Page 10 of Phoenix

I wasn’t sure what I’d expected from it, but the way his mouth claimed mine hadn’t been sweet. His kiss had been full of a fire that left me breathless when he pulled back, his hazel eyes burning into mine.

My lips tingled, my knees felt shaky, and I couldn’t for the life of me remember what I’d said to provoke that reaction. Which was too bad because I already wanted a repeat of that kiss, so I’d love to know which button to push to make it happen again. And again.

“You done arguing now?” he asked, voice low and rough.

My mouth opened, but no words came out.

“That’s what I thought.” He smirked. “Guess I know how to handle that sassy mouth of yours.”

I made a mental note to amp up my cheekiness if getting kissed by Beck was the result. “Maybe it won’t work the same next time.”

His smile widened as he reached down and laced his fingers through mine. “Let’s go. I’m taking you home.”

“Wait—”

“It’s not up for debate, baby.”

I barely had time to think, let alone argue, before he was steering me across the parking lot. My thoughts were a jumbled mess of heat and confusion, but I managed to pull myself together enough that I was about to point out that my car was in the other direction when a van screeched around the corner, tires shrieking against asphalt. Beck stiffened instantly, dropping my hand and stepping in front of me just as the side door flew open and two men in black masks jumped out.

I didn’t even have time to scream. The men moved fast—one lunging toward me while the other circled wide, something long and glinting in his hand. Sunlight flashed off the blade—a knife.

Panic crashed through me like a tidal wave as the closest guy grabbed my arm, yanking me forward so hard that my shoulder jolted. My shoes skidded on the asphalt as I tried to twist away, but he was too strong.

Luckily, Beck didn’t have the same problem. His fist slammed against the forearm of the man who grabbed me, hard enough for him to finally release me.

“Get the fuck outta our way,” the guy growled.

“Shit, man. Do you see his cut? He’s an Iron Rogue. Let’s get out of here,” his partner yelled, pivoting on his heel to dive back inside the van.

“Fuck,” the man who’d grabbed me muttered, his furious gaze darting toward me as he backed away. “Today was your lucky day, bitch. But not next time.”

“You won’t get another chance at her, motherfucker.” A gun was suddenly in Beck’s hand, drawn so fast I didn’t see where it even came from.

“Fucking hell,” the guy yelled, turning toward the van.

My knees gave out, dropping me butt-first onto the pavement. Then I was the one screaming when the first shot cracked through the air, the sound deafening and making my ears ring.

Beck didn’t hesitate, seemingly unbothered by the noise. Another shot rang out—this time into the front tire of the van, rubber exploding with a sharp pop. The driver floored it anyway, and the vehicle jolted forward, the other three tires squealing as the second man dove for the open side door.

He almost made it inside before Beck fired again, the bullet slamming into the frame of the van just above his head. The guy bumped into the doorframe before falling forward, his partner hauling him inside. The van swerved, metal groaning as it fishtailed and tore out of the parking lot with several more bullet holes in the side, courtesy of Beck’s gun.

I was on the ground, breathing hard as I gaped at the disappearing van. My shoulder twinged where the guy had grabbed me, but they were gone, and I was still here.

I was shaken and shivering a little. But at least I hadn’t been kidnapped. If Beck hadn’t been there to rescue me, I would’ve been in a heck of a lot of trouble right now.

He was beside me in a blink, holstering the gun like he hadn’t just fired a bunch of bullets in a hospital parking lot. His hands were on me instantly—skimming over my arms, his expression all dark fury and hard edges.

“You hurt?”

“I…” My voice cracked. “I don’t think so. Just frazzled.”

He let out a low, ragged breath, then reached down and helped me to my feet. His touch was careful, but his body vibrated with barely restrained violence. His eyes scanned the street, the rooftops, and the corners of the lot as though he was expecting someone else to come for me.

The idea should’ve been ridiculous, but I hadn’t expected anyone to try to grab me in the first place.

Beck hauled me in close, his arm banding around my waist as though he didn’t trust the ground not to fall out from under me. His other hand skimmed down my arm, fingers brushing the spot where the guy had grabbed me.

“Fuck,” he muttered, voice low and tight with fury. “That bastard put his hands on you.”

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