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“Who's that?” I ask before a hand slaps me on the back of the head.

“He said stay down.” Pursing my lips, I glare at Trey. “Sorry, but for real. This is serious, Mess. We're blocked in.”

“By who?”

“We don't know.”

“Where are the other guys?”

“Detained as well,” T grumbles.

“Someone's getting out,” Grem whispers like the guy can hear us.

“What is he doing?” I whisper back. “Wait, why are we whispering?”

“You do realize we're in a bad spot right now, right, Mess?” It's hard to tell, but I swear a hint of humor laces Trey’s words.

“I do, but I can't see what's going on from down here, so you have to give me a play-by-play.”

“He doesn't have a gun,” Grem whispers.

“Seriously, why are we whispering?”

“Doesn't mean he doesn’t have one. Here comes another,” T says, confusion in his tone.

“Back here too,” Trey adds, his intense gaze locked out the back window. “What the fuck is going on?”

“We could always just ask,” I toss out. Makes sense to me. At the weight of all three sets of eyes zeroed in on me, I shrug. “Just a suggestion. Maybe they want an autograph or something.” The gravity of the situation settles in my chest, causing an awkward chuckle to vibrate out. “Sorry, I'm not laughing.” Another giggle bubbles out on its own accord. “Shit. Sorry, guys. I know this isn't—” I say through another giggle. “Funny.” Clearing my throat, I swallow back the full belly laughs that want to burst out, but I can't stop my shoulders from shaking. “I did this when those muggers cornered me and Trouble. It's like some kind of—”

“Who did what?” T roars. I swear the SUV rattles with the force.

“Way to go, Mess,” Trey mutters under his breath.

“We're having a serious talk when we get through this, Randi,” T admonishes from the driver seat. He sighs and runs a hand over his shiny head. “But you have a point. Whoever it is isn't demonstrating the desire for violence.” Tilting my chin, I catch T and Trey having an unspoken conversation through the rearview. “I'll go.”

“No, I'll go,” Trey grunts. “You have Sarah. If shit gets bad out there—”

“No,” I shout, reaching out lightning fast to grab his slacks. “You can't go out there. What about me? You have me.”

Trey's honey eyes soften with a sad smile. “It's my job, Mess. I’d rather it be me than you or Tank.” His long fingers wrestle with my own, uncurling them from the fine material of his suit pants. A quick squeeze is all I get before he shoves open the side door and climbs out.

“Trey,” I yell.

Shoving against the floorboard, I scramble up, attempting to dive out of the door before it closes behind him. An arm snakes around my waist, halting my advance before tugging me back several inches. Eyes wide, I watch in absolute horror as the side door closes in almost slow motion, officially cutting me off from the man I might love.

Chapter Eleven

Trey

The thump of the Suburban’s door slamming shut echoes down the dark alley. Careful to keep my hands where they can see them, I lift the shoulder strap over my head and carefully lower the assault rifle to the asphalt. The stench of rotten food and cat piss infiltrates my nose, forcing me to hold a shallow breath until I'm upright. My sole focus never leaves the lead man standing in front of the other four, hands carefully clasped in front of his large body. The hairs on the back of my neck stand on end at the weight of the stares from the other men at my back.

This has to be the worst situation I've ever been in, yet I'm not afraid. The only safe spot around holds the one person I'm willing to lay my life on the line for. No gun, no cover, at the mercy of the unknown, and yet I'm okay. There’s a settled feeling about doing what's needed to protect the one you love.

Love.

Oh hell.

What a fucking time to figure that shit out. Not that I'd tell her. I haven't even told her about Jessica yet. The lie of 'there hasn't been the right time' only holds for so long. At this point it’s obvious that I'm scared to tell her. What if she leaves, walks away because dealing with the plan I've made is too much to deal with? The woman has enough on her plate for me to toss this new kink into her life, even if it was all for her.