Page 24 of Kage

“I don’t know you.”

“No. You don’t. I guess you’ll need to trust me. If you want to stay alive.”

His words were chilling and I remained with my back pressed against the seat, trying to determine if I could trust the man. He made a turn, leading away from the airport, constantly scanning the mirrors. “How do you know my father?” I had to protect myself. As I glanced out the window, I realized jumping could mean breaking a leg or worse.

“I don’t. But I heard he’s an asshole.”

The words were unexpected, but not incorrect. “He’s still my father,” I retorted mostly because I felt it was the thing to do. This man was a stranger and knew nothing about me or my family. “How much is he paying you?”

“Maybe not enough.” He pressed down on the accelerator, speeding through the streets. “Just try and remain calm. If you can do that.”

Why were his words laced with such contempt? I hadn’t done anything to the man.

I glanced out the back window this time, able to breathe when I didn’t see anyone following us.

Tank lifted his head, eyeing me contentiously. This was crazy.

“Did anyone ever tell you that you’re an asshole?” The acrid words slipped from my mouth before I could stop them. Something about the man grated on my nerves.

He snickered. “Countless numbers of them.”

My God. I had to spend time with him? I would lose my mind.

“Pull over. I need to get out,” I spit out. My heart thumped hard against my chest, my pulse increasing. Everything about this felt wrong. Off.

A sudden fight or flight kicked in and as soon as he was forced to stop, I threw myself at the door. Within seconds, I managed to tumble out.

“Goddamn it!” he called.

I took off sprinting, realizing only seconds into running my legs weren’t cooperating. Almost instantly, I was out of breath, the terror mixing with a heavy rush of adrenaline a toxic combination. I had no idea where I was going or who might help.

Every sound seemed in a vacuum as I stumbled forward. Barely ten seconds later, I sensed a presence. Jesus Christ. The huge dog was right by my side. Startled, I backed against a tree, just as terrified the huge black pup would attack as I was one of my captors discovering my location.

Kage appeared seconds later almost like a mirage. He was much larger than I’d realized, at least six five with the most muscular physique I’d ever seen. Dressed in all black, the tee shirt clinging to his chest and stomach highlighted his incredible carved six-pack. Shaggy blond hair accentuated long dark lashes and a jaw chiseled from stone.

While the most handsome man I’d ever seen in my life, the furrowed look of his brow and the number of weapons strapped to his massive body provided an ominous appearance. I could easily tell by his hard expression he was none too happy with me.

He took long strides in my direction, never blinking. Tank sat back on his haunches, watching the man with full admiration in his brown eyes.

There were no words exchanged, no further explanation. He simply yanked me off the ground, pitching me over his shoulder as if I weighed nothing. Another series of long strides and this time I was strapped into the passenger seat. Just before he closed my door, he offered a savage look as a warning.

I sucked in and held my breath as he moved around the front of the Jeep, jumping inside.

“You cost us valuable time, Juliette. Time that could mean the difference in getting the fuck out of here or eventually sending you home in a box. That is if you’re not fed to the sharks or wild boars.”

Another shiver cascaded down my spine and I stared at him while he resumed driving. “Are you trying to scare me?”

God, the man could snarl and scowl with the best of them. He was obviously no happier being here than I was over not knowing who the hell he was.

“I’m trying to keep you alive. No more stunts.”

My contemptuous side was ready to demand an answer to what if I did. But some of the shock was wearing off, terror filling up the deep cavern.

He took the back roads, constantly scanning every road, every shadow. With it being so early, there were few people on the streets. I’d been to Bermuda several times in my life and had visited almost every corner of the connected islands. It was obvious he didn’t have a clue where he was going.

“You’re near Pembroke Parish. There’s a small hotel, almost like a BNB called Cavendish Heights. It’s totally off the grid.”

The ridiculously slow way he turned his head indicated he wasn’t used to a woman providing any thoughts or assistance. If I had to guess given his surly attitude, he also didn’t have a significant other in his life. Who could put up with his holier than thou attitude?

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