Page 4 of Cameron's Contract

I ached for Mia.

Shay held his phone out and followed the blip leading us to the collar. He looked back at the BMW and Bugatti Veyron, both self-indulgent contrasts to the cars around them.

Damn the cars.

Shay led the way and we continued down the alleyway. Over his shoulder, I watched that red dot. Jewelry that had put Mia in danger was ironically leading us to her now.

“There,” I said in a rush.

Mia was up ahead.

She hurried toward a rundown house with bars on the windows. The shades were drawn. The lawn was long dead.

Shay grabbed my arm. “Stay here.”

I broke away and sprinted toward her, blood roaring in my ears, my lungs not caring if they ever filled again. Those early morning runs paid off in a way I’d never imagined.

Mia lingered on the top step of the house. Her hand reached out to knock.

Tearing across the lawn, it felt like it took a lifetime to reach her.

She didn’t see me.

I swept her up and pulled her around to the right side of the house and shoved her against the wall. My palm covered her mouth.

Her terror showed, but recognition softened her frown. Her body trembled.

She startled when Shay sprinted around the corner.

“You’re probably wondering how I found you?” I whispered.

Her gaze returned to mine and she gave a nod.

I leaned in. “I shoved a bug up your ass when you were sleeping.” I arched an amused brow and, despite my heart still trying to force its way out, I forced a smile.

Mia stared up at me, blinking her confusion.

Despite this relief, my mind was ablaze with the consequences of what might have happened if she’d disappeared inside. These two men had proven their violence. It pained me to think it had been me who’d driven her here.

“Cole,” Shay said. “What the hell was that? I’m trying to protect you here.”

Mia squeezed her eyes shut.

I ignored his glare and asked her, “What are you doing here?”

Her frown deepened as she eased my hand away. “I’m taking care of it.”

“What exactly?” snapped Shay.

“Back off,” I told him.

“They just want a little money,” she whispered. “They promised—”

“You come to me with crap like this,” said Shay.

“Mia, how can you bear to face that man after what he did to you?” I said. “To your mom?”

“He threatened you, Cameron.” Her hand reached for her collar that was no longer there. “They swore they could ruin your reputation.”