Page 14 of Jackal

“There’s some sick people out there, that’s for sure. But that’s important work. Still, if it’s not for you, it’s not for you.”

Nodding, I looked out the window as the trees became scarce and more businesses started to appear. Needing to change thesubject, I said, “Must be getting close. I can’t wait for some new clothes that aren’t business attire. Although, it wouldn’t hurt to get a couple of new tops that would be interview appropriate so I don’t keep having to do laundry.”

“If you’ll just leave the basket out, I can do that.”

“No ma’am. I’m capable of doing my own laundry. Plus, I don’t even have a full load. Not yet anyway. But if I’m sticking around, may as well get some leisurewear.”

A mall came into view, and Mama Hen turned the blinker on. “Not that I’m against shopping, but don’t you have clothes back home?”

“Some. But I also don’t want to go back until I’ve settled here. It’ll be easier to convince my parents to let me stay.”

“I see,” she said as she turned into one of the parking lanes and slowed, checking for a spot. “They probably just want what’s best for you, you know.”

“I love them, and I know they want good things for me. But I want to fly the coop. They’re going to be a little peeved that I’m living on my own, but at least I’ll be far enough away that they can only complain via text or if I answer the phone. Eventually, they’ll live with it.”

“So, you were still living at home?” she asked as she pulled into a spot that had one open next to it. Jackal pulled in and parked.

“Yep. I was in school to avoid being paired up by Mom with somegood boy,” I said with air quotes. “Dad just wanted to be sure I had a good vocation. But it’s not typical to leave until you’re married.”

Her brows shot up. “No wonder you want to have a go with Jackal.”

“Well, if I knew all I had to do was share my family history, I’d have done that to start!”

She leaned to get her bag from the back seat and said, “I wouldn’t lead with that to him. Let’s go.”

I grinned but looked in the side mirror and admired how sexy he was, standing guard at the back of the car.

This should be interesting.

Chapter 9

Jackal

Shopping with two women wasn’t on my immediate list of responsibilities when I became Enforcer. Hanging out with Cindy wasn’t a big deal and I’d guard her with my life. I owed that to Raven. But being around Shivana would prove to be a challenge. Every time I looked at her now, flashes of her thick thighs and round hips filled my mind’s eye.

I stood, surveying the parking lot for anything or anyone that caught my attention. We hadn’t been tailed on the way, but it was a very public area and traffic got heavier the closer we were to the mall. It was highly unlikely that anyone knew we would be at the mall but Hawk asked me to protect them, and I would take it seriously.

The doors of the car opened and closed, so I uncrossed my arms and turned. The light breeze blew Shivana’s dark hair around her face. The natural light and the curls whippingaround only enhanced her allure. My jaw ticked as I tried to keep my mouth from falling open.

“You ready?” Cindy asked. Looking over, she was watching with me a cocked brow and slight grin.

“Ladies first,” I said as I stepped out of the way for Shivana to pass me.

Her eyes turned up as she did, and even though I gave her plenty of space, she brushed against me before sidling up to Cindy and they both started heading inside. When we made it to the entrance, I leaned in front of them and grabbed the door.

Because I was leaning, my face was closer to hers, and Shivana said, “How chivalrous.”

I couldn’t help but stare at those luscious lips, but snapped out of it when Cindy cleared her throat.

Shivana smirked, then walked inside with Cindy following. We walked around, stopping at every other shop. I trailed behind, but only to check the store out before going to wait outside. All the stores in the mall were cramped with racks and too many people trying to push past each other.

After two hours of going shop to shop, they wanted to stop for a break in the food court. It was packed but I needed a break, too, since I got roped into carrying their bags. We rode the escalator up to the top floor and I grimaced. It was packed.

“Can I get you something?” Shivana asked as I followed them while they tried to choose where to get food.

“I got it. Just pick something,” I said as I shifted, trying to pull my wallet from my pocket. Even though it was attached to a chain, I had to drop some of the bags.

“Don’t be ridiculous. I got it. What do you like?” she said like I offended her.

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