Page 91 of The Shadows We Keep

Heaving out an exasperated groan, I stomp past, shoulder checking him as I go. His annoying laughter follows behind me.

THIRTY-NINE

HARKIN

Switchblade - Neverwaves

My eyes drill into the scratches marring her legs as she climbs up the embankment to the rough trail above. Her head keeps swinging back in my direction and over my shoulder to the compound disappearing into the thick woods. The alarms and shouts are audible through the calm forest, a warning we’re still too close for comfort.

Keira’s foot slips on the uneven earth, her ill-prepared footwear giving her zero traction or protection. Her knee hits the ground hard, and her frustrated groan meets my ears. I bet she’s missing her signature Docs right about now.

My hands reach down, scooping her body back up and helping her up the last couple feet until we’re once again on even ground. She looks down at the white summer dress coated in dirt, a small smile of defiance lights her face. Forever my obstinate, shadowed beauty.

“Where’s James?” I ask the man leading our little group.

“He stayed back, told us to get you both out of here. We lost track of Domenico.”

Rage burns through my veins at not knowing where he is now. He might have left for business like his security guard said, but I doubt it. That’s not information one of his standing would offer freely. If I had to guess, he left because he had an inkling of what was coming.

Men like him weasel away, breaking from the chaos like cockroaches who scurry into the dark for safe hiding. He can run and try to hide all he wants. I know him now; I watched the way he interprets information and uses his reputation to move his pawns. He’s cocky and cocky men always slip up.

“Fine, tell him to get in touch with me when he’s finished. He’ll handle the rest of your team’s payment.”

He shrugs off a black backpack and hands it to me, dropping an old school flip phone in my palm, before pointing off into the trees.

“Head east about four klicks, you’ll find a compact sedan. Keys are in the wheel well. You know the rest.” I nod as Keira shifts uncomfortably beside me.

“Let’s go.” I tell her, slinging the bag onto my back and gripping her hand in mine, interlacing our fingers. The warmth from my skin cools against her chilled fingertips. Fuck, she’s freezing.

We stumble along through the muted night. The trees are thick blocking the moon from beaming down to light our way. Keira trips jolting forward, but I yank her up.

“Fucking useless shoes,” she hisses after righting herself.

I flip the burner phone open, using the small screen to illuminate the ground right in front of her next step. “There. Just keep an eye on your feet and let me lead you.”

“I’m not a fucking dog, Harkin.”

“Jesus Christ, woman. Do you want a broken ankle?” I can’t see her face, but I have a feeling that signature eye roll just passed between us.

I pause, pulling her shivering body flush against me. “Was that three, little one.” The shiver intensifies and her throat clears.

“I—I don’t know what you’re talking about,” she plays off.

My hand meets the curve of her ass, giving it a little tap. “Mhm, but I think you do, baby. You’re lucky we need to hurry and move out or I’d shove down into the wet earth and fuck you right here. Watch that pure little white dress coat with filth, while you scream my name into the night.” A hushed moan rumbles in her throat. My cock twitches at the scene and how much she’d enjoy it. I’ll file that one away for a rainy day.

I drop my lips to hers quickly, before pulling her along again. “We’re almost there.”

The trees thin as we come up on another dirt road. A small black Honda sits on the side of the road, a note tucked under the windshield wiper. I run my fingers along the back wheel well until they bump against the key box hidden there.

Popping the trunk, I ditch the backpack and pull out the other I already stored there. Keira stands by watching the quick exchange. I pull out a change of clothes for her and reach back to find her Docs waiting.

“Change, quickly. I’ll get the car started.” I move to the front, stealing the note waiting on the windshield, before dropping into the car and blasting the heat for Keira.

Harkin,

If you’re here, things didn’t go as planned. But like I taught you, that’s why we have a backup plan ready to execute. And plans that backup those plans. Continue to do so. You know where you’re going. Keep her safe. She’s important to him. I’ll get in contact when things are done and settled. You’ve got this, kid.

James

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