Page 3 of Bound to Death

I weaved through the crowd, dodging bodies and guys who thought I’d be a good target being the helpless maiden I was. But when I finally made my way through, I caught sight of someone who looked totally out of place. The second our eyes met, my pulse panicked, and I froze to the spot.

Chapter Two

Asha

The strange man’s startling light eyes were already on me, watching like no detail was missed, sinking into my goddamn soul for all I knew.

Is this bro wearing grey contacts? That color isn’t natural.

From head to toe, he looked dangerous. Everything about him sung of repeat offender. He didn’t look like some underling to a mafia boss; he looked like he ran the entire operation. Although, his clothes didn’t immediately give that impression. Instead, it was the confidence in his stare that said he’d smash his fists on whoever decided it was a good idea to challenge him. And with how many rings he wore, just a bash with his fist was going to break bone.

But holy fuck was this dangerous dude hot.

The stranger’s dark hair was pushed back to expose the strong lines of his face. Even with his powerful body leaned up against the wall, he was easily halfway, probably more, between six and seven feet. Maybe his father was a giant, maybe he drank a lot of milk growing up, but whatever it was, he easily dwarfed any man nearby. I didn’t even know they made them this big, so I was both intrigued and wary.

His calf-high biker boots were crossed at the ankles, and his arms were uncomfortably large as he folded them over his chest, saying nothing but always watching. A wicked demon skull was painted on his shirt, and I noticed several of his rings were variations of the same skull.

Metal much?

Loath as I was to admit it, he was obnoxiously delicious for someone who probably murdered for a living. The throb between my legs told me he wasn’t scary enough to drive away my sexual urges. I hated how much I weighed my own safety against the desire to climb him like a tree and see if he rose to the challenge of sex god.

All I knew as I finished my much-too-long assessment of Mr. Killer was that I didn’t want to catch his eye any longer than I already had. Better to keep moving and pretend he wasn’t staring than to find out what sort of intentions swam in thoseunnaturally grey-white eyes of his. Something told me when he decided he wanted something, he took it. I’d already dealt with one of those, and I didn’t need to walk right into another one. Not even if he was easily the most gorgeous guy I’d ever crossed paths with.

Because then I’d really be asking for it.

But when Mr. Killer’s eyes suddenly flitted from my face to something behind me, I was forced to steal a glance over my shoulder in curiosity. Bad Lay was making his way over to where I was, the topography of his face twisted with rage. I didn’t wait to find out why. I already knew I’d pissed him off enough to give chase.

Me and my damn mouth.

Better move some money over from my savings for bail because it looks like I’m going to be punishing a bruised ego tonight.

Passing the stranger whose eyes seemed to drive out all the air in my lungs, I headed for the bathroom. I’d camp out there to clean my shirt, then I’d make my escape when the pissed-off frat boy gave up. With any luck, I’d evade another guy who couldn’t handle hearing the truth. If not, I’d get a good hit in, knock the asshole to the ground, and run away before someone called the cops.

If I’d called Bad Lay right, he’d be way too embarrassed to press charges. His ego wouldn’t permit that kind of shame. But just in case, I’d text Emily a quick message about damaging some toxic bro’s ego, and she’d be on standby to get me out of jail. You know, as long as I gave her a play-by-play on how I punished him.

I dipped into the bathroom after cutting the line ahead of the other women waiting to use the toilets. I made myself busy with washing and drying my shirt. Emily’s text came in only minutesafter I sent mine, and I wasn’t surprised that she’d already left with some guy.

Ems:Just head back to the apartment, chick. Evade the fight tonight at all costs. I’ve flown the coop for a sweet boy with desperate eyes and a penchant for being spanked by a domme mommy. I mean it. Do.Not.Engage.

Me:Roger, roger, El Capi-tan. I think he’s given up, so I’ll just head back home and see you in the morning.

I pocketed my phone and sighed at my face in the mirror. My elusive green eyes beamed an angry iridescence thanks to the shoddy lighting in this bathroom. Even I had to admit I gave all those hot punk girl vibes the guys went gaga for, but now I’d reap none of the reward.

What a waste.

It annoyed me that some guy with a fragile ego was the reason my night was over, but it was my own fault for running my mouth. I knew better. It never went well when I spat the facts they weren’t ready to hear, and guys like him were particularly nasty when I did.

I headed out of the bathroom after checking that Bad Lay wasn’t waiting for me. When I didn’t see him, I took the quickest route out of the club. Once free of the throbbing beat of the building, I inhaled a grateful breath and headed down the usual alley to go home. After turning the first corner, I was about halfway through the second alley when someone called out to me from behind.

“Hey, bitch. Where do you think you’re going?”

I pivoted on my heels, the wrath of my female ancestors crowding my chest. Before I could bark something terrifyingly witty, I noticed the asshole hadn’t come alone. In both directions, several guys who were practically clone copies of Bad Lay barked and howled, closing in on me like the beasts they were.

Great, he has friends just as psychopathic.

We weren’t far from civilization, but this shortcut didn’t face a main street after I turned the corner. It was also far too narrow to give me much dodging and dashing room. Which meant that they’d waited to get me here so they could act on whatever horror they’d contrived for me. If I called someone, they wouldn’t get here in time.

I was on my own.

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