Page 44 of Her Forbidden Shifters
She turned her attention to me and nodded. “Fine. Let’s go.”
Thank you, Liam.
I smirked. “Right behind you.”
I turned around and then opened the door for her. She sighed and tried to fight the smile tugging on her lips. But I saw the hint of the upward curve and considered the action another victory.
Once we were out of the room, I asked, “My car or yours?”
“You mean I have a choice?” she asked over her shoulder. She walked with determination.
I shrugged. “Do you have a preference?”
She heaved a heavy sigh. “No. Yours is fine.”
“Okay then,” I said. “Mine it is.”
We made it to my car. I held open the passenger’s side door for her to climb in and once she was settled, I closed it and then made my way to the driver’s side. Seconds later, we were on the road, heading toward Avery’s.
But now that I had her alone, all I could smell was Liam. It was like she had bathed in his scent before leaving the house this morning. The odor rubbed me raw. Like she was shoving her sex with him in my face.
I gripped the wheel tighter, turning my knuckles white, and prayed that someone from the organization was there when we arrived because I was in serious need of releasing some steam. Fighting seemed like a great option.
17
SAVANNAH
When Jacob pulled out of the parking lot of the hotel, the air inside the car had filled with tension. So much so, that it was uncomfortably silent. I felt sticky, and the energy seemed muddy. I kept looking at him, trying to figure out what was bothering him so much. He had just gotten his way by coming with me to Avery’s, so it didn’t make sense that he would suddenly be so closed off.
He didn’t bother to return my gaze which seemed unusual. Normally he would tease me for looking at him while he was driving. He was something nice to look at, and the urge to stare at him was hard to resist sometimes. But this time was different. And it was clear to me he was deeply troubled by something.
I warred with myself over whether or not to pry into his emotions. On one hand, he was my partner, and I cared about him very much. Whatever was bothering him, I wanted to help with. But on the other hand, he had just got done saying some pretty hurtful things back in the hotel room. Not to mention accusing me of breaking rules just so I could sleep with my boss.
I wasn’t one to break the rules. But my romp with the boss was a necessary means to an end.
After several more minutes, I couldn’t take the tension anymore.
“What is eating you?” I asked, keeping my attention on him. I wanted to make sure he was aware I knew he was bothered by something. Plus, I was looking for a tell-tale clue into whatever the thing was. Even if he didn’t come right out and tell me, I might have still figured it out.
He snorted. “Eating me? You do realize that I’m at the top of the food chain, right?”
So, he could still joke with me. That was a good sign, but he still didn’t relax. Whatever was bothering him had to be big. I needed him clearheaded when we got to Avery’s.
“You understood what I meant,” I said, trying hard to keep the edge out of my voice.
“Nothing,” he said. His word came out flat. Emotionless.
I stared at him incredulously. “Jacob, did you forget how well I know you? How long we’ve been partners? I can tell when something is bothering you.”
“Is that so?” he asked as he made a left turn a little too fast.
“Yes,” I said, holding onto the little handle above the door. “So, spill.”
“If you know me so well, how come you can’t seem to figure it out yet?” he asked.
I said, “Because I’m not playing a guessing game with you. I’m reaching out to you, as a friend and partner.”
He shrugged. “Just trying to focus on the mission.”
