“Because he’s psycho,” she replied, walking away from him again.
He smiled for a moment as he took her in from behind. She may have been driving him crazy, but he could still appreciate the view. She was slender, but with curves in all the right places, and her eyes had burned with a fire that he’d never seen before. He didn’t know her, but he already liked her.
“Maybe you should work on having better taste in psychos,” he said, falling into step beside her again.
She looked over her shoulder in response, her eyes running down his body doing her own mental inventory. “Clearly.”
Ouch. He’d left himself wide open for that one.
Faint cries of indignation came from behind them. “Hey!” a man yelled, “Watch where you’re going, Buddy!” Jason turned back to see the usual crowd on the street splitting, some moving out the way and some being forcefully shoved out of the path of a very large, very pissed-off man.
“There you are,” Meathead yelled to them.
The woman grabbed his hand and pulled him into a run. “Where did you say that apartment was again? Jason didn’t answer; instead he pulled her swiftly into the door of a bar as they ran. It was his favorite, and Joe wouldn’t mind if he took advantage of the back exit. He ignored the shouts of patrons he knocked into as they rushed through, and yelled a quick apology to a server whose tray of drinks fell when he accidentally shouldered him. Okay, they weren’t exactly subtle, but it was better than nothing. They flew out the back door and Jason pulled the woman across the road, slowing only when they were through the doors of the fourteen-storey apartment building.
“Hey, Johnny,” Jason called to the old guard at the desk. The man smiled at the sound of Jason’s voice, but then looked at him strangely as he looked up.
“Brought some work home with you, did you?” The old man laughed.
Jason smiled. “You have no idea, but do me a favor. If anyone comes asking for me, I’m not here.”
Johnny nodded and tapped his finger on the side of his nose. Jason groaned at the look the woman shot him. Clearly, she didn’t appreciate anyone thinking she was his hook-up. But then again, better that than dead.
He climbed the stairs to the third floor, holding on to the woman’s hand the whole way. At least she didn’t seem so concerned about going with him since she had realized it helped her avoid the psycho. Pulling the spare key he had hidden at his front door, he wondered what lovely story he was going to tell his boss next shift. They would know by then that he wasn’t inside the building, either alive or as a charred corpse. He would need to deal with that before anyone asked too many questions. If anything, it was obvious that the woman standing stock still at his apartment door was all for keeping a low profile.
Walking in the door, he stripped off his stifling gear and grabbed the phone from his kitchen counter. He dialed Alan’s number. That kid never went anywhere without his phone. He glanced back. The woman was still standing at his front door looking in like he was the next threat to her life. He covered the mouthpiece of the phone and gestured at her.
“Get in here before you do cause a scene,” he whispered loudly. She rolled her eyes before reluctantly stepping inside, then went straight to his kitchen and pulled a knife from the block on the countertop.
“Just in case you get any ideas,” she said with a sweet smile.
Alan answered on the second ring. “Dude, you’re calling me from home? What the hell?”
Jason sighed. “Long story. Just cover for me. I’ll be back in when I can.” He hung up, not waiting for a response. Jason knew what conclusions Alan would draw, and that time he’d take advantage of it. The kid was a total manwhore, to the point of sneaking behind the firehouse on shift if he had the opportunity to get it on with someone. Jason had covered for him more than once, and Alan definitely owed him one. At least one.
“So are you going to tell me your name now?” he asked the blonde with the rosy lips and sexy glare, still standing in his kitchen holding a butcher’s knife.
“Keila,” she finally conceded, her voice rough from smoke.
“And your psycho boyfriend?”
“Call him that again and I’ll see how far I can throw this knife.”
12
God, Keila was tired. Her throat felt like someone had gone over it with a belt sander. All she wanted to do was shower and then collapse on a bed. Hell, even the floor would be welcome right then, but she couldn’t rest just yet. First, she had to work out what was up with her newly acquired fireman friend and his oh-so-convenient apartment location. Why the hell was he so willing to let a woman who was clearly being hunted hide there? He was either completely crazy or he was working for whomever was after her. There’s no way he was that good of a Samaritan—she looked over at his uniform crumbled on the floor—even if he did save lives for a living. Men like that didn’t exist, not in her world.
