Page 8 of Ignite

I chuckle. I’ve heard lots about Declan and Conan. They seem like a close family.

“Will do.”

I cut the call and crouch down to Bertie.

“I promise, I’ll take you out as soon as I’m home. Or maybe Lily can come over and walk you.” I kiss his head and take off his harness. He grunts and takes himself back into the living room.

“Love you,” I call out.

Before I leave, I lock up and turn on the new camera so I can keep an eye on him.

As I climb into the driver’s seat, I take a deep breath. My beast.

My dad left me some inheritance, so I took Finn’s advice.

I fixed up his car and bought myself my dream car. Well, then I supercharged it, renewed all the pipes, and made it as loud and as fast as I could.

It’s given me the freedom to smile again.

The engine roars to life, and a warm fuzz erupts in my veins.

Conan has always intrigued me. I guess now’s finally the time I get to meet him.

Chapter 3

CONAN

“Ithink she’s here,” I tell Finn as headlights roll up behind me, cutting through the darkness. The car stops, but the low, deep purr of the engine—the kind you feel in your ribs—sends a ripple of suspicion down my spine.

That’s not a regular car. That’s muscle. A Shelby, if I had to guess.

My grip tightens around my pistol.

“Finn. What fucking car does she have?”

He chuckles. The smug bastard.

“Oh yeah. She loves her cars, Con. Have fun. Behave and listen to her.”

The line goes dead.

I grunt as I push open the door, trying to haul my ass out while half-slumped in pain. My hand hooks onto the frame, and I drag myself up.

“Fuck me,” I hiss as a sharp jolt tears through my thigh.

A hand, small and warm, lands on my waist.

And I swear to God, I see stars.

Shit. Heart attack? Or something worse?

“Put your weight on your good leg and let me help you,” she says, soft but firm. Sweet as fucking sugar, and just as addictive.

I glance left. Her caramel hair catches the light, those soft curls gleaming like a goddamn halo.

She’s tiny. Barely comes up to my chest. But confident as hell.

“I don’t want to fall and crush you, darlin’.”

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