Page 150 of Hot for Hostage

“As far away from you as I could,” he spat. “She’s too good for you, Reed. She might be blinded because you found her stupid dog, but Sadie deserves someone better than a lowlife.”

I frowned. It wasn’t difficult to guess Jake believed that “someone” was him.

Davian’s low answering chuckle raised the hair on my arms. “Maybe I owe you a thank-you, then. If you hadn’t shit the bed when Bear went missing, Sadie wouldn’t be mine now.”

My chest had no business fluttering at that, and I tightened my grip on Bear’s collar.

“Davian?” I whispered, worried how far he planned to take this.

He pulled his gaze away from Jake long enough to glance at me—then Bear—with a look that chilled me to the bone, before refocusing on the officer.

“Peterson is on his way. He’ll get you medical help and take your badge, because you’re done in this city.” He sneered, letting go of Jake’s jaw. “Consider it a favor. If you ever come near Sadie again, I won’t be this nice.”

A shiver rolled down my spine at the threat, making me adjust my grip on Bear’s collar.

Jake only spat out blood—and was that atooth?—then slumped back against the tire with a weak moan.

He wouldn’t be flashing that flirty smile of his again anytime soon.

Davian straightened to his full height and strode toward me and Bear. His hand found the small of my back, ushering us further away from the scene of the crime.

“Want to tell me how you ended up in a car with that asshole?” he asked dryly.

“Wrong place, wrong time?” I forced a light laugh, trying to lighten the mood. He didn’t join in, so I cleared my throat. “I might’ve made a poor judgement call, and Jake was convinced he was saving me from a very bad man. His words, not mine.”

Davian’s dark gaze flashed. “And how exactly did it go from him saving you to him pinning you to the road?”

I winced. “Well, I might’ve thrown water in his face and attacked him…”

I was rewarded with a hint of a smile cracking through Davian’s hard exterior. He pulled me close and pressed his lips to my forehead. “That’s my girl.”

The way my heart fluttered at the praise was entirely unhealthy and wholly welcome.

Especially when Bear didn’t complain this time.

Davian drew back too soon for my liking, face serious. “I need to call Peterson before we leave to let him know that piece of trash is still breathing. Don’t move from this spot.”

It took effort not to roll my eyes at him when he stepped away with his phone, but he didn’t go far.

Gladys quickly filled his place and enveloped me in a fierce hug, even as she scowled. “You foolish girl! What did I say about sacrificing yourself?”

“I didn’t volunteer this time! He tricked me.” I pouted, hugging her back.

Ryan wrapped his arms around both of us and squeezed. Bear must’ve been jealous, because he leaned all his weight against my leg to join the hug.

“You guys are the best.” I reached down to scratch Bear’s head. “I can’t believe you teamed up with Dav to come help me.”

“Of course we did.” Ryan eased back with a scoff. “I told you we’ll always have your back.”

“And Reed turned out to be somewhat useful,” Gladys added, not letting go of me even when Davian rejoined us.

Luckily, he seemed amused by her comment. When he stopped behind me, I gravitated toward him.

“Mind giving us a minute?” he asked the other two.

“Uh, sure. We’ll be over here,” Ryan said before peeling a scowling Gladys off me and dragging her to the Dog-Mobile. They left Bear with us, since he was glued to my hip.

I shook my head at them and readily walked into Davian’s waiting arms with a sigh.

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