Treachery

“Why are you doing this?”

I am so thankful for this man. He has no idea how he just saved me. But I can’t help feeling just a tiny amount of suspicion at his offer. Blaming Ta

Those were good days.

Happy days.

Days when my muscles weren’t permanently locked over my spine.

Shrugging a muscled shoulder, he grins. “I might have pla

“Oh.”

I smile at that. Again, he’s not my type, but it’s good to know people. At this point, I have nobody in my corner.

Another wink and he strolls off, his stride powerful, but missing the swagger that is so typical of Ta

Speaking of...

I answer the phone even though I know I shouldn’t.

“What?”

Ta

“Who the fuck were you just talking to?”

Surprised by the lethal edge to his voice, I stroll back to lean against my car. “That’s none of your business. How many times do I have to say this?”

“For fuck’s sake, Luca. I’m on my way to your apartment now. Do not talk to strange men.”

Who the hell does Ta

“I’ll talk to whoever I want.”

On his end, I can hear Ta

Glancing right, I tap an impatient foot, hoping Priest will show back up soon. I still have no idea where his shop is, but he indicated it was close.

“Listen, you and I don’t get along. That’s fine. We’re used to that. But I’m telling you that talking to strangers at the moment is a very bad idea.”

I can’t help my curiosity. “And why is that?”

In the distance, I watch Priest cross the street with a large box looking thing in his hand. His stride is quick as he approaches me.

Thank God for small favors. It looks like Ta

“It just is.”

I roll my eyes. “How do you even know where I am?”

He’s quiet for far longer than is normal for him, but then, “I just do. Stay the fuck there.”

Yeah. Like I’ll allow Ta

A

It isn’t two seconds later that a noise catches my attention, the loud revving of a car engine causing me to spin around, the squealing of the tires over the cement shooting my heart into my throat as a large black SUV comes barreling in my direction.

I hate to admit I freeze in place, a deer in headlights and all that, my eyes wide as the vehicle heads straight for me.

Ta

Before it can hit me, I’m knocked aside, strong arms wrapping around my body as I’m shoved left, the phone flying from my grip as my body hits the ground and a heavy weight falls on top of me.

Pain shoots up my hip and fire spreads over my palms where they scrape against the cement.

My hair is a curtain over my face, Priest’s body heavy against mine as the SUV flies past, the tires squealing again as they turn through the parking lot and out onto a side street.

Flipping my hair from my face, I stare up at a pair of wide brown eyes, the shocked expression on his face matching mine.

“Are you okay?”

I nod my head to answer, my voice stolen by the fear racing through my veins, my pulse a heavy thud beneath my skin.

In the distance, you can still hear Ta

“Luca? What the fuck just happened? Goddamn it. Answer me!”