Page 79 of The Kissing Part
Yes, distract him and move out of the way.
He sets the gun on the island. “I didn’t know you could cook, Katie. I might have to hire you for the long term. I’ll call you my companion. Prostitute is such a hard word, don’t you agree?”
She shifts farther away, going to the pantry and taking out a box of pancake mix. I’m about to make my move when she saunters right up to him and rubs his arm. “I like to play a game with my guests. It’s called guess what kind of pancakes I make. You get to be blindfolded and just guess by scent and taste. Would you like to play?”
“Sounds kinky.”
She gives him a sexy smile, her acting skills paying off. “It can be. But it’ll cost you extra.”
“I can afford it. Trust me, there’s more where that came from.”
“Good,” she croons as she pulls a dark red cloth napkin from a drawer. She trails a finger across his shoulder as she steps behind him. The moment he’s blindfolded, I’m stepping in.
He turns and smashes his lips against hers. Too damn close. I fight back the rage. I need to make sure she’s at a safe distance.
He pulls back. “That was just a preview.”
“Mmm-hmm.”
He grabs his gun and holds it between them.
“I’m just going to step behind you to put this on.” She puts the blindfold on him and ties it in the back. “Can you see anything?”
“Nope.”
“Would you mind putting the gun down? It’s hard for me to focus on our game.”
He sets it on the island but keeps his hand on it. I crouch down, planning on sneaking up behind him.
She goes to the refrigerator and starts taking out ingredients.
“Is it blueberries?” he asks.
“No, it’s more exotic than that. I bet you’ll never guess it.”
He giggles. “I can’t wait to taste you.”
You will pay, asshole.
I make my way to the island, coming around the corner to where he’s seated. I rise to my feet just as Shayla swings a large cast-iron pan at his head.
He stumbles out of his seat. I see the glint of light reflecting off his gun and charge, taking him down. His blindfold pops off in the scuffle.
He struggles to aim the gun at me, and I slam his wrist back against the ceramic tile, causing the gun to shake loose.
We dive for it at the same time. I grab it first. He tries to kick me in the nuts, and I block and counter with a swift punch to the nose. Blood spurts out, and he howls.
I stick the gun in the back of my jeans, twist his arms behind his back, and hold him down over the island counter.
I meet Shayla’s huge eyes for the first time. “Call the police. He’s going to jail this time.”
She dashes upstairs.
Jesus, her phone is all the way up there? What if I hadn’t shown up this morning? I can’t bear the thought of anything happening to her. I need her to be safe and well. I need her in my life.
“Katie, don’t go,” Matt says.
I slam his head on the island, knocking him unconscious. Then I drop him on the floor and tie him there with some kitchen string. It won’t hold for long once he wakes, but I’ll keep him in his place.
