Page 22 of Shadowed Vows: Ghost
"No." I plant my feet, chin raised in defiance.
His jaw clenches. "Either you get on willingly, or I'll throw you over my shoulder and put you there myself."
"You wouldn't dare," I hiss.
He takes a menacing step forward. "Try me."
We glare at each other. Part of me wants to run, to get as far away from this infuriating man as possible. But a small voice in the back of my mind whispers that he might be right. Someone really did try to kill me.
"Fine," I growl, stomping back to the bike. "But this doesn't mean I trust you."
"Noted," he says dryly, swinging his leg over the seat.
I hesitate, still fuming. He looks over his shoulder, expression hardening.
"Get on, or I leave you here for your attackers to find."
My blood runs cold at the thought. Swallowing my pride, I climb onto the back of the motorcycle.
"I hate you," I mutter as I wrap my arms around his waist.
His chest vibrates against my arms.
Is he fucking laughing?
The rumble passes through his body into mine, where we're pressed together on the motorcycle. The sensation only irritates me more.
My jaw clenches as he replies, "I can live with that."
seven
Kade
Iguide my BMW S1000RR up the steep hill, feeling Alina's body pressed tightly against my back. Her arms are wrapped around my waist, and she fits perfectly against me.
Alina's heat penetrates my leather jacket, sparking an unfamiliar surge of heat through my body.
Fuck.
I didn't expect her closeness to affect me like this.
She's a liability, not a goddamn distraction. Remember that.
We approach a Victorian house nestled among the curves of Lombard Street. Its pale blue exterior and ornate trim blend seamlessly with the neighboring buildings, the perfect camouflage for one of our safe houses. As we pull up, I scan the area for any signs of surveillance or trouble.
Clear. For now.
I kill the engine, and Alina immediately scrambles off the bike. Her face is flushed, whether from the ride or anger, I'm not sure. Probably both.
"What the hell is going on?" she demands, her green eyes flashing. "Where are we? And who are you?"
I dismount slowly, deliberately taking my time. "Get in the house."
"No," she snaps, crossing her arms. "Not until you give me some answers."
This woman has a death wish.Her defiance should infuriate me. I've taken down men twice her size for less. Instead, I fight back a smile. There's something oddly refreshing about her boldness.
"I said, get in the house. Now." My voice drops to a dangerous register, the one I use when negotiation is over.
