“Thanks.” When I bump into the side panel of my car, I reach blindly for the door handle, not wanting to take my eyes off the men still walking toward me in slow strides. “I, uh… I have to go, now. My parents are expecting me. Have a good day.”
“Where are you running off to so fast, sweetheart?” His eyes slide to his friend and he gives a small nod. “We have some things to ask you about…”
I yank at the handle, no longer caring about looking rude. Before I can get the door fully open, someone reaches out and slams it shut again. I scream as the man grabs me, but the sound is quickly silenced as his right hand clamps down over my mouth. His left wraps around my waist and lifts me straight off my feet.
My teeth sink into his palm; he barely even flinches. Thrashing against his hold, my legs pedal uselessly at empty air. The man holding me might as well be made of stone; his chest, pressed against my back, is solid granite.
My eyes scan our surroundings.The parking lot is totally deserted. Even if I could scream, there’s no one around to hear me.
I’m on my own.
The scrawnier man — the one who’s been doing all the talking — steps into my view. He’s smiling at me like we’re old friends.
“Okay, then. I’m Rico. This is my associate, Barboza. If you’re a good girl and you answer our questions, this birthday won’t be the last one you celebrate. Understand?”
It’s difficult to breathe with the massive palm pressing down over my face; speaking is not an option. I stare at him blankly, trying not to cry. My heart is beating so hard, I’m worried it might combust.
“Nod if you understand me,” Rico says flatly.
Somehow, I manage a small nod.
“Good girl. Now, we know you’re tight with the Reyes boys. Personally, I don’t care if you’re dating the younger one or the older one. Hell, for all I know you switch back and forth between the two. Whatever. I don’t judge.”
Rage flares inside me.
“Look at that fire in your eyes!” Leaning closer, he brings his pockmarked face within inches of mine. “No wonder those boys keep you so close. White as snow, but I bet you’reen fuegoin the sheets. Am I right, mami?”
My glare intensifies.
“You ever get the urge to try out a real man, you let me know.” He sticks his tongue out and wags it rapidly at me.
I go stiff as a board. Fear burns through me, a hot current.
This situation could get a lot worse for me.
Rico laughs, enjoying himself. “Oh, lighten up. The only thing I want from you today is information. Think you can you help me with that?”
I give another small nod.
“Excellent. Where is Jaxon?”
Eyes going wide, I shake my head. My response is muffled.
He jerks his head at his partner, and the pressure loosens enough for me to gasp out a few ragged words.
“I don’t… know anything... about Jaxon.”
“That’s not what I want to hear, sweetheart.” Rico sighs. “We saw you leave that party with him last weekend. But he’s a sneaky bastard. He managed to slip our net after he dropped you off.”
I try to get my breathing under control. “I haven’t seen him since!”
“You sure about that?”
“I swear. I haven’t seen him.”
“Did he say where he was heading?”
I shake my head. “No. He just dropped me off.”