Page 12 of King of Pain

“I can come with you,” I say in a rush, grabbing his arm again. I’ve got no money, no phone…

His eyes slide down my body. “I’m in blood-stained clothes and I still look more normal than you.”

“Oh,” my face likely turns seven shades of red, because, yeah, I look like I’ve been dragged through a sewer. My clothing options are a bathrobe or a tiny dress. I’ve got dirt-covered knees and bruised arms and at this point, I’m guessing my hair is an actual nest.

And I’ve been lusting after a guy while in a ratty used bathrobe and men’s flip flops. Pathetic. “Right.” He winks, taking my fingers in his and gently removing them from his arm. “You can get away with a lot of fashion faux pas at Walmart but…”

“Yeah,” I take a breath. “I could wait in the car.”

“Kate,” he starts. “I’m going to leave the car in the Walmart parking lot and walk back.”

“But,” I furrow my brow. “How will we leave town?”

“That is a problem for when we wake up. What I don’t want is for a stolen car to lead anyone straight to our motel room.”

I nod. That makes sense.

“So, I go in and wait for you?”

“Feel free to take a shower, close your eyes.”

I nod, a shower sounds amazing. But I still don’t get out of the car. “Are you leaving me here?” I can’t keep the tremble of fear out of my voice.

“No,” he reaches for my face, holding my cheek in his palm, looking me in the eyes as he tilts my face up to his. “I’m not leaving you.”

I appreciate that small act of chivalry. The fact that he was nice enough to treat me this kindly after he rescued me. I know he’s the man who protected me last night. Maybe it’s the tiredness, but I suddenly don’t trust that he’s not ditching me.

Why would he stay?

And what happens to me if he goes?

“Please don’t leave me,” I feel my breath catch around the words. “I don’t know where I am or who is coming. I’m?—”

“Love,” he leans over then, his lips brushing across my temple. The kiss is light and really comforting. “Remember last night when I promised you that I wouldn’t let you go to Vincent’s bed? And then I promised to take you with me?”

“Yeah.”

“I promise to come back. Okay?”

“Okay.” My eyes mist with tears. He presses the room key into my hand.

“It’s going to take me a bit since I’ll have to walk back. Try not to worry.”

“Okay.” I rub a tired hand down my face, trying to hide the fact I’m about to cry. I know I’m being stupid, but I squeeze his hand even tighter like I’m not going to let go. I nip at my lip leaning forward.

His eyes in the morning light are gray and absolutely gorgeous. Like mesmerizing. “Kate. I’m coming back for you.”

“Promise?” I know he already promised. “I’m sorry. I’m just tired and I don’t know where I am. I don’t have any money or a phone or even clothes. I…” I stop when his thumb strokes over my cheek.

“I promise.” And then he kisses me on the lips. It’s the lightest brush of his mouth but the whole world freezes. He leans back but I’m still leaning way out, my body craning toward his, waiting for another taste.

I finally pull myself together, settling myself back in my seat. “Thank you,” I whisper.

“Now get inside. I’ll leave as soon as I know you’ve deadbolted the door.”

With a nod I finally let go of his hand, pushing open the car door.

No one is out, it’s still ridiculously early, which is a good thing because I look awful. I slide the key into the lock and the door swings open.

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