Page 7 of I Am Lioness

I crossed my arms. “Why is this even an issue? It’s not like we’re running late for an event. We’re just grabbing dinner. Five minutes isn’t going to kill you guys.”

Jason scoffed. “Tell that to the old man who's been grumbling since we left you inside.” He pulled the door open and motioned for me to climb in with a tip of his head.

I rolled my eyes and slipped into the backseat without another word, mostly because I didn't want to argue. He was blowing my high, my Knox-fucking-Carr high, and I wanted to relish whatever was left of it.

Bernie turned his head from upfront. “What in God’s green earth took you so long, kiddo?”

Here we go again.

“I was in there five minutes, Bern. Reyna and I were just chatting.”

He arched a grayed brow. “Are you feeling okay?”

I groaned and threw my arms up in the air. “Yes, my god, I'm fine!”

“Told you it was out of character.” Jason quipped as he scooted in beside me and closed the door.

“Shut up, Jason. Shut up, shut up, shut up! Jesus Christ, you're both acting like I committed murder.”

Bernie and Jason exchanged another look. I glared at the both of them and then my eyes flickered up into the rear view mirror to find Manny already watching me, chuckling silently behind the wheel.

God, I loved that man. Silent but aware. Always aware and always listening.

One corner of my mouth tilted up and I turned my head to look out the window, effectively putting an end to the conversation. They knew when to push. They also knew when I’d had enough.

The rest of the drive to my apartment was a blur. Bernie and Manny chatted about the upcoming months on tour and Jason entertained himself on his cell phone.

And me, you ask?

All I could think about was this utterly gorgeous man, covered in tattoos with wicked blue eyes and a smile that took my breath away. I’d left him not five minutes ago and I already wanted to see him again. I wanted to slip my hand in his and feel that spark, feel his lips scorching my skin.

But I couldn't.

I couldn't go anywhere nearthere.

I had to stay away.

The consequences could be dire otherwise…

Icouldn't gether out of my head.

All night after the fight and throughout the course of the morning, I couldn't get Hazel Perry out of my damn head. We’d exchanged a handful of words, a few heated looks, and BAM, she had me in a trance, dazing off into oblivion at the most random and inopportune moments. She was a constant fixture at the forefront of my mind. I could still feel her small hand in mine, feel the soft skin of her cheek blanketing my lips. And her scent… Jesus, that delicate blend of lavender and mint followed me around everywhere as if it had permeated into my skin.

It was driving me mad.

Shewas driving me mad.

“You areoutof it today. What is with you, bro?” Luis asked, for what felt like the fiftieth time. He dropped down beside me on the bench and wiped his face with a clean towel, steadily awaiting a response.

“Hazel.” I admitted, finally. Scrubbing a hand down my face, I groaned. “She's cemented in my brain, ingrained in every thought.”

Luis chuckled, clapping my shoulder firmly. “Sounds like you've been struck by the Lioness, Carr. She has that effect on people.”

“I feel like I'm losing my goddamn mind.”

“You know how many dudes can relate to you, bro? She's fierce, she's sexy. Every man in that arena would kill for a chance to tame the Lioness.”

I scoffed. “Like they have a chance. Something tells me she's not a woman easily tamed.”

---