Page 12 of Taming Her

He broke into a run, covering ground fast.

A car shot into his vision, traveling at speed, straight toward Ava who was now stepping off the curb.

He sped up, thighs pumping, adrenaline flooding his system.

Reaching her, he grasped her around the waist, put on the brakes, and hauled her onto the pavement.

The car whizzed past, horn blaring.

He felt sick with relief as she slumped against him, her small fragile body secure in his arms.

“Jesus Christ, Ava, have you got a death wish?”

She twisted in his embrace, pushing against his stab vest with the flat of her palms.

Safely on the pavement, he released her, keeping himself between the road and her.

“Ava?” she said. “How do you… know my name?” She frowned and rubbed her perfectly smooth brow. He was right, she was upset; mascara stained her cheeks.

“That’s what you’re concerned about? How I know your name. You just nearly got run over.”

“But I didn’t.”

“Thanks to me.”

“And you are?” She swiped at her cheeks

“Griff. Griffin Dix.” He paused. “From college.”

Her mouth formed a perfect ‘o’ and she peered closer. “Griff?”

“Yeah.” He rubbed his jawline. “Minus the beard.”

“I always liked your beard.”

He wanted to make a comment about her liking it tickling up the inside of her thigh but held that in. Didn’t seem professional. “Had to go for the job.” He paused. “Been a few years, hasn’t it.”

“Yes, it has.” She nodded over his shoulder. “Good to catch up. I’d best be off.”

Best be off?

Was that it? The extent of their catch up? After what they’d shared all that time ago? After him just saving her from a creep and then a fast-moving car?

“Take care.” She stepped past him, wobbling on her right heel and almost over turning her ankle.

He went to steady her but she lurched into the road… again.

A car sped past, a blur of red and a roar of engine.

“Jesus Christ.” He grabbed her around the waist once more. This time he didn’t let go. Instead he hauled her along the pavement toward his vehicle.

“Hey, get off me, what the… Griff…” She struggled and wriggled.

He tightened his grip. It was clear she was in no fit state to take care of herself. She was worse than a child or even a puppy left outside alone. He’d have to take her home.

To his home.

“I’m telling you, get off me, you can’t do this.”

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