Page 64 of The Savage King

It does things to people.

And there’s an intimacy between us that we’re both ignoring for different reasons.

I wonder what hers is.

“Here,” Isabelle indicates. “This is the road. Number 2545.”

I recognize the front of the property immediately and consider parking on the main road for an easy escape, although the police will be looking for the vehicle, so there’s no point advertising where we are.

I go down the dark and bumpy unsealed driveway and squeeze into a tight park before glancing over at Isabelle.

“You need to come in with me.”

“No, thanks. It looks safer out here,” she replies, leaning forward to look out of the windscreen.

I don’t disagree.

The rickety staircase that leads up to the back of the two-story property looks ready to collapse and there are wooden planks where glass should be on the windows. Washing is hanging from a wire and at a guess it’s been there for days.

A stocky looking dog on a short chain, barks repetitively, spit shooting out of his sharp-toothed jaw.

When I open the door and give her a pointed stare, she sighs and exits the vehicle. I grab the backpack and meet her at the front bumper, where I put a protective arm around her waist.

“Fake wife again?” she asks quietly.

“No. Javier will know who you are. I need him to know you have my full protection,” I reply.

That, and I’m not letting her get an inch away from me until I know what kind of welcome we will get.

Correction, I know what kind of welcome we’re going to receive, but it won’t be nice.

“Decker, what are we doing here?” she hisses as the dog starts going completely bonkers.

Bark, bark, bark.

“Saving other women much worse off than you, who need my help,” I say, nudging her towards the stairs before she can ask any more questions.

We take three steps, then I hear a click.

We freeze.

“Quédate donde estás,” Javier gruffs, telling us to stay where we are.

Bark, bark, bark.

The Glock in my hand hangs heavy down the side of my leg. “My name is—”

“I know who you are. The man who is about to make me very rich.” Javier laughs and takes a step towards us with his shotgun pointed at my head.

“You might want to hear all the offers on the table before you make a move you’ll regret, my friend.”

“Not your friend,amigo.”

That’s true.

Bark, bark, bark.

“What are you doing, Jav?” a woman calls out behind him. “Shut the fuck up, Fluffy.”

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