Page 60 of Queen of Spades

Kane stands and aims when I realize I know that guy.

“No,” I hiss, leaning over the back row to slam on the glass. “That’s Beefcake!”

Kane wavers, but I think he might still pull the trigger. Luckily, Ward shoves his arm down.

Well, at least one of Cassian’s guys made it.

Kane huffs and heads for the driver’s side of the vehicle as I drop my pillow and blanket on the seat.

Yes, I stole housewares from Cassian. No, I don’t feel guilty. My heat is coming anytime.

Cassian climbs into one of the bucket seats in the middle row with two small black bags. They’re not tiny, but they aren’t huge duffel bags, either.

“Would you mind?” He twists to face me. “These are cash. Could you find room for one, maybe near your feet?”

I nod, grabbing the bag.

Cash is good.

You always find room for cash when you’re on the run. I shove it next to my feet close to the wall and wait. It’s clear my hormones are completely in control because I think it kinda hurt my feelings that Cassian didn’t want to sit next to me.

I huff.

It’s the middle of the night, and we’re again fleeing after being attacked by the Andrettis’ men. I almost feel like it’s time I just take the fight to them.

This being hunted shit is getting old.

Chapter Twenty

Ward

Ifinish tossing the last of the bags into the cargo area of the SUV.

Grady smirks, sauntering over as I close the door. “I’m planning to ride up front to keep an eye on Kane. You’ll get your choice of sitting next to your princess or the princess. I suggest you choose wisely. Every heat goes the same way. She’s just reaching the point where, every time she goes to sleep, she wakes up feverish and horny as fuck.” He pats my chest. “I’m just saying, she likes you, and she’s going to pounce on whoever is closest.”

My brow furrows as my eyes narrow. “Why not sit by her yourself, if that’s the case?”

He shrugs. “I’ve always known I was going to have to share her. Hell, I’ve had to share during her heats for years now, but you’re the first person she has shown real interest in. Also, I’m still not sure I trust Kane, and I have no idea where we’re going next.”

He spins around, heading for the front passenger seat. I watch him swagger away like he doesn’t have a care in the world. Yeah, that one probably does qualify as a psychopath. I’m pretty desensitized to the world we live in, and this was a lot.

I’ve never met the Andrettis, but apparently, they wanted to make a few more enemies tonight. They could have attempted to negotiate with Canton for her immediate surrender to them. They chose war, which is something the Forbes family patriarch will not ignore.

I get my shit together.

Cas can have the second row all to himself.

I have an omega to snuggle the fuck out of. I climb into the back passenger seat and move to the back row.

“Have you called your father?” I ask Cas as I get situated.

He nods, clearing his throat. “And I know exactly where we’re headed.”

Annika is very cuddly as she drools on my chest while snoring like an old man. Grady’s comments suddenly make so much more sense, and yet, I find it incredibly endearing. She’s beautiful, even if I’ll need to invest in a solid pair of earbuds to sleep next to her.

I’ve got a pillow on my chest, but she’s mostly hugging it, rather than using it for her head. She’s also covered with the blanket she stole off my bed.

We’re in for a long drive, and the fact it’s still dark gives me a false sense of safety. There’s some debate about which route is best—either going up through Utah or down through Arizona.

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