Page 32 of It Takes a Thief
“Need help with anything else?” he asks, voice rough, eyes locking on mine.
I shake my head, and he clears his throat, stands up and sends me one last lingering look before moving back around the dumpster. My belly dips and swirls, my skin tingling like crazy, and I’m not sure if it’s because I’m about to explode or because I want Linc’s hands and mouth on me again.
But not behind a gross dumpster.
After taking care of business, I let out a relieved sigh. I almost filled the whole cup. Not sure what to do with it, I set it aside and make my way back around the corner.
“All good?” he asks, looking me over.
I nod. “A million percent better.”
I don’t really care about the fight anymore, and when Linc slides an arm around my shoulders, I lean against him.
“Ready to go?” he asks in a low voice.
“Yes, please.”
We walk back up the alley and onto the sidewalk. A couple of bouncers man the main entrance and a few people smoke cigarettes not too far away. Linc keeps his arm around me and I breathe his spicy scent in deeply, focusing on my feet, trying not to wobble or make Linc suspect I might be drunk. I want him to think I’m perfectly fine and capable of making sober decisions.
Because as soon as we get back to my place, I’m jumping him.
The naughty thought barely passes through my head when a large SUV driving by suddenly accelerates. Tires squeal and bright headlights blind me. Squinting, I see the SUV careen straight toward us.
Consumed by panic, I freeze.
Right before the vehicle jumps the curb, Linc throws himself against me and we fly sideways. He manages to turn so he hits the ground first, cushioning my fall. He rolls us out of the way, and pavement scrapes my bare arm and elbow—which is nothing compared to what could’ve happened.
Instead of stopping to check on us, the driver guns it and the black SUV peels away with a screech.
“Hey! Are you okay?” the bouncer yells, running over.
Linc’s big body took the brunt of the impact, but the force of the landing still knocked the stuffing out of me. For a dazed moment, I can’t move. Everything happened so fast, and I lay on the ground, stunned.
“Mer, sweetheart, are you okay?” Before I can answer, he pulls me up into his arms. “Mer!”
“Yes, yes, I’m okay,” I assure him, wrapping my arms around his neck. Trembling, I realize the beer fog is completely gone due to the adrenaline spike. “God, that was close.”
Linc focuses on the bouncer. “Did you get a look at the driver or license plate?”
“No, man. It all happened so fast.”
Linc nods then runs his hands over my face and arms, down my sides. His steely expression turns downright thunderous as he turns my arm, inspecting it. “You’ve got some cuts and scrapes.”
“I’m okay.” I place a hand against his cheek. “Are you okay?”
A muscle flexes in his jaw, and he gives a slight nod. “I’m taking you home,” he says, then sweeps me up into his arms.
Even though I can walk, his arms hold me securely, and I lay my head against his solid chest. After what just happened, it’s comforting, and the strong beat of his heart reminds me we’re both still alive. Unharmed, thank God. I don’t think I’ve ever been so grateful to anyone. He saved my life. By the time Irealized what was happening, Linc had already pushed me out of the way, making sure the car didn’t hit me.
When we reach our SUV, he opens the passenger door and sets me down so gently, as though I might break. “Thank you,” I murmur, grabbing his hand. “You saved my life.”
He squeezes my hand. “You’re sure you’re alright?”
“Yes, thanks to you.”
He pulls his phone out. Before I can wonder who he’s calling, he puts it on speaker.
“Ryder,” he says, his tone all business, “we just had an attempted hit and run involving Merritt. The fucker hopped the curb.”