“Can I get some water?” she croaked, sitting down on a stool at his kitchen counter. She cast an eye around the small apartment. He was seriously neat for a guy. Did he cook, too? She was in trouble if he did. She might actually start to hate him a little less.
“Hell, Darling, I’m not stupid. I’m not coming anywhere near you while you’re still hanging on to that knife,” Jason pointed to her hand. “So you can help yourself to the water the same way you helped yourself to that.”
She didn’t need to be told twice. Opening the fridge, Keila grabbed a beer instead, twisted off the top, and drank deeply. Before Jason spoke again, the beer was gone, and she reached for another, that time taking sips.
“I know a good rehab center.”
Keila laughed. Huh, that actually felt good. “I’m sure you do, but trust me, sometimes you just need a drink with a life like mine.”
Jason didn’t respond. Instead he walked across the room and began stripping off the rest of his smoky clothes, dropping them in a pile next to his gear. Keila watched from a bar stool in the kitchen. He caught her staring at him, but Keila just tipped her beer in his direction and smiled. God knew she’d been the subject of a little ogling more than a few times. It was about time the universe returned the favor. She couldn’t help but admire the way his muscles bulged and stretched when he moved. Nicely proportioned, and not too bulky like Zero the Steroid Junkie, he was just what the doctor ordered. A light smattering of hair covered his chest and disappeared into his navy work pants, which, unfortunately, he didn’t remove.
“What the hell was that from?” Jason had crossed back to her and was touching her face, right where a bruise was no doubt well settled in from Zero’s punch to the face from the day before. There was no way she was telling him what was going on.
“Just your everyday adventures on the street of Chicago,” she said, keeping her voice light. A flash of Emily and Reece came to mind. She hadn’t been able to speak to them all day, but there was no way she was calling them from Jason’s apartment, and her most recent encounter with Zero was too fresh for her to consider leaving just yet. She’d just have to hope they were okay. Keila sighed. She hoped she’d know in her gut if something was wrong—with Emily, at least.
“Okay,” Jason began. His eyebrows twisted together and she could tell her avoidance was starting to frustrate him. “If you don’t want to tell me what’s going on with you, then don’t, but don’t take me for a fool. Something’s up for sure, and you need a safe place to stay. He won’t find you here, I promise. You can talk to me or not, but don’t lie.”
Keila rocked back on her stool. Wow. She was surprised at the outburst. Maybe he really did care what happened to her. No, the less he knew, the better. He’d have at least a chance of survival that way.
“I can’t tell you,” she said softly. “I’ve put enough people in danger. I won’t do it to you, too.”
Jason nodded and caressed her cheek, that time his fingers moving above where he felt the bruise. Against her better judgment, Keila leaned into his touch. She scowled at herself. That was not okay.
But his touch felt so good. Couldn’t she just rest for a short while before heading out to face the world again?
“It’s okay,” Jason said. “We all have our demons. There’s a spare room out the back, and I can get you a clean t-shirt and drop your clothes in the laundry.”
Keila reluctantly pulled herself off the stool and away from Jason’s touch. He pointed her in the direction of the bathroom and left her with an oversized white shirt. She stripped off her ruined clothes and showered before dressing in Jason’s shirt. It hung nearly to her knees, but was soft and smelled like him. Walking to the bed, she sank down onto the soft mattress, groaning. Oh, God, his had the cheap bed at the hotel beat. No, they weren’t even in the same class. A light breeze blew through an open window and the sheets were soft against her skin. Keila’s eyes drifted shut. Maybe she’d stay for just a little while, but that was it. She’d be damned if anyone else died because of her.
