Page 64 of King of Wrath

“I’ve never seen you in jeans before.”

“So?”

His gaze is dark, the heat in it making my breath catch for a different reason. I should not allow him to distract me. He isn’t what he promised he’d be, that heat is a lie.

The sound of the helicopter is getting louder. Pulling on his workout sneakers, I tug a white T-shirt over my head just in time for him to kiss my forehead. “Whatever you’re thinking, don’t. Whoever is in that chopper, I will keep you safe.”

And then he’s gone.

I want to believe him. I do. But as I trail behind him back out of the bedroom, I know I shouldn’t. I’ve learned the truth…

From the bank of windows in the living room, I see the helicopter land in the hardpack desert sand.

I feel myself tense, but his shoulders relax. “Don’t worry,” his deep voice reverberates through me. “It’s just Roman.”

But the name slices at my gut.

Roman.

I know why he’s here.

Jake swipes his finger over the keypad, stepping outside, and leaving the door partially ajar as he strides to the chopper.

I see a tall, dark-haired man in sunglasses and an impeccably cut suit step out of the helicopter, ducking as he moves to meet Jake.

While Jake makes me feel at home, this man has me tensing after the text I read…

I spin, needing some water or something to calm my racing heart when I see them…

The keys on counter, a little H emblem on the key fob. The Honda keys and my ticket out of here…

Snatching up the keys, I start for the open door. I’ve only ever driven twice, my cousin taking me around a parking lot.

Toni never taught us; Jess and I were always driven by a chauffeur. It sounds luxurious, but it’s one more way he kept control.

I hope I remember how as I start for the door.

I planned to teach myself in Canada, when I’d purchased a car. But this is so different. Jake will see me leave, he’ll follow…

Opening it only a tiny bit more, I slip out and then move to the side of the house.

Jake and Roman are talking.

Roman’s got his hands crossed over his chest, while Jake’s fists are clenched at his sides. I can’t see Jake’s face, but Roman looks pissed.

I could go back inside. Assume Jake’s fighting for me.

But is that a chance I really want to take? I’ve been stupidly naïve and it’s time I take some control.

Crouching down, I hit the button to unlock the car, watching to see if they notice. They’re yelling now.

Roman takes out his phone, pointing at the screen.

Jake pulls his from his pocket too, swiping over the screen. Then he gives Roman a good hard push.

This is my moment…

I creep out, staying down and climb into the car on the passenger’s side. Crawling over the console, I slide into the driver’s seat.

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