Deadly Silence (Blood Brothers #1)(77)

Heath nodded just as Ryker’s truck pulled up to the curb. He opened the door, and helped Zara inside. “She’s in trouble, man. We have to figure this out.”

Ryker nodded, a muscle clenching in his jaw. “I’ll debrief her, and then we need to talk.”

Heath paused. “Safe house three?”

“Yeah, it was Denver. Guy needs help.”

Zara frowned, her chest hurting. “What’s a safe house three?”

“Later,” Ryker said.

Zara frowned. Why were all these bad things happening? Her temper wanted free, and she really needed to kick something. Too bad her gym wasn’t open, because they had an awesome set of boxing dummies. “Why don’t you guys just go talk now? I could use some alone time.”

Ryker cut her a look. “No. You and I will talk, and then I’ll meet up with Heath and Denver.”

Oh, he didn’t get to go all bossy on her now. She moved to get out of the truck, needing space. Definitely space. “Heath? I need a ride home.”

Ryker grasped her arm and tugged her across the seat until she was flush against him. “Heath? Shut the door.”

Heath shut the door and turned to jog through the storm to his car.

“Damn it, Ryker.” Zara struggled against him, fighting not only the man but her entire crazy evening.

He pressed an arm around her waist and drove the truck onto the snowy road. “I know you had a shitty night, and I want to hear all about it. I’m sorry I wasn’t there.” Easily controlling the truck with one hand, he kept her in place.

That was just it. The world was crumbling around her, and the last thing she wanted at the moment was to take a leap of faith with a guy she still didn’t completely know. “I’m staying at my place tonight. Please bring Grams over in the morning, since she’s probably already asleep right now.”

His hold tightened. “Baby, I’m tryin’ real hard to be patient here, because I know it’s been rough. But I suggest you lose the fuckin’ attitude for a few moments.” He turned off the main road and headed away from the center of town, his temper all but swelling from him and engulfing through the truck.

That was it. The barely veiled threat, said in that deep voice, made her completely lose her mind. The world was out of control, and rage boiled through her so quickly she just stopped thinking.

She jerked her elbow back into his rib cage as hard as she could. He grunted, and his hold loosened. Taking advantage, she shoved away from him and scrambled across the seat, putting her back to the door. “Listen, asshole,” she hissed, drawing her purse in front of her, “I’m done with the baby and the manhandling. I’m not the type of woman you just keep in the dark and then order around. So take me home. To my home.” Her breath was so heated, she was surprised she didn’t spit fire. “We’re done. Just buddies from now on.” She was so angry, the words spewed out, and she wasn’t even sure what they meant.

Ryker pulled the truck over next to an empty lot and cut the engine. Quiet descended suddenly and completely.

Oh shit. She clutched her purse tighter against her chest.

He turned toward her—a dangerous man in a dark truck—and focused those intense eyes on her. “Oh, baby. Now you definitely have my attention.” His hoarse voice sounded like he’d swallowed sharp gravel.

Her heart pretty much exploded in her chest, making her ribs ache. Her eyes widened to keep track of him. Now she knew what a deer in a scope felt like. “Ryker, I—”

“That hurt,” he said slowly, rubbing his rib cage. “Did you think I wouldn’t retaliate?”

She stopped breathing. Her lungs just up and quit. “No, I—”

“You thought wrong.” His voice lost that teasing tone he usually had when going all alpha dominant.

Her breath caught and her abdomen tingled.

And he knew. His lip quirked, and his gaze deepened. Tension of a different kind rolled through the space, surrounding her, vibrating against her. “Take back the buddy comment.” One hand moved to her nape and fisted in her hair. Erotic tingles spiked across her scalp.

“I won’t.” Her voice quavered. She couldn’t breathe.

“Zara, take it back, or I’ll make you.” He propelled her face toward his, and heated breath brushed her lips.

Oh yeah? He seriously underestimated her. All of a sudden, the fear of the night disappeared. She couldn’t be afraid. She needed to escape reality for a moment. Just one. It was time to play. She leaned in and bit his bottom lip. Not hard enough to pierce the skin but with definite intent.

He sucked in air.

Oh God. What the hell was wrong with her? It was like she couldn’t help but challenge him. Even so, she licked her lips with a small hum. Everything inside her responded to this man. Only him.

“I bite back,” he whispered.

A quiver took her, and she tightened her thighs against his. With his hold absolute on her, she forgot all about the police station, the break-in at her house, and the upcoming warrant for her arrest. There was only Ryker and the passion all but exploding around them. Would this be all the time they had? If so, she was taking it. “Promise, promises,” she murmured.

He took her mouth then, all gentleness gone. Hard and fierce, he kissed her, holding her exactly where he wanted her. The kiss moved beyond hungry to carnal, something so damn male bursting free in Ryker. Her body softened in response. He shoved her skirt all the way up to her waist and snapped her panties free, tossing them to the floor.