13
“Help me!” the girl in the olive-green t-shirt screamed, as Zero hovered over her. Keila ran to her side, but Zero got there first and stood between Keila and the girl, a thick hunting knife held in his hand. He shot forward and Keila felt a sharp pressure in her gut. Bent over, clutching her stomach, she watched as Zero turned his back on her and gripped the girl by her throat.
Keila felt a warm sensation spread throughout her body and then dribble down her skin. As Zero’s grip on the girl tightened, Keila took a step forward, but stopped when numbness gave way to a sudden and excruciating pain. Her mouth dropped open and she tried to scream, but all she heard was a small, quiet whimper.
“You’re useless, a poison,” Zero sneered at her. “You’ll be dead soon. All of you.”
Keila fell to her knees, then collapsed on the floor. Her vision started to darken around the edges and then it faded out just as Zero lifted the knife and plunged it into the girl’s chest.
“Keila,” she heard a voice quietly call her name, then a more urgent and louder “Keila! Wake up!” A hand was shaking her shoulder. Visions of Zero drenched in the girl’s blood danced in her mind and Keila struck out blindly. Warm hands cupped her face and Jason’s concerned eyes caught her gaze as she opened her eyes.
“Just a dream,” she muttered, trying to convince herself more than him. “Just a dream.”
He nodded and sat down on the bed opposite her. Behind him she could see the moon hanging in the dark sky.
“How long have I been sleeping?” She looked over at the bedside clock. Shit, she’d been gone from the hotel for at least twelve hours. She had to check on Emily. “I have to go!”
“I don’t think you should just yet,” Jason said. “I went out across the road for some takeout, and Meathead was still out there, prowling the streets.”
Keila’s eyebrows knitted together and she stared at him, her worry briefly forgotten. “Meathead?”
Jason shrugged. “The big hulk of a man who was chasing us before. He didn’t exactly look like he was top of the class.”
Keila smiled at the nickname. Unlike her personal names for Zero, at least that one was repeatable in public. She’d still be slow and although she had gotten clean, her clothes were likely permanently stained and they smelled of smoke, even if Jason had washed them. She was kidding herself if she thought she’d be able to sneak out under Zero’s radar.
Still, she shouldn’t stay. She shouldn’t want to stay, but somehow she still did. She was warm and cozy tucked up in Jason’s bed, and wrapped up in a shirt that smelled just like him, Keila felt safe. It had been a long time since she’d felt that.
“Stay,” Jason said. “Just until morning.”
She nodded, and he slid himself up onto the other side of the bed, keeping a respectful distance between them. “I’ll stay, just until you fall asleep again,” Jason smiled. “I’m really good at chasing bad dreams away.”
Even as she tried to silently talk herself out of it, Keila found herself reaching for him. She grabbed the neck of his t-shirt and tugged him into the center of the bed, then laid her head down on his chest and looked up at him. Fuck it. She was sore as hell, still tired, and there was nothing she could do for Emily and Reece while a killer was still stalking the streets. If he caught up to her while she was weak, she’d be dead. That much she knew for sure. Jason wrapped his arms around her as Keila’s eyelids drooped.
“What are you running from?” he asked softly, running a thumb over her cheek.
She looked down, unable to meet his eyes. She wasn’t used to feeling that, any of that.
“The kind of evil you want nothing to do with.”
She closed her eyes as she felt tears spill down her face. Jason’s arm tightened around her, and he ran his fingers through her hair. She braced herself for more questions, but none came. Instead, he simply kept stroking her hair, and then moved on to gently massaging her back. Keila felt some of her daily burden lift from her shoulders, just for a moment. God, it was so selfish of her to put him in harm’s way for a short moment of enjoyment, but as his fingers began to massage her head, drowsiness washed over her again and she gave in.
Keila turned her body to face away from Jason and curled into his warm chest. “Thank you,” she whispered. She could feel the strength of him press against her back and he shuffled closer and held her.
“For what?” he asked. His breath caressed the back of her neck.
“Just for being here.”
