Page 45 of Fractured Fear

“Me too,” Zane says.

“Thanks for popping that cherry. I’ve been meaning to get that out of the way for a while.” Rio wipes sweat from his forehead that isn’t there.

“Glad to be of service,” I reply sarcastically.

“I have some cherries you can pop too, Spencer,” Zane declares.

What! Did he just say what I think he said?

“All jokes aside…Do you like Spencer or Spence? Beautiful? Gorgeous?” Rio asks.

“Spence or Spencer is fine.”

He flashes his signature smile at me and it’s official. All he has to do is smile and I’d do whatever he wants. I bet he gets a lot done with that smile.

“Spence, I know you know this, but I think you’re forgetting. You were attacked. Attempted kidnapping. Everything points to your attacker knowing your routine and knowing things about your life,” another bomb dropped and he’s still not done throwing truths my way. “This wasn’t a crime of opportunity. This was planned. He was waiting for you. I don’t think it’s smart for you to be alone tonight, maybe a few nights. We can either sleep on the couch or in Zane’s clown car?—”

“Lay off my car, man.”

“But, like I said, it’d be easier if I didn’t have to break down your door if you need help.”

Shit. I don’t want to think about it. I just want to get back to my life. I need normal, but I have a feeling I’m not going to know normal for a while.

We finish the drive to my apartment in silence minus the Latin music blaring from the speakers.

How didhefind me? I guess it wouldn’t be too hard considering I’m in Abuela’s old apartment, but he never knew where Abuela lived. He never asked.

And why ishestill looking for me? I figured he’d be married to some blonde haired leggy woman and have a kid or two by now. Why come after me?

Once we’re parked, I realize where I am. Sweat forms on the back of my neck, my chest tightens, and my stomach churns. I was grabbed right there.

I could have been taken to God knows where. Anything could have happened once he got me in his car. I was lucky. I wasn’t prepared. I wasn’t ready. No one would have noticed I was gone until it was too late.

“Spencer? Spencer! Angel, look at me.”

Zane’s face swims into view after I blink the tears away. He’s kneeling outside the car on the pavement and my door is open. His strong, callused hands hold mine. His unblinking green eyes echo his concern. Why do his eyes have to be so perfect?

“They’re not perfect, I promise. But if it helps, you can look all you want. I don’t mind.”

Oh shit.

I need to calm it with these thoughts. If I keep saying what I’m thinking, I’m going to end up doing something I may regret. Something like kissing both of these men.

“Come on. Let’s get you inside,” Zane prompts gently.

My hands grip his, and my skin crawls at the thought of going by that spot. I know I’ll have to suck it up one day, but I’m not ready.

“Please. No. I can’t,” I whine quietly.

Warm hands frame my face and Zane leans in close. His lips almost touch mine.

“Can I carry you?”

A slight nod is all I give, and before I know it I’m up in his arms with my face in his neck.

“You don’t have to look. Hand me your keys and I’ll get you inside.”

I blindly dig through my purse wrapped around my body then pass my keys to him. When all three of us are over the threshold to my apartment, I don’t attempt to leave the comfort his body gives me.

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