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The common-sense thinking gave me a fit of giggles. What? So, I could easily outrun the bad guys? I highly doubted I’d be so successful. My stint with Jericho had taught me that if certain people wanted another to be found, they would be. There was no safe location, no way of getting away from their murderous hands. Still, I’d be prepared for anything.
Was Carter a part of this sickness somehow? Maybe my instincts were the only thing I could trust. I felt icky, as if I needed another shower, or ten more. This had to be some kind of nightmare.
I thought about what Jessie had told me. The stories were far too similar. If Blade was involved with the cartel in Miami and this Desperado leader realized he was here, then the entire city could be destroyed. Jesus. I had no clue what to do.
“I hate this.” The words somehow echoed, even in the dense space. Zorro was restless, longing to run and play. At least Blade had taken him out for a short morning walk. Still, we were both like caged animals, uncertain of what to do or how to react.
And so, I paced.
And checked the clock.
And worried.
Until panic almost drove me to disobeying his orders. Anything could have happened to Blade. Then what would I do? Call Jessie. No. Yes. Ah, shit.Mr. Walters.Maybe my boss had somewhere I could stay.
Then what?What exactly are you going to do, run again?Find another town so you can crawl into a hole?Damn the situation. Damn the danger.
Damn the man.
When the sharp three knocks sounded, the secret knock, I fought screaming as I rushed to the door, finally managing to unlock and open it after a full two minutes.
“Are you all right? Did something happen?” Blade whispered as he powered me into the room, slamming and locking the door. His eyes roamed my face, every bit the concerned lover. The thought struck me in the gut, driving a wave of nausea into my stomach.
I palmed his chest with both hands, the haunted level of anxiety shutting down my air supply. I gulped and shook my head as I clung to him. “No. I just… I was just worried. What the hell are we going to do? This is crazy.”
He gave me a single nod and pulled me against his chest. The warmth was indescribable, searing every nerve ending as only this man could do. I was shocked how my body reacted, the longing rearing back like a caged wild animal, primal need thwarting my attempts at all rational thought. How could I want this man so desperately when he was nothing but a beast himself? I looked up, gazing into his piercing eyes, tingling all over.
“Try and breathe for me. I found a safe location, at least for now, but we need to get going.” He didn’t try to break away from me, but his chest was heaving, a snarl curled on his bottom lip.
“What did you find out? Are they actively chasing us? What about the bar? Did you talk to anyone?” Everything about him screamed exhaustion. What was I thinking blabbing on with my questions? The man I knew as Blade wasn’t going to tell me anything and he was right. It appeared that Erik had long since ceased to exist. “Fine. Don’t tell me. Whatever.”
“Let’s just go. We have a limited comfort window and there’s no one in this town I know or can trust. Be clear about this, Crystal. I’m not playing games. We have to be concise with movements. Do you understand?”
“I get it. You know I do.”
His exhale ragged, he gave me no time to ask any additional questions as he tossed things into my suitcase then gathered his belongings together, the weapon bag planted firmly in his left hand. I knew he was armed, had felt the outline of a pistol under the back of his shirt. “Do you have sunglasses?” He peered around the blinds, scanning the parking lot.
“Yes.” I was petrified from his actions alone.
“Wear them.”
“Yes, sir.”
Blade shook his head as he yanked the gun into his hand. His actions were so perfunctory, certainly not those of the hollowed-out man I’d seen the night before.
My hands were shaking as I attempted to slide the shades onto my face, grasping Zorro’s leash and trailing behind Blade. He led us down the back stairway but there was no truck, no sign of the little piece of shit I’d purchased. “Dear God. What the hell happened? Where’s my truck? They found us!”
“Sshhh… Keep your voice down. I had to dump it. Too recognizable.”
“What?” I yanked away from his hold, realizing he had my entire world, my life in his hands. I backed away, sliding against the exterior of the building. “I can’t do this, Blade. I’m not a pawn in some fucking game.”
Crowding my space, he towered over me as he leaned down, planting one hand on the block cement. “I know you don’t feel like you can trust me right now, but if you want to get out of this alive, you must do as I say. I purchased a newer truck for you. Paid cash. I’ll sign the title over to you after this is over, but we don’t have time for this right now. Can you trust me?”
The question hung in the air, the same one as before. There was no real debate. I knew he’d protect me with his life. “Yes.”
“Then take my hand. Wewillget through this.”
I did as he asked, pushing aside my consternation as well as the continuing fears as he half dragged me to the backside of the parking lot. I could see a 4 x 4 Dodge Dakota, black in color, positioned away from the line of sight for the main street. My new ride. I almost laughed. I’d been driving a genuine POS for so long, a sleek new truck should make me giddy. Instead, I was petrified, the finality of circumstances damning. The Harley was back, secured on the bed. “Is she drivable?”
