“So tell her he’s full of shit.”
“I tried,” I ground out. “She’s not listenin’. She’s not used to someone helpin’ her.”
André gave me a look before pulling into traffic. “Sounds like someone else I know.” He swung the Escalade around. “I saw Carter and two LCs pull up. What happened?”
“Nothin’.”
He glanced at my clenched fists on my thighs. “Any of them still conscious?”
“One of ’em.”
André nodded and was silent a moment. “You can’t force her to leave him.”
“I know.” Goddamn it. I fucking knew that.
“Seems like she’s been beat around enough. Are you sure you’re taking the right approach?”
“He kidnapped her and threatened me and Blaze and Layna! What the fuck did you think I was gonna do? Have motherfuckin’ beers with the asshole?”
“Relax, hombre. I’m just wondering what the plan is. You can’t go after him half-cocked. Until your ass is out of the line of fire, you’re putting both of you at risk every time you follow your dick.”
“I’m not following my dick!” Jesus Christ, he was pissing me off. “She’s not just a piece of ass.” Fuck him. I wasn’t about to explain how she made me feel fucking human again, not to him or anyone else.
He pulled into the mall and parked. “I got your back, you know I do. And not because I owe you for fronting me the money for my business.”
“Jesus fuck, you paid me back. How many more times you gonna mention it?”
“You know what I’m saying. Always faithful, man.” He slapped me on the shoulder. “Let’s get your girl but let’s do it right.”
She wasn’t my girl. Not yet. “You done?”
He half smiled and shook his head. “Yeah, I’m done, you hotheaded fuck.”
Asshole. I got out and slammed the door.
A half hour later I was back in the SUV, bouncing my knee, waiting for the new phone to boot up. Then I dialed a number I’d closely guarded for years. I could count on one hand the number of people who knew it and I’d simply handed it over to Siren.
When she didn’t answer, I hung up and typed out a text.
It’s me. You ok? Did he go back to Candles?
I stared at the screen.
“You going into work?” André asked as he drove us back toward the beach.
“Kendall can handle it,” I muttered.
“Does she know she’s handling it?”
Shit. I dialed her cell.
She answered after four rings. “Who the hell is this?”
“I need you to work the shop today.”
Pause. Then, “Hey Kendall, good morning, how are you?” she said snidely. “Oh, by the way, this is Talon and I have a new phone number.”
“Shop, today.” I didn’t have time for her shit.
She snorted. “When don’t I open the store these days?”
Fuck her. “You said you wanted the job. You change your mind, just let me know.”
“And miss out on the world’s friendliest boss? Gee, what a terrifying prospect.”
My cell pinged with a text. “Stay to closin’.” I hung up and looked at the screen.
Siren: Don’t text me
Shit.
Me: Not gonna happen. U alone?
Siren: If I answer yes are you coming over?
What the fuck did that mean? She wanted me to?
Me: Yes
Siren: I’m not alone
Me: One date and yer already lying to me?
No response. My muscles were so fucking tightly wound, I wanted to hit something.
Me: U there?
Siren: Yes
I let out a breath and fought the urge to text her that I was coming to get her despite what I’d promised her.
Me: I need to know if yer ok
Siren: I’m fine
Me: What’d I say about lying?
Siren: Accusing me of lying isn’t the same as saying something about lying
I relaxed marginally, reasoning if Carter was still there, she wouldn’t be having a text conversation with me.
Me: Point taken. Can I ask u a question?
Siren: Yes
Me: Why wouldn’t u come with me?
Two minutes passed.
Me: Siren?
Siren: I couldn’t
Inhaling, I jumped in with both feet.
Me: This morning was a game changer for me. I want to know if u feel the same
Siren: Don’t
Me: Don’t what? Tell u I want u?
Siren: It doesn’t matter
The fuck it didn’t.
Me: U giving up on me?
Siren: There was nothing to give up on
I ignored the stab in my gut seven fucking words brought and pushed ahead.
Me: I don’t believe that
Siren: Stop
Me: U trusted me. U said I made you feel safe
Siren: Don’t do this
Me: I kno what letting me touch u meant
Siren: You’re wrong