Page 43 of The Favor

“I needed answers. Doesn’t make it right.” He cocked his head to the side. “Not willing to forgive me?”

She sighed. She had forgiven him a few minutes ago. Forgiveness was one thing, taking off with him was another. She dropped her gaze to the concrete and toed the loose gravel in the lot. Staring into his dark eyes was not a smart option. She’d cave because deep down in her reckless heart, she really did want to take the ride with him. She gazed up through her lashes and laughed without an ounce of humor.

“Why me? Why are you so interested in taking me for a ride, Trax?”

He shrugged, and the corner of his mouth curled. “I like you.”

She snorted. “You don’t even know me.”

He bridged the gap between them, and her heart raced, pounding erratically. Without even touching, his body did something to her. “You’re fucking gorgeous, sexy as hell.”

“Trax…”

He gave her no time to finish her sentence. His hands wrapped around her waist, pulling her gently against his chest, and she went willingly. His head bent toward her ear. “You stopped to help some guy you didn’t know. A guy most people wouldn’t even have called in for. But you stopped, held his hand.” His breath heated over the shell of her ear, and he whispered, “Wasn’t there, but knowing you, and yeah, Chey, I know you. Bet you talked to him in your sweet voice, telling him to be strong and hold on. Bet the sound of your voice comforted him until his last breath.” His tone changed to a solemn whisper. “The night those fuckers messed with you, and you came into the club with fire ready to torch our asses, fucking fearless. All the shit you’ve gone through, and you’re still standing.” His nose skimmed across her jaw until his forehead rested against hers. “That’s what I like, Chey.”

God, why was he doing this to her?

“Come with me,” he whispered.

She closed her eyes, trying to resist. No. No. No!

His lips grazed the shell of her ear. “Please.”

Am I even considering this?

He chuckled. “Yeah, you are.”

Her face heated, and she squeezed her eyes tighter. Shit, I said that out loud. Real smooth, Chey.

He pressed a slow, soft kiss against her lips. “You’re thinking too much. Just come with me.”

Her eyes flicked open, catching sight of his cheek and hair curling around his ear. “Promise me it’s just a ride, no killing me and hiding the body so my family has nothing to bury?”

He stilled and pulled away a few inches. He tilted his head and pursed his lips. “You watch a lot of crime shows, huh?”

“Maybe.”

He nodded and smiled. “I promise to take care of you. No one’s gonna hurt you, including myself. Fuck, you just keep adding shit to the list.”

“What list?”

“Shit I like about you.”

Well, that was kinda nice, in a very odd way. She drew in a breath and bit her lip.

“Okay, I’ll go.”

He grinned and reached out for her hand, but she stepped back. “Give me your driver’s license.”

He flinched, and his brows furrowed. “What?”

She drew in a breath. “Give me your license. It has your name on it, right, with your address?”

She expected him to decline or even a bit of hesitation, but Trax gave neither. He reached into his back pocket, opened his wallet, and pulled out the plastic square, handing it to her. She didn’t miss his smile either. She grabbed it quickly and looked down. Derrick Traxon.

She smirked. “Derrick?”

His eyes crinkled. “Yeah.” He shifted on his feet, crossing his arms over his chest. “You got my info, Chey. Would I give it to you if I was gonna hurt ya?”

---