Page 17 of Wicked

“And if I want to hang around? Make certain you’re safe?” Shit, her father wasmurdered. In prison. How the hell does that happen?

“Safe?” She shakes her head. “No one is safe when the wicked come for me.”

I startle.

To get to her, the wicked of the world will have to go through me.

“Cut your ties now and never think twice of me. I change my mind. I don’t need you paying to stock my fridge.”

I should listen to her warning, but her words have the opposite effect. My curiosity is stoked.

“If you’ll have me, I’d like to stay with you tonight. You shouldn’t be alone, ba . . . You shouldn’t be alone, short stuff.”

She sputters laughter. I puff out my chest. I made her laugh.

“Short stuff? What does that make you?”

“Thick and Hard?” Shit, that’s crass. “I mean, big and ripped?” Better.

“Okay,Hulk.”

“Hey, now. I don’t have anger management issues or a split personality.”

She laughs some more, and I’m discovering I like when Harper laughs. The sound is carefree and straight from her core.

“Yes or no to me staying over?”

“As long as you let me sleep in, I’m fine with it. I don’t start my shift until eleven.”

I take a left and park in the driveway. The house is blue, like the color of Harper’s eyes. Or it’s the way the streetlights are shining on the house. Wooden steps. White railings. Black front door. Four blocks from campus.

“How’d you find this place?”

“A friend of mine owns it. Gives me a discount on rent.”

“Is this the same landlord April mentioned is a jerk? He’s the reason her dad stops by and fixes things that go broke on you?”

Man, I’d like to have me some harsh words with this guy. Harper laughs, and I want to take credit, but can’t.

“What?” I scowl. “What did I say?”

“She was giving you a tough time. April’s father, Pete, owns the place. He’sthe jerk landlord.”

“Aw, shit. Are you telling me I was royally played by a twelve-year-old?”

“Um, yes?” She wipes at her tears.

“Damn.”

“She can be a handful. It’s the reason Pete wants me to keep an eye on her. And, she’s the apple of his eye.”

“So set me straight here.” I shift in my seat. “You say I’m in danger, butsheisn’t?”

“Pete is a detective. He has the entire police force of Prescott to back him up should anything happen to April. Who do you have, Ryker?”

“You. You’ll swoop in in your Wonder Woman costume and save my fine ass.”

She stares at me like she’s seeing me for the first time. “You’re something else.”

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