streets like a blanket of death, waiting to claim its victims. I kept the window open, listening for any tell-tale activity. Crystal’s grip was tight on the steering wheel, her lips pursed as she drove. Every once in a while, she darted a glance in my direction the same way I did to her.
When we turned into a neighborhood, the tall trees and aging brick houses reminded me of where I’d grown up, now what seemed like a lifetime ago. Happier times. Certainly, more peaceful times. There were very few porch lights left on and even fewer streetlights. The place was a magnet for violent crime. When she turned down what ended up being a long gravel driveway, the entire row canopied by overgrown trees and shrubs crowding the path, I cringed. There were far too many hiding places.
The house itself was quaint, a cozy front porch complete with two Adirondack chairs shoved close together. A single porch light cast a warm glow on the front space, creating an entirely different ambiance: laughter and sweet tea, a glass of wine while looking at the stars. What the hell? That would never happen in my life. I heard the throaty woofing sound and resisted smiling.
She threw the vehicle into park, allowing the engine to idle. “This is all I have, and I’ve worked damn hard to get here. Damn hard. My phone was broken, and I don’t have a landline. I’m taking a huge chance trusting you. As a matter of fact, I must be completely out of my mind. Jesus. And if you even think about hurting Zorro, there is nothing that will stop me from killing you with my bare hands. Do you understand what I’m saying to you?” Her lower lip was shaking, and she still refused to look in my eyes.
Her words echoed in my ears and my reply seemed stuck in my throat. Her pain pulsed through every vein, further connecting us in a manner I would never be able to explain, especially to myself. I knew then, I would be the one protecting her with my life if necessary.
“Do you?” she demanded, snapping her head in my direction, her eyes on fire.
“I am many things, Crystal, but I am not here to hurt or take advantage of you in any manner.”
“Okay. I do want you to know that I enjoyed our time together, but that’s not who I am.” Crystal sucked in her breath before nodding and cutting the engine. She grabbed her purse and keys and slid out, storming toward the front door.
I waited for a few seconds before exiting, allowing Crystal to greet her dog. Took only two seconds before the pup gathered my whiff, bounding around her and barking as if I was ready to attack her. Hunkering down, I waited as the dog moved to within two feet, frothing at the mouth as he continued yapping.
“Zorro. Be nice to our guest,” she said, watching from a distance.
Holding out my hand, I remained exactly where I was until Zorro became more curious than cautious, taking tentative steps in my direction. “That’s it, boy. I won’t hurt you.”
Crystal moved closer, studying her dog’s actions. I could see how much she cared for the pup and the feeling was mutual.
Zorro remained skeptical until I started whining like a dog, a trick I’d learn as a little boy. Within seconds, the dog bounded to me, his whines ones of joy and his tail wagging like a helicopter. “That’s a good boy. I’m here to protect your mommy. Would that be all right?”
Woof!
“Okay.” Zorro’s happy face and good demeanor were no doubt excellent company for Crystal, but even with his massive size, the dog was no match for the gang. Still, he was a noisemaker, which would help in my absence.
