Duncan (The Protectors #3)(25)

Finally able to suck in a deep breath, she figured Adam and Steve had tugged him off until she heard Jeff’s angry tone. “Get the f*ck off me.”

Jill tried to push herself up, but her body protested. Suddenly Jeff was slammed next to her, his face smashed to the ground. He struggled against the large hand holding his face to the concrete. “Doesn’t feel too good, does it, badass?” an unfamiliar, deep gravelly voice growled.

“Damn, girl.” Adam leaned down helping her to her knees. “You okay? Jesus, Jeff, what the hell is wrong with you?”

“Get this f*cker off me.” Jeff still struggled.

Jill held her shoulder, finally getting a look at the owner of the large hand holding Jeff’s head to the concrete. He was large, larger than any of the other Warriors. His raven hair was shoulder length and hung in his face as he held Jeff down, his large knee in the half-breed’s back. A leather jacket, well worn, hugged his body as did his light faded blue jeans. Wanting to see what his hair covered, she leaned to see his face, but moaned as sharp pain spiked in her shoulder and down her arm straight to her fingertips.

“Are you hurt?” the man asked, pushing Jeff’s head harder into the concrete before looking at her.

The breath was sucked right out of her for the second time in less than a minute, she felt light headed. She couldn’t have talked if her life depended on it. Could men be beautiful? Because this man was the most gorgeous being she had ever laid eyes on. She opened her mouth to answer, but closed it back when nothing came out. She resorted to nodding like an idiot.

“Hey, dude.” Adam stepped next to the man, looking at Jeff. “I think you’re breaking his face.”

The man looked away from Jill, lifting his knee off Jeff’s back. “I’m going to let you up, badass, so I suggest you calm down.”

As soon as the man lifted his hand, Jeff jumped up to get in his face. “You son of a bitc-” Jeff’s voice squeaked to a stop as soon as he realized he was yelling into the man’s chest. His head tilted up to look the man in the face, his throat working in a visibly hard swallow.

“You were saying?” The man frowned down at Jeff, taking a step forward, and then smirked when Jeff took a large step back.

“Jeff, go cool off.” Adam gave him a small push. “I think you just bit off more than you can handle.”

“Apologize before you run off.” The man’s deep voice radiated authority.

“She kicked me,” Jeff argued. “I’m not apologizing to her.”

“And from what I saw, you were supposed to be playing tag football, but the first two hits you gave her didn’t look like tag to me,” the man growled. “Now apologize.”

Jeff frowned looking like he was going to refuse. “I’m sorry, okay?” His tone clearly indicated he wasn’t sorry at all.

“She doesn’t accept,” the man growled. “Now get the f*ck out of here before I give you an ass kicking you won’t ever forget.”

Adam stopped Jeff, whose brain malfunctioned into the stupid level as he took a step toward the man. Giving him a hard push, he waited until Jeff was gone before turning back to the man. “Who are you?”

“Slade Buchanan,” he replied, walking over to pick up his backpack and duffle bag. “I’m supposed to meet Sloan Murphy here, but I’m a little early.”

“I’m Adam.” He stuck out his hand. “This is Dillon, Matt, Steve and Jill.”

Slade shook Adam’s hand, but nodded at the rest of them until his golden eyes landed on Jill. “Is there anywhere I can look at her shoulder?”

Jill had finally stood. “I’m good,” she lied. Her shoulder hurt like hell and didn’t feel right.

He cocked an eyebrow at her. “Lift your shoulder,” he ordered, grunting when she just stood there proving that she was not fine.

“Yeah, come on in here.” Adam led the group back into the warehouse. “Where you from? I haven’t seen you around.”

“California.” Slade held the door open for Jill when the others walked on in ignoring her.

Jill nodded her thanks holding her arm close to her body.

“You need me to text Sloan and let him know you’re here?” Adam pulled out his phone.

“No. Like I said, I’m early.” Slade stood at the door leading into the workout area which was dark. “Is there somewhere I can look at her arm?”

“It’s already feeling better,” Jill lied again. She really didn’t want this man looking at her; she’d rather look at him if she was being totally honest.

“Dressing rooms and showers are in the back.” Adam pointed.

“Really, I’m good.”

Slade ignored her, placing his hand on her back, pushing her across the mats to the dressing rooms. Once inside, he flicked on the lights, setting his duffle bag on the floor.

Jill stood still watching every move he made. He was so huge, she suddenly felt frightened. He could do anything he wanted to her and she wouldn’t be able to stop him. Hell, she didn’t know if Adam, she and others combined could stop him. He could be anyone and they just took him at his word, but who was he really?

Slade reached out to touch her shoulder, but she jumped back. “I need to see that shoulder.” His deep voice echoed in the small dressing room off from the showers. “With you being half-vampire, it’s healing already, and if it’s dislocated, you are going to have a serious problem!”