Run To Me (Lazarus Rising #4)(47)

Lucas. The name didn’t mean anything to her, but she was picking up so much from the guy. His heartbeat was racing. His body was thick with tension. And his gaze was far too knowing as it swept over her.

“I want Lucas here to take over security for the club.” Benjamin had moved a step closer to her. “I get that Jay likes for West to be in charge of his company’s security, but Push is mine. I want to make sure this place stays secure, and I’m in charge of the day to day operations. I’m considering bringing on Lucas to handle all my clubs.”

Lucas was still staring straight at her. Seeming to see into her.

Her own heart was beating too fast.

Jay.

His name slid through her mind. She’d run from his house because she was scared—scared of what she might do to him. But right then…

I want Jay.

“Jay and Lucas go way back,” Benjamin was saying, and his words caused Willow to blink in surprise. This man before her—the man who she knew somehow, even if the memories were lost to her—he also knew her lover?

“Hell, my phone’s ringing. Give me a minute, would you?” Benjamin said as he hurried away, pulling out his phone.

And just like that, he’d left her with Lucas.

Lucas tilted his head as he studied her.

She wanted to back up a step, and because she did, Willow didn’t move. “How do you know Jay?”

“He’s been doing contract work for the government—hell, feels like forever. Sometimes, the work he does requires extra, uh, protection, I guess you could say. I’ve stepped in when needed.”

Right. “You know West, too?”

A slow nod. “I served with him, in a different life.”

Okay, that was reassuring. Or at least, it should have been reassuring. Only she didn’t feel reassured.

“West is a good man. You can always count on him in a battle.” Lucas took a step closer to her. His voice lowered. “Can’t say the same for Jay Maverick.”

“What?”

“The man will do anything for money. He’s obsessed with his inventions, with his tech. With running the fucking world.” And now pity filled his eyes. “You should watch yourself with him. The guy isn’t someone you can trust.”

No, this man—he wasn’t saying this to her. “You don’t know me.”

He just stared back at her.

Do you?

“I know another lady who thought Jay was going to give her the world. Reva isn’t exactly living the high life these days,” he murmured.

Reva.

“Even though Jay called her up last night, wanting to talk. She thinks they’re going to have a chance again.” He exhaled. “Guess she doesn’t know about you.”

Jay called her up last night. He hadn’t done that. Had he? No, no way. Last night had been chaos. Hell. But…

But when she’d woken up, Jay had been downstairs. How long had he been there before Wyman arrived? Had Jay—why would he have called Reva?

“The guy’s a player. And he only looks out for himself.” Lucas ran a hand through his hair. “You should be careful with someone like him.”

Because she wanted to retreat from this man, because he scared her, unnerved her, Willow stepped forward. “I can take care of myself.”

His lips quirked. “Yeah, I bet you can.”

Benjamin appeared again. “Our meeting is over for now, Lucas. Thanks for coming in.” His voice was harder than before. His gaze glittered. “Willow, we need to talk upstairs.”

Going into Push had obviously been a mistake. She didn’t need to guess in order to figure out who’d been on the phone. Jay.

She hadn’t used her enhanced hearing to listen in on Benjamin’s call. She’d been too distracted—and focused—on Lucas.

But Willow was sure the caller had been Jay. He realized she was missing. He was hunting her. “I think I’m done talking.” She nodded briskly before turning on her heel. Benjamin called after her, but Willow didn’t stop. She hurried through the back door. Went back into the brisk cold and—

He was behind her. She heard the rush of his steps right before he reached out and spun her around to face him. “You in trouble?” Lucas asked, a faint furrow between his heavy brows.

So much trouble. “I don’t like being touched.”

He immediately pulled his hand back. “My mistake.”

She exhaled slowly. “And I’m fine.”

“You don’t look fine.” He leaned toward her. Didn’t touch her. “You look like a woman who is running.” His voice was low, just for her. “It’s Maverick, isn’t it? You’ve found out what he really is. Just like Reva did. And now you’re running scared.”

“Willow!”

She didn’t turn at the call of her name. She’d heard the thud of approaching footsteps. Hardly surprising that West had joined the party, too.

Lucas swore. “West is a good man, but he’s blind when it comes to his brother.” He nodded. “I can help you.”

Why? Why would that guy want to help her?

“I can be your friend, if you need one.” His grin was rough. Fleeting.

“Willow.” Now a warning edge had entered West’s voice. “Lucas. What in the hell is going on?”