by Lori Foster
He considered watching Star’s back very necessary.
Circling around the bar on silent feet, he listened. Her boots crunched on the gravel, guiding him. She didn’t go to her rig, but then, maybe she didn’t want them to know which truck was hers.
Smart—except that they could ask anyone in the bar about her, and that would be one of the first things they learned.
Cade leaned around the corner, still hidden by shadows but able to see her. She hadn’t lit the cigarette, but she kept it dangling between her lips.
What are you up to?
She glanced several times at the entrance, and when the doors finally opened, she made a show of frustration.
The one who’d offered a light smiled. “Couldn’t find your lighter after all?”
She shook her head, sending that wealth of thick hair to move around her breasts. Wearing a sexy pout, she asked, “Did you bring one out with you?”
He produced the lighter, then teased her with, “Say please.”
Taking the cigarette from her lips, she gave him a tight smile. “Really? Because there are twenty men inside who would be glad to give me a light—without stipulations.”
“Seems to me you don’t like them, or you’d have gone to them for the cigarette.”
Her lips curled. “You think you know what I like?”
“I know you’d like more than a smoke.”
At that, she laughed, a rich, husky sound that set Cade’s teeth on edge. She played a dangerous game, and he hoped like hell she didn’t push too hard.
“Maybe you’re right.” The finger she stroked along her cleavage drew the man’s heated stare. “What’s your name?”
“You can call me Smith.”
She laughed. “Well, Smith, how much are you willing to give?”
Not for a second did Cade believe she meant to sell herself. No, she had a bigger game in mind, and it made him scared for her.
Cade knew Smith—what a crock—because he and his brother had kept tabs on the man for more than a month. They knew Smith was involved in plenty of shady deals, but he was just muscle, not brains. Someone else called the shots. Someone with more power.
Cade wanted them all.
With her impetuous rush to get involved, Star jeopardized his well-made plans. Never mind that she didn’t know he had plans...
“Tell you what.” The guy reached to a back pocket and pulled out his wallet.
Finally, she looked a little nervous, but still, she didn’t back down. Honest to God, she raised her chin.
Luckily—because Cade didn’t want to blow his cover—the guy offered a card instead of cash. “You want to make a big score, come by Misfits tomorrow night. I have a buddy in need of cheering up and you’d be just the ticket.”
Restoring that cocky attitude, she glanced at the card, then shoved it into her own pocket. “What time?”
“Ah, so you don’t mind the idea of being his...entertainment?”
She shrugged but asked, “Is he a total pig?”
“Most of the women don’t complain.”
Most of the women don’t complain. Meaning some did...but it didn’t matter? When Smith’s friend finished with them, were they even able to complain?
Breathing slow and deep kept Cade from reacting. Somehow he’d ensure Star’s safety, and eventually he’d bury Smith.
For a split second, she went blank—fear? anger?—before curling her mouth in another credible smile. “I take it you’ve given him other gifts?”
“He’s partial to those with long legs and big tits.”
With every beat of his heart, Cade wanted her away from the bastard, but he didn’t intrude. Not yet.
Toying with a long curl, Star pretended the crude language and dark insinuation didn’t bother her. “How much are we talking?”
Taken by surprise, Smith reached out, wrapping his fingers in her hair. “Enough, okay? Don’t push me. Just be there at nine.”
She didn’t flinch, didn’t show any pain and didn’t back down. She actually moved closer to Smith. Too damn close. “Oh, I’ll be there. And I’ll expect you to make it worth my while.”
He leaned forward, clearly intending to kiss her, and suddenly she freed herself—minus a few dozen strands of hair. “You pay first, sugar. I don’t give out freebies.” Before Smith could figure out what to do, she walked away.
To her credit, she went back into the bar and relative safety. But how safe would she be when she left?
Keeping an eye on the door she went through, Smith dug out his cell phone and pressed in a number. The light from the screen emphasized his twisted smile. “Hey,” Smith said, when the call was answered. “Prep the back room, okay? I have a new one coming out tomorrow.” He laughed. “Yeah, you’ll like her. She fits your preferences to a tee.” He listened, shook his head. “No, I’m sure she’s not, but I’ll follow her tonight just to be safe. One thing, and it’s nonnegotiable.” He waited, then said, “Once you’re done with her, I’m next in line.”
CHAPTER TWO
STERLING DIDN’T SEE Cade when she walked back in, and it left her even more rattled. He made her feel safer, and right now, with her skin crawling and her heart jumping, she needed that. Whether it made sense or not, whether he wanted to protect her or not, she wanted him near.
Ignoring all the interested stares, chin up, eyes straight ahead, she went to her table. Belatedly, she remembered the stupid cigarette in her hand.
She never had gotten that light.
Just as well. She’d never smoked and would probably have choked on the thing.
Suddenly Cade was there, brushing past her, making physical contact for a single heartbeat before he went back to the bar.
The touch shook her, and settled her. How the hell was that possible?
