Page 182 of Steel

“Love you, Jericho,” I whisper.

“Yeah, me too,” he says in a low tone, and I detect a hint of unsureness in it.

It worries me and leaves me wondering if he meant it when he said those words to me the other day. He’s not said them to me since, and I guess there’s a part of me that’s still waiting for him to walk away and go back to Heather.

After getting dressed and doing my hair and makeup, I grab the gun Steel bought for me and put it in my bag. Then I send him a text before I fire up the Bronco and head to Sinful Saloon.

I deliver the drinks to a group of rowdy college guys, laughing at their harmless flirting.

Reeva chuckles. “You’re popular tonight.”

“Only because I’m a pretty new face.”

“Eh, I think you’re downplaying your charm.”

The eyes are back on me again.

The skin on the back of my neck tingles, so I use the mirror behind the bar to check out the room. Lighting is dim, mostly aimed at the stage where Lennox is strutting across it in a sensual move as she toys with their senses. It makes it harder to spot anyone who might be staring at me. Unable to find them, I let out a groan of frustration. Over time, the feeling fades, and I’m able to forget about it as I focus on other customers.

I’m a sweaty mess by the time I’m able to get a break to use the restroom. Coming in tonight was just what I needed. It’s kept me distracted enough that I haven’t thought about all the bullshit going on. It’s only a short reprieve, and I actually feel like crap for needing a breather when Steel doesn’t get one.

But it’s more than just Killer on my mind. Lyric has been spending more time with Heather. While I always want toencourage that, there’s something that’s got me on edge about it too.

I would chalk it up to jealousy, but that’s just not who I am, and it doesn’t fit with this bit of terror that runs through my veins.

I’m so lost in my thoughts while I wash my hands that I miss the door opening and people coming in. Suddenly, my arms are yanked behind me and a piece of tape is slapped over my mouth. I try to pull away, but the man who has me locked in his hold is twice my size and weight.

When I catch his reflection in the mirror, the emptiness in his eyes is all I need to know.

He belongs to Killer.

They were going to catch up with me eventually.

A feminine snicker has my eyes falling to the figure standing at the door. My eyebrows furrow as I try to figure out who it is. After she locks the door and steps closer, her disguised features become clearer, and the face I always find staring back at me from a photo on Lyric’s dresser becomes evident.

Honestly, it doesn’t even surprise me. My gut was warning me.

I start trying to get loose again, but it only serves to anger them because she balls up her fist and punches me in my stomach. It steals my breath, but I’ve been hit by someone a lot meaner than her.

I surprise the guy holding me when I lift my foot behind me and nail him in the nuts. It’s one of the most vulnerable parts on a man, and it’s a move that works when you’re in a bind. Granted, it used to anger my dad further, but it’s worth the extra anger if it gets me loose. The man lets out a sharp curse and releases my arms as he doubles over.

Heather comes at me again when I go to tear the tape from my mouth. She gets a couple hits to my body, yanking grunts fromme as I try to protect myself the best I can while I try to remove the tape.

I’m in a race against time because as soon as the man isn’t crying over his hurt balls, it’ll be two on one.

“Bitch,” I gasp out once I tear the tape from my mouth.

Heather comes at me again, but I’m ready for her. I grab her by the hair and smack her face into the sink, relishing the way she cries out sharply as the metallic scent of her blood spreads out around us.

“Why?” I spit out.

“Because they’re mine,” she snarls, spitting blood into the sink.

I know better than to not stay aware of my surroundings. It’s a mistake that costs me when the man wraps his arm around my throat and pulls me away from her.

My airway is cut off as his hold tightens, and I claw at his arm when I’m unable to drag in air. Heather laughs, straightening her blouse and wiping the blood from her face.

“See, I know what’s going on now. You’ve been a naughty girl and have some bad men wanting your blood. I can’t have you bringing that stuff to my daughter, can I? I’m her mommy, and it’s my job to protect her.”

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