Page 56 of Target

Crypt gave it to me. I feel sick to my stomach, as it churns, threatening to dispel my last meal.

The item looks at me like it will jump out and slit my throat.

Running is what I did to stay off of Crypt and his club's radar; it has been years since things happened between us. It scares me that he has found me, and I can feel a cold sweat forming on my brow. Memories of the dark times we shared flood back, no longer locked away by the distance and the years.

My mind races, considering my options. The very thought of facing Crypt again sends a shiver down my spine. Every instinct in me screams to run, to find safety, but deep down I know that running will be futile.

I need to talk to Kohen, but I fear I am bringing trouble to his club and people might get hurt because of me. My pain should not be brought upon others around me.

Aria.

Reaching for my phone in a sudden panic, I call her to make sure that she got to her friend’s safely and they did not take her when they came here.

The timing was so close.

Her phone rings four times, causing my panic to rise, then she answers.

“Hey, miss me already?” Her voice soothes my panic.

I swallow hard, thinking of a reason for this phone call so I do not make her worry.

“I will always miss you.” The lump in my throat grows. “I can’t seem to find my little black and chrome clutch purse, do you know where it is?”

“Oh, are you going on a date?”

I cough. “Maybe.”

“I last saw it in your closet on the left, hanging up.” I force a laugh.

“I must have missed it. I will let you get back to it.”

“Are you okay, Maddi?”

“Of course.” I add more cheer to my voice.

“Okay, I am here if you need me.” I end the call locking my device, keeping my gaze on the piece of metal that haunts me some nights.

My hands tremble as I close the box, pushing it away as if that could distance me from the threat it represents. What does he want from me now? Why resurface after all this time?

I had hoped he would have forgotten about me.

A sudden loud knock comes at my front door again, making me jump out my skin. My body trembles with fear, sweatsticking to my palms, as I inch closer. One step at a time my fear ramps up.

Clutching my phone in my hand, I open the device to call 911 to come and save me, when I hear a voice I was not expecting,

“Mads, baby, it’s me. Open the door, I can hear you breathing really heavy, baby.” The worry in Kohen’s voice has me rushing forward, yanking the door open and as I fall into his arms, a sob breaks free.

That triggers his hands going tightly around me, helping me back into the house.

I look up at him when I hear the door’s lock engage.

“We need to talk.”

CHAPTER NINETEEN

TARGET

With my body and mind needing to get to my woman to find out if what my gut is feeling is true, the street whizzes past me.

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