Page 8 of Wilde and Deadly

“Don’t even think about running,” he said, rising to his feet. “We have this place surrounded.”

“We?” Her gaze swung to the mostly empty parking lot behind him. “What’d you do, bring an army of squirrels?”

“Deadly squirrels,” he corrected, deadpan. “They’ve been trained in advanced reconnaissance. Highly coordinated.”

Her lips twitched, but she quickly schooled her features. “Sure they have. Bet you even taught them how to do synchronized nut juggling.”

“Don’t mock the squirrels,” he shot back. “They’ve got tiny earpieces and everything. Very professional.”

“Right.” Her gaze narrowed, and Davey felt his half-baked lie crumble under her scrutiny. “It’s just you, isn’t it?”

Damn it. She saw right through him.

“Okay, you got me,” he admitted, throwing his hands up. “But I’ve been tracking you for weeks, Rowan. You’re not getting rid of me that easily.”

Her lips parted, but she said nothing. For a moment, he thought she might close the door in his face. Then she glanced down at Luka, who was wagging his tail like nothing was wrong.

“You shouldn’t have come here,” she said finally. “It’s not safe.”

“Not safe for who?” Davey stepped closer, crowding her space. “You? Or me?”

Her gaze darted back to the parking lot, her body taut like a coiled spring. “You need to leave.”

“That’s not happening,” he said firmly. “What’s going on?”

“None of your business.”

“You made it my business when you took Luka.”

The dog wiggled happily at the sound of his name, but as much as he wanted to hug his boy again, he didn’t dare take his eyes off Rowan.

Her fingers tightened on the doorframe. “How did you find me?”

“I’m good at what I do. Though, if it makes you feel any better, you didn’t make it easy. What were you thinking taking off like that? With my dog, no less?”

A ghost of a smile twisted her lips before disappearing. “Your dog came willingly.” She reached into her pocket, and he tensed, but she only pulled out a jerky treat, which Luka hungrily snatched. The dog gulped it down, then leaned against her leg and stared up at her with adoring eyes.

“Traitor,” Davey accused, crossing his arms. “We survived war together, and this is the thanks I get?”

Luka looked completely unrepentant, his tongue lolling from his mouth in a happy grin.

Rowan stroked his ear. “He knows who has the better treats.”

“So you stooped to bribing my dog. Why? Why take him and leave me tied up in bed?”

Rowan’s eyes flashed. Lots of guilt there, but it was smothered under her trademark defiance. “I didn’t have a choice, Davey. You wouldn’t have let me go otherwise.”

“Damn right, I wouldn’t have,” he growled, taking another step closer. “You’re in trouble, Rowan. I can help you, but you need to trust me.”

Something vulnerable flickered in her eyes, but it was quickly replaced by steely resolve. She shook her head, her long dark hair swaying with the motion. “I don’t want your help.”

“But you need it. You’ve got that look, Rowan. The one that says you’re about to do something reckless and probably illegal.”

Her lips curved. “Reckless, maybe. Illegal? That depends on your definition.”

“I’m not sure I want to know,” he said, stepping closer. “But I do know you’re not running from me again.”

Her gaze darted past him to the parking lot, and he felt her muscles tense like she was a second away from bolting. His hand shot out, resting against the doorframe, caging her in. Not quite touching, but close enough that the heat between them felt like a live wire.

---