Page 21 of The Cauldronball Run
"Get in the ambulance," he said.The command came out as a growl that made Farrah step back.But instead of looking scared, she looked interested.Her cheeks were flushed, and she was staring at him like she'd never seen him before.
"Okay," she said."But you need to tell me what's happening to you."
They climbed into the ambulance and J.J.peeled out of the rest stop, pushing the vehicle harder than he ever had before.The engine he'd built roared to life, and suddenly they were doing ninety on the interstate.
"Slow down," Farrah said."You're going to get us killed."
"He threatened you."J.J.gripped the steering wheel so tightly his knuckles were white."That bear bastard called us armed and dangerous.He's going to treat you like a criminal because of me."
"I am a criminal.We both are."
"You're not—" J.J.stopped himself.The protective rage was making it hard to think clearly."You shouldn't be in danger because of my debt problems."
"Pull over," Farrah said.
"We can't stop.He's tracking us."
"Pull over.Right now."
Something in her tone cut through the haze of protective fury.J.J.guided the ambulance to a rest area and parked behind a stand of trees where they couldn't be seen from the highway.
"Look at me," Farrah said.
J.J.turned to face her and immediately wished he hadn't.She was beautiful with her flushed cheeks, dark eyes bright with adrenaline, hair coming loose from her ponytail.And she looked at him like he was dangerous, and she liked it.
"Tell me why your eyes are glowing."
"It happens when I get protective.Orcish thing."
"Protective of what?"
"Of you."The words came out rougher than he intended."He's coming after you because of me."
“It’s okay.”
“No, it’s not.”
“I’m a big girl.I knew what I was getting into.”
“No, you didn’t. I shouldn’t have kissed you.”
Her face fell, like she was crushed. He bit back a howl at the pain he saw in her eyes.
“Why?”she asked.
“Because I need to claim you.”
“Claim me?”
“Fuck you.”
Farrah's breath caught.“How long do we have before that sheriff catches up?"
"Long enough."J.J.’s voice dropped to a growl.“You’re mine to protect.Mine to keep safe.Mine.”
Her pupils blew wide, and her lips parted on a shaky exhale.“And what does that make you?”
“Yours,” he admitted before he could think better of it.“If you’ll have me.”
