Page 23 of Too Safe

Finally, after I flop over one more time and adjust my quilt so it hits my chin just right, the first wave of drowsiness settles around me, and my body releases all the bullshit and disappointment it’s been gripping like a life preserver. A stillness washes over me, coaxing me into a relaxed state as my breathing slows.

I’m on the precipice of unconsciousness when a noise jostles me out of my sated drowsiness.Fuck. The interruption is jarring but far away. Definitely from outside. I wouldn’t have even heard it if I had my sound machine turned up a bit louder.

It’s probably just a raccoon or Scout. Another charming thing about armadillos, in addition to their bad attitudes and ability to spread leprosy? They’re nocturnal.

I blow out a long, frustrated breath.

I almost had it, dammit. And being woken up on the brink of rest is the worst. It sends a shot of adrenaline surging through my veins every time, and that means it’ll be another half hour until I can lull myself back to sleep.

Grinding my molars, I roll over and start my settling-in routine again.

Except another noise comes from out in the yard. And this time, I swear it’s a voice.

Sitting up, I check the time on my phone: 1:17. It’s too late for buyers to stop by, and Sam’s supposed to be out of town until Monday anyway.

I hear it again. A murmur. Or maybe the low hum of an engine?Shit.

A pit of dread in my gut urges me to get up—to get ready—toflee. But I’m sure that’s an overreaction. There’s a perfectly reasonable explanation for the clatter out in the junkyard in the middle of the night. Right?

My breath is loud and erratic in my ears, the blood in my head whooshing like a metronome turned all the way up.

My feet hit the floor as the door to my room cracks open.

Someone’s inside. Shit.

I’m running for the door in an instant, because that’s obviously the smartest move in this situation. Instinct takes over, and I slam my shoulder into the solid wood, forcing it shut. Pain blossoms on the right side of my body, radiating from arm to hip. I bite back a whimper when the door cracks open again, despite all my weight leaning into it.

Before I can slam myself against it again, the door is open several inches.

What the fuck, Joey? Think!

A low, masculine chuckle shocks my system. I stagger away, and in what feels like slow motion, the door swings open to reveal the enormous frame of Decker Crusade.

I blink rapidly, confusion the only real reaction I can muster at the sight of the man before me.

He says nothing at first. Just crosses his arms over his chest and inspects me from the doorway. As if he didn’t just barge into my bedroom in the middle of the night uninvited. As ifhe’sannoyed withme.

“Get your shit. You’re coming with us.”

A laugh sounds in the distance. A shrill, maniacal laugh. It takes me several seconds to realize the noise is coming from me.

Heaving a deep breath and forcing myself to calm down, I shake my head. “You are out of your goddamned mind, Crusade. Get out.”

Though I would have assumed it impossible, his scowl deepens further, and he takes one big step into my tiny room. Awareness tickles up my spine at his nearness. Saliva pools in my mouth, and my palms break out in a sweat. The visceral reaction my body has to this man…fuck. I could tell myself it’s because he’s purposely trying to intimidate me. But that would only be a partial truth.

It’s then that I notice Locke behind him.

And now theusmakes sense.

My eyes dart from Decker to the guy who jilted me earlier tonight. Of course their surprise visit is connected to my run-in with him at work. I should have seen it coming.

Another step from Decker has me retreating deeper into my room. I almost laugh again when my calves connect with the frame of my bed. The space is truly nothing more than a glorified closet. And now that a huge football player has forced himself inside, I swear the walls close in around us.

“We can do this the easy way or the hard way. You can either grab your things and come willingly or…”

He doesn’t finish the sentence, but he cocks one eyebrow, letting the threat linger.

He clearly hasn’t thought through this stupid idea if he thinks he can barge into my bedroom in the middle of the night and demand I go quietly.

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