Page 52 of Too Safe

Kylian twists around in his seat. “I can make arrangements to keep him away longer if needed.”

I blink once. Then again.

That’s it?

After everything that went down between us yesterday—the game and boat rides, his offer and the storm—I expected more. Our connection amplified in the last twenty-four hours. At least it did for me.

Fisting my hands and glaring at the back of his head, I try to make it make sense. “What’s that supposed to mean, Kylian?”

The accusation hits as intended, and he spins in his seat to face me.

“I wouldn’t hurt him,” he insists, his eyes softening a touch. I think. I swear I can’t get a read on this guy to save my life.

“I know enough about his business dealings to keep him occupied for a few weeks. Maybe even a month,” he adds. “That would buy you time to figure out what—”

He stops short when the car jolts to a halt.

“Jesus!” Kendrick shouts.

Kylian turns to his friend. “He’s really messing with your vibe this morning, huh?”

Kendrick cranes forward, peering over the hood of the SUV. “What the hell was that? A radioactive junkyard rat? It was huge!”

Scout.

“Did you hit her?” I cry, craning my neck and searching. Except I can’t see shit out of these ridiculously dark windows.

“Her?No, I didn’t hither.” I swear Kendrick shudders before turning to me. “Get out and get your shit, Ohio. I’m not risking another run-in with that oversized rodent.”

Turning around again, he throws the SUV into park and scowls at me through the mirror. I ignore him, unbuckling and hustling out of the back seat. I don’t have a minute to waste, considering it took us exactly one hour to get here.

By that logic, I have zero minutes to collect my things.

“Want help?”

Kylian is already closing the passenger door carefully and squinting behind his square frames.

He looks hilariously out of place. Hills of discarded car parts and scrap metal create a bizarre backdrop for this conversation.

I’d love nothing more than to call Kylian out on his bullshit. He’s practically ignored me all morning, erasing almost all the trust and connection I thought was growing between us.

But I don’t have time to figure him out right now. And I really could use his help.

“Let’s go.” I head toward the back door, scanning the lot to confirm that Jeannie’s car isn’t here. Thankfully, the few spaces in front of the building by the office door are vacant.

Dust kicks up as I hurry inside. Once the door is shut behind us, I stride through the living area. My room looks impossibly small. Forgettable. Was it really just three nights ago when I was trying to sleep and was unceremoniously snatched from this place?

Planting my hands on my hips, I sigh.

“What can I do for you?”

Tell me why you’re acting so different this morning.

Distract Kendrick so I can make a run for it.

Make it make sense.

I don’t say any of that, though.

---