Page 184 of Beyond the Badge: Nox

“Which I bet is also in that sweet-ass cage.”

Of course, the non-existent paperwork was in her car. “It is.”

He licked his lips and glanced one more time at her Mercedes Benz. “Must be rich to be able to afford a ride like that.”

“I got a great deal on it.”

“I’m sure I can get a deal on it, too. It’s called a five-fingered discount.”

“Is that what you want? My car?”

“Ain’t all I want.”

That declaration raised the fine hairs on the back of her neck. Especially with him standing—on purpose—between her and her escape. “Just take it,” she said.

“Plan on it. But ain’t all I’m takin’.”

“My money’s in my wallet on the passenger seat,” she volunteered.

Why wasn’t he jumping in the car and leaving with it? Why was he getting closer and into her personal space?

“Look, the car’s insured, the money’s replaceable. Just take it and go before the owners show up.”

“You don’t get to tell me what to fuckin’ do, bitch.”

She raised her palms in surrender. Should she bother to tell him that she was a single mother raising two boys?

Fuck.He probably didn’t have an empathetic bone in his body. She doubted he’d care. He was one of those selfish assholes who didn’t care if he destroyed someone else’s life to improve his own.

She knew plenty of men like him. Only, she never met any in an alley.

“You a part of the bullshit task force in that fuckin’ buildin’?”

Oh shit.“I don’t know anything about a task force.”

“Thinkin’ you’re lyin’ and you’re one of ‘em.”

She had to play this right because if he was a biker, he probably hated law enforcement as much as her father. “One of who?”

“Them! The pigs! Gotta fuck up everything.”

“Again, I don’t know what you’re talking about. I’m a real estate broker. That’s it. I’m not on any kind of task force. Why would you think one is here?”

“Don’t worry ‘bout how I fuckin’ know. I just fuckin’ know.”

“Well then, if you know so damn much, you should know I have nothing to do with it.”Don’t poke the bear, Liyah. Speak softly, but stand strong.“If you’re going to steal my car and cash, just do it and go.”

“Like I said, ain’t all I want.”

Her heart leapt into her throat. “What else do you want?” she whispered, not liking the evil smile that crossed his face.

Why the hell did she leave her cell phone sitting on the seat next to her wallet and not keep it with her? She should know better.

She wasn’t a small woman, the hell if she’d let him to anything to her without a fight. Even if she broke every one of her damn nails scratching his eyes out. Even if she broke every one of her teeth ripping out his throat.

She had Magnum’s blood running through her veins. She was not a wilting flower, she was a queen.

She raised her chin and straightened her spine. Her eyes hardened as she stared this motherfucker down. “Take the fucking car or get the fuck out of here before you do something you’ll regret for the rest of your life.” Guaranteed that life would be shortened if he did something stupid.

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