Dauntless (Sons of Templar MC #5)(34)
“I moonlight. Best of both worlds, baby.”
“You’re impossible. And deranged,” I informed him.
“I’ll get that put on my tombstone.”
I let out a totally ridiculous little squeal and whipped my head around to glare at the passing landscape. There was obviously no way I could try and reason with him, so I just had to buy my time and wait for my moment.
What scared me the most was that on the surface, I was desperate to escape, but the little part of me that I was trying to ignore was desperate to stay. Because every second since I’d woken up in the hospital, I’d been drowning. And now, handcuffed and going God knew where, I was treading water.
Chapter Eight
“She wore a thousand faces all to hide her own.”
-Atticus
“Where are we going?”
“That’s for me to know and you to find out.”
For the millionth time, I scowled at him. “I need to pee.”
“About time,” he said, glancing my way. “You must have a bladder of steel. I thought women had to pee like all the time. You’re always going to the ladies’ room, so if it’s not to use the facilities, what is it? Is there some kind Jell-O wrestling thing going on in there? You can tell me. I can keep a secret.”
I decided to ignore that.
“Okay, don’t tell me. I’ll just use my imagination.”
I ignored that too.
“Now we’re coming up to a gas station. I want to establish a circle of trust. You trust me to get the good snacks while you pee, and I’ll trust you not to make me chase you when I uncuff you. I’ve already had my cardio for the day,” Lucky said, slowing down and changing lanes so he could get off the freeway and onto an exit.
I rattled my arm which was becoming numb. “Why in the name of Barbra Streisand would I trust the man who handcuffed me to a f*cking truck?”
“Because of my devilish good looks and enticing charm?”
I glared at him.
His attractive face turned serious and he gave me his full attention for the first time since he started driving. “How about because I’m going to do anything and everything in my considerable power to protect you, to get you well, to chase the darkness from your eyes. Because the only thing that matters to me right now, besides a chicken burrito, is your trust.”
I gaped at him for a split second, his words taking me by surprise and filling me with stupid warmth that I chased away. “Protect me? Is that what you call this?” I rattled the cuffs. “I don’t need protecting. I can take care of myself.”
Lucky’s jaw hardened as he pulled into the gas station. “Recent events make me think otherwise.”
That one stung. I didn’t let on, of course. “It’s obvious that you think a lot of yourself, but I’m sure even you’re not delusional enough to think you can cure addiction with muscles and the sense of humor of a seven-year-old.”
Lucky stopped the truck, turning his body to me. “I do have mad skills at most things, and great muscles, thanks for noticing. But no, sadly I can’t cure it. But I can take you somewhere where you can cure yourself.”
On that note, he got out of the truck and let me digest his words for approximately three-point-five seconds. Then my door was opened and Lucky was in my space, his scent and presence engulfing me as he reached up to unlock my cuffs. He seemed to know that my arm felt like lead because instead of it hurtling down, it was engulfed in warmth as he gently circled it with his hand and placed it on my lap. His eyes held mine the entire time.
“I got you, Becky,” he murmured. “I know you’re determined to face this storm alone, but give me two days. You want to leave after that, I’ll drive you anywhere you want to go.”
He let the offer hang in the air and didn’t move, his thumb gently massaging the feeling back into my arm. I wasn’t sure if the pins and needles prickling my skin were the sensation returning or my body’s response to his touch. I’d like to believe it was the former, but I feared it was the latter.
He pushed a tendril of hair behind my ear. “You think about it while you visit the mythical ladies’ room where the door to Narnia resides. I’ll get us supplies. You want anything?”
I blinked at him. “Five Twinkies, an ice tea, and box of tampons,” I said, knowing how much an alpha male would love getting feminine products.
He didn’t react, only nodded. “Your wish is my command.” He stepped back, letting me out of the truck. “Remember, my cardio’s already done for the day and I know you wouldn’t do anything as cruel and making me work out twice in one day.” He winked and leaned in to shut my door before turning and sauntering into the gas station. I watched him—the way the leather on his cut moved along his muscled back, the confidence in his stride, the way two girls walking out of the store actually stopped and watched his journey through the double doors.
I didn’t blame them; he was a f*cking sight. Too bad he was the most annoying person I’d ever met. My gaze flickered around the gas station, noting the sign for the ladies’ room. I made a beeline for it. I hadn’t ruled out escape yet, but it was hard to think on a full bladder.
After I’d done my business, I stared at myself in the grimy mirror.