Page 22 of Shadow and Skulls

I cross my arms over my chest. “Because I don’t want you to go to jail.”

He chuckles. “Awe, that’s sweet.”

But he still doesn’t release Jason.

“Tank. Please, he isn’t worth it!” I screech, rushing over to them.

Instantly, he releases Jason, letting him fall onto the bed. Jason coughs loudly as he sucks in air. Tank wraps his arm around my waist before I have a chance to get away.

“He might not be worth it, but you are.” He grunts as he swings me up and over his shoulder.

The red dot flits over Jason one last time before disappearing. We leave him gasping for breath as Tank hauls me from the room.

“I can walk,” I grumble, trying to reposition myself so his shoulder isn’t digging into my stomach.

He pauses, setting me on my feet, but he doesn’t let go of me entirely. He keeps one hand firmly wrapped around the back of my neck, directing me out of the house.

When we pass the living room, I think I hear Lexi crying but Tank doesn’t seem to notice. He continues to march me through the house, his boots thumping loudly over the wooden floor.

The minute we step outside, Ash is pulling up in front of the house in his truck. Tank yanks the passenger door open, shovingme inside. He climbs in beside me, sandwiching me between the two men.

Ash peels out of the driveway, spraying gravel everywhere.

No one says anything until we’re on the highway.

“You need to tell Dan what happened tonight,” Ash says, bumping his shoulder into mine.

The bad feeling eats at me. I don’t want anyone to know. I rub my hands over my arms.

“Kelsie,” he warns, sensing my reluctance.

I turn to look at him. “I can’t. Please. It was no big deal. Nothing happened.”

He sighs loudly, shaking his head. “It was a big deal. You have to tell them. You go to school with Jason. He isn’t safe.”

“He isn’t going to do anything to me at school.”

Ash punches the ceiling of his truck. “Do you know what would have happened if we hadn’t followed you?”

“Take me home.”

“Do you?!” he yells again. He’s so angry.

I sit back against the seat, closing my eyes. Of course I know.

“Let’s just get her home,” Tank finally chimes in. “We can discuss this when we get back from the run in a few days. I don’t think the kid will be brave enough to come for her anytime soon.”

Ash doesn’t argue. He sighs loudly and taps me on the knee. “I’m sorry. That was uncalled for.”

I should be thanking them. I know this, but I’m so embarrassed. Ashamed.

When we get to my house, Tank opens the door and steps out. I slide to the passenger side to follow him, but I pause, my ass on the edge of the seat.

“Thank you,” I say quietly to Ash.

“You don’t have to thank me, Kels. I love you. You’re my friend.”

I nod, not looking at him as my feet hit the ground. Tank walks behind me as I make my way to the porch. I stop and stare at the door, patting my pocket for my keys. Crap. They must have fallen out at Matt’s house. Could this day get any worse?

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