His arms tightened around her in response, and she snuggled into his embrace as his body protected hers.
“I know people that can help,” he said.
“No, I can’t.”
“We all need people in our corner sometimes, you know.”
“Not when most people are trying to kill you.”
Jason fell silent.
“Just be here,” she whispered, lacing her fingers with his. “That’s enough.”
Keila closed her eyes and allowed sleep to take her. She’d allow herself to rest in Jason’s warm embrace, just for one night. The demons could chase her again later.
14
Keila woke the next morning to the smell of coffee and frying bacon. She stretched her arms above her head, luxuriating in the feel of the soft sheets beneath her.
A girl could get used to this.
Her stomach rumbled, reminding her that she hadn’t eaten since the day before, since—
Emily!
The name flew into her mind and Keila’ thoughts came skidding to a halt. Throwing back the covers, she dashed into the bathroom, scooped up her clothes that were lying folded on a chair, then hopped down the hallway while still pulling on her jeans. She had no idea what time it was, but the sun was up and that was bad enough. Running into the kitchen, she came to an abrupt halt at the sight of Jason. He was sitting at the kitchen counter. Shirtless. With coffee.
No. Down, Girl.
But geez. She’d been too tired to take him in properly the day before, as there’s no way she would have slept so soundly knowing she was lying next to that. Firefighters had to be in shape for the job, but hers was taking stacked to a whole new level.
Wait, hers? What the hell?
Jason smiled at her over his coffee mug.
“Sleep well?”
No, her knees didn’t wobble at the sight of his dimples. Nope, not at all.
“Have you got a phone I could use?” Crap, her voice was still scratchy. “I need to check in with someone.”
He slid his cell phone across the counter. “My partner dropped it off from the firehouse last night and left it with the doorman. Here, take as long as you like. I’ll serve you up some eggs.”
Keila picked up the phone and disappeared into the bedroom, finding her shoes lined up neatly at the foot of the bed.
He cleans, too?
She had to get out of there, before everything became a little too comfortable. She dialed the number to the safe house, but with every passing ring without an answer, the rock in her gut, that she’d been ignoring since the ni
ght before, grew heavier. Finally, Emily picked up the phone. At least, Keila thought it was Emily. It was hard to tell from the giggles.
“Hello?”
“Emily, what’s going on? Are you okay?”
“Keila? Shit, how are you? I was worried.”
She was worried? That was new. Usually the girls she found were too busy either being scared out of their lives or running in the opposite direction to be worried about Keila.
“I’m fine. Are you safe, is everything okay?”
Keila heard a muffled moan before Emily dropped the phone. Shit! She knew she’d been gone too long. Before Keila could get one shoe on, Emily picked up again.
“Sorry! Yes, everything’s okay,” Keila could almost hear the other woman’s smile down the phone. “Very okay, actually.”
“But after yesterday—”
“I’m okay, Keila. Scared, yes, but now also just a little pissed. But Reece is here, and he’s very, very good at distracting me.”
Oh? Oh!
“So I’ll see you later, then?” Emily continued, barely appearing to notice Keila’s lack of reply.
“Sure. I’ll check in later.” Keila hung up the phone and walked back into the kitchen.
Now what?
Emily was still secreted away at the safe house, but she had no idea if Zero had given up yet, or was still prowling the streets. She opened her mouth to ask if Jason could drive her back downtown, just in case, but when she opened her mouth to talk, a coughing fit started instead. Shit. Maybe she should take up the offer of breakfast first? It already smelled at least a million times better than anything she’d scrounge up herself in a rundown hotel room. And it wasn’t like Jason was exactly bad company; hell, he was sweet and considerate and definitely rated high on the man-candy scale. He’d been awesome just holding her the night before, without pushing for anything else. Keila frowned. She had to lock that shit down, before her thoughts ran away any further. She’d never had a long-term relationship, of any kind, and she couldn’t afford the distraction, either.
Keila (Dreamcatchers Romantic Suspense Series Book 2) Page 6