Page 7 of Wicked Stranger

“No!” Both Wicked and Linda said at the same time.

Raina laughed, shaking her head. “Just kidding.”

“Those two are precious but a handful, and when they go down for the night, you don’t wake them,” Linda said as Wicked nodded in agreement. “You two enjoy your night. I’m late for Bingo.”

Raina smiled as Linda made a quick exit. “She seems nice.”

“She is an angel.” Wicked agreed, then sighed, looking around the kitchen. “Maybe I will twirl my finger when the guys get back. I’m tired and want to catch up with you. Come on, let me get us a beer, and we’ll go out back and catch up.”

“Sounds great, but I guess I need to find a way to get my car here.” Raina frowned, taking out her phone. “What’s the closest towing company around here? You do have a towing service in this place, don’t you?” Raina frowned, glancing at Wicked.

“This may not be New York, but yes, we have a towing company.” Wicked snorted, handing her a beer, then headed toward the back of the house with Raina following. “And don’t worry about it. Thorne and Zane will take care of getting your car here.”

Raina was relieved to hear that because, honestly, she didn’t have enough money to have it fixed, let alone towed. Raina sat in a wicker chair, sinking into the softness of the cushion. Her eyes roamed the house from the outside, and she sighed. “You have a beautiful home, Wicked. I’m so happy for you.” Raina said, her gaze meeting Wicked’s. “You deserve this and more.”

“I’m happy. Really happy.” Wicked admitted. Raina had never seen Wicked at such peace.

Even though a week didn’t go by that they didn’t speak on the phone or text, Raina had missed Wicked. They had started out as enemies, but after learning the man they were both seeing was playing them, they became fast friends and made the asshole pay for using them. It wasn’t a loss for either of them because Jacob was a total loser. His only attributes were how handsome he was, and he was damn good in bed. Seemed like those types of men that weren’t losers were few and far between.

Wicked was very lucky to have found her forever guy. She, on the other hand, was still looking but was seriously about to give up because she had shit luck when it came to men. Her last experience taught her some very hard lessons. Maybe she was destined to be alone for the rest of her life.

“So, what are you running from, Raina?” Wicked’s question surprised Raina so much that she was at a loss for words, which never happened.

“Ah, what do you mean?” Raina tried not to stutter; her eyes shifted away from Wicked’s knowing stare.

“I have been trying to get you down here ever since I left New York, even tried to bribe you or zap you here myself,” Wicked said, taking a drink of her beer, then sat up, leaning toward her. “Then, out of the blue, you text me asking for directions. That was a day ago, which means you left New York way before you sent me that text.”

Damn, Raina frowned, trying to think of something. The less Wicked knew, the better. She wasn’t going to be here long, couldn’t be here long, and didn’t want to involve her friend in her mess. “Well.” Raina started trying to think fast. “I wanted to surprise you and then realized I didn’t know your address, only the town.”

Wicked stared at her way too long before glancing behind Raina. Turning, Raina saw Thorne and Zane heading their way. Relief was swift, thinking that she had been saved. Turning back around, her gaze met Wicked’s narrowed one.

“Bullshit.” Wicked pointed at her, then stood up but continued to glare at her. “We will finish this after dinner.”

Thankfully, Thorne took Wicked’s attention away from herself. Raina slowly stood, turning her gaze to meet Zane. Their eyes met, and she was the first to look away just as her phone rang. Glancing at it, she quickly swiped, ending the call abruptly. Feeling eyes on her, she looked back up to see Zane staring first at her phone and then to her with a frown.

“Spam call.” She replied, not really knowing why she said anything at all. Maybe because she made such a big deal about getting her ringing phone in the woods and she was now ignoring calls which looked a little suspicious. Her phone began to ring again, this time gaining everyone's attention. Glancing at it, she didn’t recognize the number but had a feeling she knew exactly who it was. Again, she ignored the call with a swipe. “Persistent.” She said with a shrug, then turned toward Wicked, who was watching her closely.

“We found your car.” Thorne broke the uncomfortable silence. “We are having it towed here. Looks like you are going to need a new transmission.”

Raina’s stomach rose to her throat at the news. “How long will that take and how much do you think that’s going to be?” She needed her car, though if she was being honest, she was surprised it made it this far. It was a piece of crap.

“I’ll know more tomorrow after I call for the parts. Zane said he can fix it so he can give you a price and a timeframe.” Thorne replied, nodding toward Zane. “And the tow is free. The guy owes me one.”

“Oh.” Raina glanced at Zane, who was staring at her. “Okay. I appreciate it. Thank you.” Maybe coming here had been a bad idea, but she had wanted to see Wicked before she disappeared.

“You in a hurry?” Wicked asked, and Raina knew by her look that she knew something was definitely wrong. Raina never did anything without a plan, and leaving her business was something she would never do without a very good reason.

“Actually, I am,” Raina answered honestly. She hated to lie, and maybe she should just come clean with Wicked. Maybe they could give her some advice. Then again, the less they knew, the safer everyone would be.

CHAPTER6

Zane could read people, and Raina was an open book. He knew nothing at all about her, but her ignoring calls after throwing a fit about her phone earlier sent red flags flying. He also noticed her hand shaking as she looked to see who was calling. She was afraid and trying her best to hide it but was failing miserably.

“Listen,” Thorne said, turning to Wicked. “I don’t want you or the twins outside alone until we hear from Mac. We don’t know if this was just a lone wolf or if there is a pack. I also don’t want Linda walking here. If she needs a ride, I will make sure she gets here.”

“Okay.” Wicked nodded with a frown. “Did Mac recognize it?”

“No,” Thorne replied, glancing at his phone. “He’s supposed to call or show up. He probably doesn’t know anything yet.”

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