Grayce averted her attentions to his nose, hoping it would offer no temptation. No such luck. It was incredibly sexy—strong and masculine, creating a perfect balance between his eyes and mouth.
God, she needed to focus.
She tried to hide her embarrassment behind the shield of her hands. Sirens blared in the distance granting a distraction from the torrid path her brain seemed to be following.
“Let me take you home,” Z pleaded. Nervously scanning the parking lot, he stood, ran his hands through already messy hair, then squatted back down to eye level.
“What about the police? I have to talk to them.” Grayce moved to get out of the car and Z braced the door.
“No. No, you don’t have to talk to them. Those boys will take care of it.” Becoming visibly more stressed, he chewed on his lower lip. “You saw what I did to him. That’s not something we can explain to cops.” The sirens grew louder. “We have to go. Now.”
“But...” Before she could protest further, a gust of wind stole her breath. Hair whipped at her face with a stinging lash and forced her eyes closed. When able to see and breathe again she was tucked and buckled in the seat of his truck, which made no sense considering it was parked a block and a half away.
* * * *
Tyr watched from his perch as his man failed miserably at procuring Grayce. Simple task. What a shame. He’d been confident Houghton was the best choice for the job. It exhausted him arranging the deranged convict’s escape from prison. Houghton was the first human he’d transported. A feat which left him physically and emotionally drained.
Thank goodness for his playthings at home. Of course, considering he’d found his favorite toy, his little dove, the others were useless. Disposable. Two days of rest replenished him fully. Having Grayce near again, his energy recharged two times faster than by the fear he’d been forced to feed upon.
As he witnessed the scene play out below, an excited tingle danced down his spine and caused his cock to twitch. The blond giant possessed incredible strength. When he threw Houghton like a rag doll, Tyr giggled in wonderment. What a beautiful creature. What would it be like to play with the giant and Grayce at the same time? Oh what fun. So many possibilities. What tools would he need to keep this man in check? The playroom would need to be fortified. Could he make it strong enough to hold such a massive, powerful male?
Time for a new plan.
Tyr fought back another cursed smile and crossed his arms. Blocks away, red lights lit up the evening sky. Well, they were in for a nice surprise, weren’t they? This pathetic town would soon make national headlines.
* * * *
Z lead-footed his F-450 away from the gym, oncoming sirens and all other bullshit that ruined what should have been a happy union . “I’m sorry. Didn’t mean to scare you. The police and I...” He sighed and shook his head. “We don’t get along.”
No response. Tension billowed throughout the spacious truck cabin for several long moments before Grayce nearly jumped through the roof. “Oh shit! Shit, shit, shit. I have to get to work.” Profanities continued softly while she dug through her purse.
Z jerked the steering wheel and slammed the brakes, throwing them forward against their seat belts. “Are you serious? You’re worried about work?” The steering wheel cracked under the force of his grip. He relaxed his hands, only to feel the tension shift to his jaw. Fuck. After what just happened, she wanted to go to work? Had to be shock. That, or insanity.
“Listen. We don’t know each other, and I won’t give you my life story here. I need this job. I can’t miss a shift. I’m fine. Working will distract me from whatever the hell happened back there.”
A set of piercing angry eyes flashed in his general direction after she’d pulled the cell from her handbag. Shut the fuck up and drive was communicated without a word needing to be spoken.
It took three deep breaths for Zander to regain control of heated emotions. Arguing would not be the best course of action. She needed to know. Everything. More than anything, he needed to tell her, right then and there. Blurt it out. Lay it on the table. Timing however, was not his friend.
“Which way?” He grabbed the steering wheel with more force than necessary.
“Jane’s Bar on Fifth and Pine.” Grayce pointed west. The tension in her face disappeared. No need to upset her. Soon enough they’d be inseparable. Didn’t have to happen tonight.
“I know the place. Come to think of it, I could use a drink.” Good excuse to keep an eye on her.
“Um, did you really throw that fucking asshole across the parking lot or have I lost my mind?” She fiddled nervously with her cell.