My eyes went wide as I watched her finger start to tighten on the trigger. Before I could register what I was doing, I stepped completely in front of Miller, covering his body with mine. My face was just as blank as her’s. However, where she seemed composed and steady, I was a quivering mess.
I felt an hand push against my back and heard Miller’s tight voice, Move Lea.
I shook my head as I stood my ground, keeping him behind me. I had seen two too many people killed and I wasn’t about to watch a third die. Not today.
My voice came out stronger than I thought possible for the situation I was in. No. If she is going to kill you, then she’ll have to shoot me first.
I held Mrs. Stephens heated glare as she spoke, Don’t tempt me Lea. You have no idea what I am capable of.
I have a pretty good idea., I countered. Like I told Carter earlier, the apple doesn’t usually fall far from the tree.
Mrs. Stephens gave me a sadistic smile, You’re right, Lea. It doesn’t. It would do you good to keep that in mind. Now move.
Lea, move. Miller’s voice was softer as he spoke, Carter will be pissed if you take a bullet for me.
I shrugged my shoulder, letting indifference seep into my voice, It’s not like it would be the first time he’d be mad at me.
Lea, Lynx’s voice sounded from behind Miller. Since the doors only opened from the outside and Miller and I were in front of the only one that was opened, we pretty much had him trapped inside the SUV. Move.
No, dammit. She isn’t going to kill either one of you. I, I slowly shook my head and balled my hands into fists at my side. I was determined to win this battle. I won’t stand by and watch as I loose someone else I care about. Not again.
Mrs. Stephens lowered her weapon and took a step closer to me. If one of them lay another hand on one of my men, you won’t be able to save them, she cocked her head to the side and lowered her mouth to my ear, whispering the last part, or yourself.
She turned and started to walk away. The anger that I had fought so hard to control my entire life began to rear its ugly head.
But it’s okay for one of your brutes to lay a hand on me ? I threw my hands in the air, Are you freaking kidding me ? You have some serious issues, you know that ?
Mrs. Stephens spun and smirked, So I’ve been told. Keep trying me young lady, I promise you, you will see exactly how serious my issues are.
Lea, stop. Miller caught me off guard and forced his way out of the S. U. V. He stepped in front of me and laid both hands on my shoulders as he shook his head, Don’t make this worse than it already is.
God, what is is wrong with all you people ? I stepped back out of Miller’s reach, disbelief overtaking my anger. I landed against a hard body and strong arms wrapped around me, steadying me before I could topple over.
Miller’s right Lea. Lynx’s quiet voice was firm next to my ear. Don’t antagonize her. Until we can find out a way to get you away from her and back to the house, you are in more danger than you know.
I struggled to get out of Lynx’s hold but he refused to let me go.
I’ve been in nothing but danger since Carter and the three guys showed up at Black Cats. Now, let me freaking go Lynx.
Lynx loosened his hold on me, but instead of letting me go completely, he spun me around. I let out a squeak as I came face to face with him, his nose just inches from mine.
You don’t know, do you ?
Know what ? I searched his eyes as his searched mine. That I’m some kind of pawn in everyone’s freaking sick and twisted game of Life ? Yea, that I do know.
Lynx studied my face more intensely. You don’t. He didn’t tell you. Lynx looked past me.
It’s not our place Lynx. Miller’s tone was low and held an underlying warning.
She needs to know. She needs to know just how dangerous Victoria is.
So that was the queen bee’s name. I shuddered in disgust as I committed the name to memory.
You three get your asses on the plane, now. We take off in five. The southern drawl of watchdog number two was thick.
She needs to know. Lynx looked down to me.
I could hear Miller sigh out and imagined him clenching his fist.
Then tell me. I hated the way they drew things out and debated among themselves with their unspoken language and half ass riddles on what they should and shouldn’t tell me.
Lynx, Miller warned once more.
Tell. Me.
Lynx held my gaze a moment longer before nodding. Victoria, Carter’s mother, executed his father for letting Xian’s father go eight years ago.
I felt my knees start to buckle and bile rise in the back of my throat at the revelation, but Lynx’s firm hold kept me from hitting the ground.
I swallowed down the burning acid and whispered to myself, That’s why he wouldn’t tell me about his dad.
Lynx heard my quiet words and nodded as he started to speak again. He stopped and tucked me into a ball against him as Miller covered my back, a single shot still sounding through the air.
What the.. I started but was cut off as a voice called out.
On the plane now or the next one connects with someone’s head. And you two, I stood and met the burning glare of watchdog number one, he looked past me to Miller and Lynx, hand over your phones.
He watched intently as the three of us made our way to the plane and ascended the steps. As we reached the top step, both Miller and Lynx begrudgingly handed him their phones.
Marcus ? Miller and Lynx spoke at the same time as they reached the entrance of the plane, their questioning tones deadly.
Marcus shrugged his shoulders and grimaced, Sorry guys, I just get paid to fly. He sent a small apologetic smile my way and held out his hand, You must be Lea.
I nodded once, keeping my face void of emotion and my hands to myself. Marcus chuckled quietly and withdrew his hand.
I’ve heard quite a bit about you. I raised my eyebrow as he continued, Rumor is you’ve given Boss a run for his money on more than one occasion. Yours and his guards as well.
I rolled my eyes and pushed past the three men, taking the seat farthest away from everyone else. As I sat, I realized Lynx and Miller hadn’t moved from the door way, their expressions more than annoyed, they were flat out pissed.
Marcus turned his attention back to my two guards, Look guys, Mrs. Stephens outranks Boss. I have to do what she asks. You both know what she’ll do if I don’t. He kept his voice low as he tried to reason with Lynx and Miller.
Where are we headed Marcus ? Lynx’s voice was tight.
Marcus shook his head and took a deep breath. I can’t tell you that Lynx.
The hell you can’t. If anything happens to her, Lynx tilted his head my way, you won’t have to worry about what Victoria will do to you, she’ll make it quick and painless. Carter on the other hand, well, you know that he’ll take his time, make you pay slowly.
I threw my hand over my mouth as a gasp left me before I could stop it. Did he really just imply that Carter would torture Marcus and then kill him ?
I watched as Miller’s eyes darkened and narrowed at Lynx, once again having a silent conversation with him.
I felt my heart start to break again, the ache at the implication tearing me in two. Just who was the man that I had started to fall for ?
I couldn’t do this. This was all just becoming to much. Each new revelation caused my mind and heart to battle once more. I wanted out. I wanted to go home, not to Carter, but back to Jack and Black Cats. I wanted to hear him call me Pumpkin again. I wanted to hear Rebecca fuss because I was running late. I wanted to see Patty come through the doors and walk around to Jack, kissing her uncle on the cheek as she did each morning. I wanted to hear Nancy dream of some rich, handsome man come in and sweep her off her feet, carrying her to Italy and France for their honeymoon.