Talon (Uncompromising #1)(51)

Even from across the dim bar, I could see the color drain from Randy’s face.

“I, um…” Siren glanced nervously at Randy. “I’m going to the restroom.”

“You do that.” Kendall smirked.

Randy inclined his head at Siren but he didn’t take his eyes off Kendall.

Siren dropped her gaze to her feet and started to slowly move away but Drifter was blocking her exit. His eyes on Randy and Kendall, Drifter either didn’t notice Siren trying to leave or didn’t care.

Kendall smiled evilly at Randy. “Are you going to let go of my arm and get me a beer? Or should I tell Candle he can burn you too? You know, he’s pretty good at it. He’s got this slow way he—”

Randy dropped his hand and barked at Drifter, “Get her a fucking beer.”

Looking pissed as hell, Drifter took a step forward and shoved Siren out of his way.

“What do you want, Kendall?” Randy sneered.

Siren waited till Drifter was halfway to the bar then she started to move.

Kendall casually inspected her blood-red nails. “Besides you dead?” she asked sweetly. “Not much.”

I hit the button on the mic. “Goin’ radio silent.”

“Roger that,” André responded.

I switched off my mic and my heart kicked into overdrive as I watched an angel walk toward me.

Her gaze firmly glued to her feet, Siren didn’t look up. Not wanting to take my eyes off her till I knew she was safe, but not willing to risk being seen if Randy followed her, I stepped into the back hall and went to the office André assured me would be unlocked and empty.

I twisted the knob, the door opened and I scanned the room but it was empty. Closing the door behind me, I turned and waited.

Then nothing.

I counted the steps in my head. She should’ve been here. My phone vibrated in my pocket.

“Where the fuck is she?” I barked at André.

“Walking out of the bar. I’m moving to intercept. Meet us on the north side of the building.”

“Negative.” Fuck. “Get her in the SUV, we’re moving to plan B.” I walked out of the office.

“I’ve got a dozen sets of eyes on me. If I take her now, we’re going to have a much bigger problem. Switch to com.” André hung up.

Goddamn it. I turned my mic back on and checked the bar to make sure Randy wasn’t watching then I moved toward the exit and hit the talk button. “What’s she doin’?”

“Approaching. Hold position.”

I stopped just inside the entrance then I heard her voice.

“You can’t be here, André. You shouldn’t have brought him to the apartment this morning and you shouldn’t have brought him here tonight. I don’t want to see him. He doesn’t need to be involved in this. You have to leave.”

My heart leapt and my stomach knotted.

“With all due respect, ma’am, put your phone to your ear like you’re making a call and move to the north side of the building. We’re already attracting attention.”

“No,” she said firmly. “I’m going back inside and you’re all leaving.”

André dropped the polite edge to his voice. “Move. Now. North side, or he’s going to fight his way through fifty bikers to get to you and there’ll be nothing I can do to stop it.”

Siren didn’t respond.

A second later, the door to the bar swung open and André strode in. “Retrieving Kendall. You got two minutes. Keep your head down.” He moved past me and I didn’t stop to think how he was going get Kendall out of there without starting a fight.

I switched my mic off, put my head down and walked out. Without a glance to see who was watching, I made my way around the bar to the south side. When I cleared the corner, I broke out in a sprint and rounded the building. The second I saw her leaning against the rough concrete, anger flooded in.

“You were supposed to meet me inside,” I accused.

She wouldn’t look at me.

“Siren.” Goddamn it.

Slow, labored, she lifted her head and achingly fragile blue eyes met my stare. “Why are you doing this?”

My anger bled into a craving so fucking intense, I couldn’t stop myself. I grabbed for her and pulled her into my arms. Frantic, desperate, my hands touching everywhere I could reach, I didn’t even give a shit that she’d stiffened like she hated me. “Jesus Christ, Siren. You’re fuckin’ killin’ me.” My hands ran up her back, over her shoulders and threaded into her hair. “I know this isn’t what you want. I know you don’t want to be with him.” I bent my knees so I was eye level with her. Then I fucking pleaded. “Please, darlin’. Just talk to me.”