Page 23 of Steel Trap
“Such self-deception—it’s a sad condition in one so young,” Rogue said.
“Uh-huh. Wait ‘til I get him over my knee, then he’ll learn who’s in charge.” Hatchet leered.
“You…he…well, fuck.”Smith slumped into the single visitors’ chair.
“Break me out of here tomorrow, Rogue?”
“Sure. We’ll bring the van so you can get home in comfort.”
“My bike?”
“Safely stored, according to Adrian.”
Hatchet relaxed against his pillows. “Then I guess I’ll see you tomorrow.”
“You need a ride somewhere, Smith?” Rogue asked.
“No…I’m just going to crash here in the chair.” Smith just wanted tobe in the same room as his lover.
Hatchet nodded and Rogue left, pulling the door closed behind him.
“It’s late and you look like hammered shit, Smith.”
Smith didn’t need Hatchet to tell him that. He’d lay good odds the circles under his eyes were darker than the night sky outside the window. His shoulder ached and his head pounded. The adrenalin that had kept him going since news of Hatchet’sinjury had long since dissipated from his bloodstream and fatigue was making his eyelids droop.
“Montgomery. My name…it’s Montgomery.”
“I like it.”
“I don’t want to leave again without you knowing it.”
“Who said anything about you leaving?” Hatchet growled. “I’m never letting you out of my fucking sight again.”
“You’re not really in a position to be making statements like that,” Smith said,though he was secretly thrilled at Hatchet’s possessive tone.
“Deal with it, Montgomery. You run, I’ll chase you. You hide, I’ll hunt you down. The only place you belong is in my bed. I can protect you just as well as any fancy security system. Trap can just go fuck himself if he has a problem with that.”
“I’ll be sure to pass that on when I report back to him.” Smith massaged his temples. “I’msorry about how things went down tonight.”
“Because one of them got away?”
“Is that what you think of me?” Smith was surprised at how hurt he felt. “No, because you got hurt. I should have planned better. I made you too vulnerable.”
“No. I should have been paying more attention. It wasn’t your fault. Considering what we had to achieve, it went down better than I could have expected.” Hatchetyawned. “Fuck, these painkillers are good.”
“Go to sleep, Nelson.”
“You’ll be here in the morning.” It was a statement, not a question or request.
Smith nodded. “I will.” He was too tired to move, anyway.
* * * *
Sleeping in a chair was not conducive to getting a good night’s rest, which was probably why Smith awoke before dawn. He had the uncomfortable feeling that something had disturbedhim, and not just the cramping pain in his spine. He kept very still, examining the outlines in the room. Only the faintest of pre-dawn light seeped from around the blinds. As far as he could make out, everything seemed the same. Hatchet’s outline was clear beneath his sheets and he breathed deeply, snoring just a little. Smith closed his eyes putting his unease down to his overwrought imagination.Then he heard it. Just a slight scratching outside the door, as if someone was trying to turn the handle without making any sound. He froze, hardly daring to breathe. There was a soft click, then the door opened, letting in a shaft of faint light. A shadowy figure pushed the door until it was not quite closed, then crept toward the bed.
“Tan fácil.”So easy.
The interloper raised his arm andSmith caught the glint of a blade. He tensed, preparing to spring, even though he had no weapon. Then in a snap of movement, Hatchet grabbed his attacker’s wrist. Smith heard bones crack as Hatchet did something with the heel of his other hand. Then he jabbed his elbow toward the man’s exposed windpipe. There was a strangled scream, then a gurgle. The knifeman wrenched himself free then staggeredtoward the door. Smith stuck his leg out and the man went sprawling, giving Smith time to kneel on his back, pinning him down. Smith groped for the knife, which had skittered across the floor. He closed his fingers around the blade at first and he gasped as the sharp metal cut his skin. He grabbed the handle, fighting to keep his balance as the man beneath him struggled to get free. Smith couldonly think of what might happen to Hatchet if his attacker got away. He plunged the blade between the man’s shoulder blades. After a shuddering gasp, there was silence apart from the sound of Smith’s heartbeat pounding in his ears.
