Total pages in book: 93
Estimated words: 85228 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 426(@200wpm)___ 341(@250wpm)___ 284(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 85228 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 426(@200wpm)___ 341(@250wpm)___ 284(@300wpm)
"I need to pack some food for Kiva. I know it's a hassle, but she won't sleep without that dog bed in my room. Is it okay if we bring it?"
"I'll grab it while you grab food," he says without hesitation or a hint of an argument on his lips. "Let me know if you need to bring anything else."
I feel less safe when he leaves the room, knowing the creep outside could easily bust through the back door while Lark isn't in the room with me. He could hurt me or take me before Lark could get back inside. It makes my hands and feet move faster as I grab a gallon Ziplock bag out of the drawer, uncaring of the mess I'm making when I get food on the floor at my feet while scooping the kibble into the bag.
"Hey," Lark says, frowning when I jolt, making an even bigger mess with the dog food. "I know it won't help much, but you're safe. I won't let anything happen to you."
His words ease something inside me, but it doesn't bring the same relief as when Roman said it the other night.
I keep my eyes off the counter where I felt so much pleasure the other night as I seal the bag and give the other man a quick smile.
"Thank you. I'm ready."
He follows me out of the kitchen, waiting by the front door as I manage to wake Kiva from her nap. She's excited the second her eyes open, and she sees the leash in my grip. She still takes a moment to stretch, yawn, and shake her head violently before she's willing to follow me out of the house.
If she's confused, she doesn't show it when I stop outside of the dark SUV parked in my driveway.
"I'm going to need my car," I mutter, looking back at the thing instead of situating Kiva in the SUV.
"We'll make sure to get your car to the cabin," he assures me. "But I think it's best if you ride with me right now."
Since I know I'm not going to turn around and stay in my house, I don't bother to argue with the man. I don't exactly like the idea of being stuck at the cabin, but I like the idea of staying here even less.
I situate Kiva before climbing into the front passenger seat of the SUV, frowning when Lark steps up to the open door before I can pull it closed.
I shrink back when he holds his hand out.
"I've been instructed not to touch you, and I'd never violate that trust," he says.
"Wh-what do you want?"
"You didn't lock your front door. If you give me your keys, I can do it for you."
I drop the keys in his palm, wondering all the while how long I have before he grills me about my reasons for not wanting people to touch me. But he doesn't say a word when he gets back, placing my keys in the console rather than expecting me to take them from his hands.
Surprisingly, the drive back to the cabin is spent in complete silence.
Chapter 26
Jersey
I can't remember the last time I wanted to stomp my foot and demand things of others like a mannerless child, but today has quickly become one of those days. I paced for what seemed like hours.
I know I have no more right than the next guy on the team to demand others hurry up so I can get back to Gatlinburg, but that doesn't stop the urge to do so.
I know she's safe. I got a text from Lark the second he got her back to the cabin, but I didn't think my nerves would calm until I saw her for myself.
With a case as big as the one Nathan Adair is involved in, along with the way he got killed on the street, there seems to be more red tape and paperwork to sort through before we can leave.
My job was done hours ago, but Hemlock has been tied up with other agencies for hours. Kincaid even flew in, his trip having started at the same time as the guys who came in from Gatlinburg. I think the New Mexico president, along with Hound and Shadow, and Adair's stepdaughter’s man needed to see the dead body just to make sure the piece of shit was gone. Taking our word for it wasn't enough, and I fully understand that.
I felt the same way, unbelieving with a sort of out-of-body disconnect when my boys died. As much as I needed the closure of seeing them no longer alive, the sight of them that way is etched on my brain in the very worst way.
These men celebrate Adair's death, whereas my loss flipped my entire world upside down.
"You seem anxious," Zeus whispers on the drive back to Gatlinburg.