Sterling watched him, but then caught herself and looked away. Trying to appear casual, she pulled out her phone and pretended to check messages, just to give herself something to do. Her hands shook, but hopefully no one noticed. She worked up a smile just in case.
The two men hung around, making no bones about watching her. So...now what? If she’d thought ahead, she’d have realized she needed an exit plan. But no, she’d seen them and, knowing what they were, simply reacted. The desire to destroy them had encompassed her.
Uber. That’s what she’d do. And her truck?
Damn.
Cade slid another drink in front of her. So low she barely heard him, he said, “My brother is picking you up. Dark gray newer-model Ram truck. I’ll take care of your rig. Leave the keys on your chair when you’re ready to go.”
Sterling blinked at him, but he’d already turned away. Aware of the two goons keeping her in their sights, she caught herself. Smiling like she didn’t have a care, she backed up her ruse of a fun-loving girl without caution and tossed back the drink.
Because of her life choices, choices that often put her in dive bars, she’d learned to hold her liquor. This time she didn’t have to. Cade must have anticipated her cooperation because he’d watered down the shot.
Just how well did he know her?
And how the hell did he plan to take care of her truck?
So far he’d made a lot of assumptions, including that she’d accept a ride from his brother. She should refuse, but... Her gaze strayed to the scumbags watching her. Yeah, they’d be a problem.
How was Cade’s plan any worse than taking a ride from a stranger in an Uber?
Keeping the frown off her face wasn’t easy, not while being in such a pickle, but she’d thought fast on her feet before.
Okay, so he had a decent plan. Long as his brother didn’t try anything funny, it could work.
Another glance at Cade and she saw him texting on his phone. When he finished, he murmured something to his employee—a medium-height, wiry fellow he referred to a
s Rob—and then went into the kitchen area.
Because she felt safe doing so, Sterling looked at Rob again. On her first visit she’d noticed his eyes. They were as black as Satan’s, but somehow still kind. Or maybe, considering the overpowering presence of Cade, Rob’s gaze only seemed kind in comparison.
When he announced the last call, she realized it was nearly midnight. Within the next few minutes, the bar began to clear. Even the two goons headed out. Or pretended to. She didn’t trust them not to hang around outside in the hopes of catching her alone.
Cade reappeared under the guise of picking up her empty shot glass. “My brother is out front. Go straight to his truck, even if Smith tries to talk to you.”
In the same easy tone he’d used, she replied, “Who put you in charge? Just so we’re clear, you’re not my boss.”
That gave him pause. Clearly he was used to issuing orders and having them followed!
“Star—”
She ignored the use of her old name—for now. In some ways, it was even nice to hear. Familiar from a lifetime ago, before her whole world had upended. “I’ve survived on my own since I was seventeen. I’m not an idiot, either. So I accept the help—but if your brother tries anything, I’ll kill him.”
Another hesitation, and then Cade nodded. “Fair enough.”
He wouldn’t argue in his brother’s defense? What insanity was that? Or maybe he didn’t consider her a serious threat, which meant he didn’t know her that well after all.
Less than reassured, Sterling asked, “You’re sure my truck will be safe?”
“Guaranteed. We shouldn’t talk too long, though, so tell my brother when and where you want it, and we’ll get it there.”
Her brows went up. “Just like that?”
Instead of explaining how he’d accomplish it, he said, “You started this. Do you have a better option?”
Sadly, no, she didn’t. Standing, she scooped up her jacket—leaving her keys on the seat as he’d requested—and then pushed in her chair. “I suppose I should thank you?”
His eyes narrowed. “Not necessary. But you might consider that trust we discussed earlier.”
Before she could reply, he walked away.
It was with a lot of trepidation and heightened awareness that Sterling exited the bar. Bright security lights lit the front but left murky shadows in the surrounding area. Immediately she spotted his brother. He didn’t leave the driver’s seat, but he did lean over and push open the passenger door.
With every crunch of her boots on the gravel, she felt eyes on her. She didn’t see the goons, but she didn’t doubt they were there somewhere, watching her and speculating.
Pasting on a false smile, she waved to Cade’s brother as if happy to see him. She wished she at least knew his name, but Cade hadn’t seen fit to tell her.
From seeing him before in the bar, she already knew his brother was a good-looking guy—not quite as tall as Cade, but close, and his body was every bit as muscular, maybe even a little more ripped. She recalled that he owned a gym and figured he’d gotten that bod as a natural result of working with customers.
“Let’s go,” he said when Sterling got close, as if she’d been holding him up.
Fine. She didn’t want to be a nuisance, but her recklessness was over for the night. She quickly checked the door, ensuring she wouldn’t get locked in, before sliding onto the seat.
She barely had the door closed when he said, “Buckle up,” and put the truck in gear.
Annoyance brought her teeth together. Did he have to be as bossy as his brother? “I was planning to, so save the orders for someone else.”
That made him grin. “Touchy, huh? Cade warned me, so no worries. Where we headed?”
Cade had warned him? “I’m not touchy, it’s just—”
“Yeah, yeah. I insulted your independence. Don’t chew it to death.” He glanced in the rearview mirror, then back to the road. “Your place? If so, I’m going to take the long way around to lose our tail. Cool?”
