“Because police investigations take too long,” Tyler says flatly. “And they don’t deliver the right amount of justice.”
Her hand tightens into a death grip in mine.
I love that she sees me as comfort. That sheneedsme.
Kevin emerges from the warehouse, the medical box no longer in his slimy hands.
Now for the fun part.
Tyler texted Karl our location as soon as we arrived, and the low rumble of bike engines announces the rest of our crew. This wasn’t part of the original plan, but finding the warehouse’s location makes this an opportunity we can’t pass up.
I lift Emily, knowing we don’t have much time, and settle her back on my bike. I shove the helmet over her head. “Stay here. If anything happens—you drive straight home, okay?”
Her eyes go wide. “What about you?”
I shake my head. “I’ll be back soon. But if I’m not—” I level her with a look.
She understands without me needing to say more.
I shouldn’t have brought her. But it’s too late for regrets now.
Kevin hears the bikes rounding the corner. He freezes, then bolts for the warehouse.
Oh no you don’t, you bastard.
My boots slap against the pavement as I sprint after him, Tyler on my heels. Before Kevin can slip inside, I grab a fistful of his jacket and yank him back. We crash to the ground, him sprawled on top of me.
Tyler hauls him off and drives his fist into Kevin’s face.
Karl and the others slip past us, heading inside to deal with whatever’s in there. That’s not my role.
Kevin groans, then swings at me blindly. He lands a lucky hit before Tyler smashes his face into the ground, knocking him out cold.
I rub my temple. “Ow.”
“Don’t be a baby,” Tyler mocks, offering me a hand.
We look down at Kevin’s crumpled form. “I’ll get him to yours. Go take care of your girl.”
No need to tell me twice.
I spin around and jog back to where Emily’s waiting. She’s no longer on the bike—she’s pacing, gnawing at her nails.
I take her hand, threading my fingers through hers. “It’s allokay, Angel.”
The way her eyes soften as they scan me cracks something open inside. No one’s ever looked at me with that kind of tenderness. With… care.
I pull her against me, making her stumble slightly until her body is flush with mine.
Her breath catches.
My hands cup her cheeks. Her lips part.
I crush my mouth to hers.
She doesn’t push me away like I expect. She freezes, then kisses me back with hunger. Her mouth opens, letting me slide my tongue past her lips and taste her. She’s innocence and sin twisted together. Intoxicating.
Her fingers tug at my jacket lapels as if she wants me closer.