Page 53 of Necessary Evil

Chapter 12

Lucy had rug burn on her knees, but she didn’t care. But the crick in her back forced her into a sitting position. Looking around for her clothes, she reached for her shirt and bra.

“Where do you think you’re going?” Evan asked, pulling her back down for another kiss. She could taste herself on him and resisted the urge to straddle him.

“I should get home.”

“You can stay here. Catch some breakfast tomorrow morning. Or better yet, brunch.”

“Brunch?” she said. “I didn’t think tough guys like you brunched. Next you’re going to tell me you eat quiche.”

The heavy whack he gave her on the ass was more pleasure than pain. She reconsidered going home. Another round might be worth the walk of shame with no panties and the previous day’s clothes.

“I have a friend who plays bass at a jazz buffet. Great food and better music.”

Why the hell not? “Okay,” she said, “but I need a bed.”

“As it happens, I have one.” He got to his feet in one fluid motion and helped her up with a strong tug.

“Mind if I freshen up?” she asked when she saw the bathroom.

“Go ahead.”

She’d just gotten into the shower when she heard a knock on the front door.

“Oh, for fuck’s sake,” Evan grumbled from the bedroom. “What now?”

The hot water felt good and she got to use some of Evan’s yummy lime soap, so she smelled just like him. As she was toweling off, he tapped on the bathroom door.

“Yeah?” she said. “You can come in.”

“I better not,” he chuckled. “I’d be tempted to pull you back into the shower.”

“Is there a downside to that?” she asked.

“Yeah, babe. I’m sorry, but I’ve got to leave.”

“You’re leaving?” Lucy stopped rubbing her hair dry. Surely she’d heard that wrong.

“The Pyros are downstairs.”

“Who?”

“A gang of thugs looking to cause trouble.”

“Here?”

“I want you to stay up here but get dressed to leave in case things get ugly.”

“Okay.” Lucy thought that either this was the most creative blow-off of her very limited dating life or God hated her. “Hand me my clothes and I’ll change into them.”

“Sorry about your panties,” he said, tossing her stuff to her.

“Are you?” She arched an eyebrow at him.

“Not a damned bit.”

“You’re going to be okay, right?” Lucy asked.

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