Startled, she asked, “We have a tail?”
“Yeah—don’t look! Damn.” He scowled in annoyance. “Cade said you could handle yourself, so don’t act like a rookie, ’kay?”
How infuriating! Slumping back in her seat, she snapped, “I can handle myself—you just caught me by surprise, that’s all.”
He snorted. “Sounds like a lot of shit caught you by surprise tonight. Hang on.” He took a sharp turn, then accelerated until she had no choice but to grab the door handle with one hand, the dash with the other.
These were not straight, flat roads.
Even though he’d explained why, it alarmed her that he was speeding away from where she needed to go. “Look, you can drop me off at the mall—”
“Not a chance. Cade would have my head.” His gaze ran over her, then returned to the road. “For whatever reason, he’s decided to focus on you.”
Now, that felt incredibly insulting! His “For whatever reason” made it clear he didn’t see the draw.
But damn it, she was not going to be offended over it. She didn’t want either of them to find her attractive. She really didn’t.
Through her teeth, she said, “He can just un-focus.”
“Yeah, right.” With a snort, he replied, “Try telling him that, because he sure as hell never listens to me.”
It seemed Cade had coerced his brother into this impromptu rescue, and he clearly didn’t like it any more than she did. “Damn right, I’ll tell him.”
Judging by his grin, he found that amusing. “Yeah, you do that. Can’t wait to hear how it goes. But tonight I’m dropping you at your front door—after I lose them.”
She grew more irritated by the second. “If you think I’ll tell you where I live—”
“You don’t need to. Now shush a sec while I concentrate on driving.”
Shush? Shush! The urge to blast him bubbled up, but she still didn’t see anyone following them, and actually, a tingle of new alarm climbed her spine. What if he was just a good liar using a story to get her out of town?
She’d gut him, that’s what.
Slowly, she reached for her ankle and the knife she kept strapped there, but no sooner did her fingers touch the hilt than headlights appeared behind them.
“Determined SOBs, aren’t they?” He searched the road ahead of them, then the rearview mirror again. “If you want to get out of this, I’d suggest you not stab me.”
Guilty heat flushed her face.
Especially when he added, “Not that I’d let you.”
“You—”
In a long-suffering voice, he said, “The mall it is.”
Now that she knew the threat was real, Sterling didn’t much like that idea. She’d be a sitting duck until she could find a ride. Sure, she was good at hiding, but it was past midnight, the air had cooled, and at this hour the mall was deserted. How hard would it be for the goons to find her—and then what?
Except that Cade’s brother pulled in to a small, recently completed outlet mall instead of the larger mall she’d referred to. Turning off his headlights, he quietly rolled away from the security lights, circled around the back and stopped, facing the main road.
So he wasn’t dropping her off after all, just lying low for a few. She could handle that.
“Where do you want your truck?” he asked casually, as if they weren’t hiding from danger. He half turned to face her. “I disabled the interior lights, but I can’t use my phone yet. We don’t want to tip our hand, right? But as soon as it’s clear, I’ll let Cade know. No reason he should have to stay out any later than necessary.”
His ease afforded her some of her own. Getting comfortable in the corner of the door and the seat, as far from him as possible, Sterling considered him. “Cade knows how to drive a rig?”
“Big brother knows how to do
a great many things. Ask him to jump out of a plane? No problem. Run five miles without breaking a sweat? Piece of cake. Swim underwater—”
“Do I detect some hero worship?”
“Hell yeah. Big-time.” He turned back to the road, listened a second, then nodded in satisfaction. “There they go.”
A car sped past them at an impossible speed, given the winding mountain roads. Subtly, Sterling let out a relieved breath. “We can head out now.”
“We’ll give it another thirty seconds. We don’t want them to notice us, but neither do we want them to double back and find us, right?” He smiled at her. “Timing is everything.”
Cade’s brother was a little too cocky for her taste. She started to tell him so, but then he put the truck in gear and gradually moved forward again until he was at the edge of the road. From either direction, all they could see were streetlamps, but no traffic.
“So,” he said, once they were on their way again, this time headed toward where she lived. “You and Cade?”
Denial rushed forward and she shook her head. “No.” There wasn’t a scenario of her with...anyone. Never had been and never would be.
“No?”
Did he have to sound so disbelieving? “I frequent his bar, that’s it.”
“Uh-huh. Cade overreacted because those were just Good Samaritans hoping to find you alone on a mountain road. Got it.” He drove more leisurely now. “So where do you want your truck?”
This time the question didn’t take her by surprise. “I have an office.”
“Makes sense.” He handed over his phone. “You can text Cade so I can keep my hands on the wheel.”
He’d handed her his phone? For a few seconds there, she just stared at it with the same fascination she’d give a snake. But this could be her opportunity to learn more about Cade McKenzie. Past messages with his brother could tell her a lot.
Unfortunately, when she got around to looking at the phone, all she saw was one message: Pick her up out front.