Page 26

TWENTY-SIX

ZEKE

SAVANNAH’S QUIET BESIDE me, hands wringing in her lap as we speed away from the scene of my most recent theft. I don’t make a habit of stealing cars, but desperate times…

This is definitely one of those times.

I would have done way worse to get Savannah out of there, but I probably shouldn’t share that information with her. I’m not sure she’s ready to hear just how far I’m willing to go to keep her safe.

To keep her with me.

Reaching across the center console, I cover her hands with mine, holding them tight. “You okay?”

She huffs out a little laugh. “I’m not sure yet.” She looks my way. “Ask me again tomorrow.”

“Tomorrow you’ll be fine.” I say it for her and for me. “By tomorrow the rest of Shadow will be here and you’ll be on a plane back to Alaska.”

Savannah’s lips purse. “What about you?”

I shake my head as I scan the area around us, keeping an eye out for anything suspicious. “I’ll be staying here.” I thought the only mess here in Nashville was the one of Vincent’s making, but now I’m wondering if there’s more going on.

And if there’s some reason Alaskan Security might be caught in the middle of it.

“Do I have to go back?” Savannah’s tone takes on a pleading edge. “Couldn’t I just stay in the hotel while you do your thing and then we can go back together when you’re done?”

I love that she wants to stay with me, but I hate what I have to tell her. “We can’t go back to the hotel, Sweetheart. Not right now.”

That sends her sitting up straight. “What?” Her already pale skin loses more color. “Do you think they know where we’re staying?”

“I think I’m not taking any fucking chance they do.” I angle us onto the ramp leading to the highway. “So we’re going to go somewhere else tonight and lay low.” Glancing over one shoulder, I merge with traffic. “Tomorrow we’ll regroup and figure out how to get you home safe.”

Because that’s my top priority—keeping Savannah safe.

She’s quiet for a minute, likely digesting all that’s happened. “Do you know who that was back there?”

“No fucking clue.” It’s not an uncommon position for me to be in and normally it doesn’t bother me, but today it’s annoying the shit out of me. Because today it involved Savannah. Not knowing my own enemy doesn’t bother me. Not knowing who tried to hurt her? That I can’t fucking stand.

“Why would they have blown that place up?” She only hesitates a second before asking, “Do you think Derek had anything to do with it?”

I wish I could give her answers, but I’ve got nothing. “Heidi and Harlow will find out.”

Savannah nods next to me. “They will.” She chews her lower lip. “We just have to give them time.”

That’s the part that’s making it hard to breathe. Waiting when it’s my own life on the line I’m used to. But waiting when Savannah’s in danger? I’m not sure I’m going to survive it.

The only way I will, is to take her somewhere I know she’ll be safe. Somewhere I won’t have to worry about who might find us or if I’ll see them coming.

And I think I might know a place like that.

I dig out my cell, making a mental note to have Heidi get Savannah her own untraceable phone when we get back to Alaska. She needs to be able to call me whenever she wants and she needs to be able to do it without fear of it being used against her.

Dialing my number three contact, I wait for it to connect.

“I was wondering when the hell you were gonna call and tell me what the fuck is going on.” Heidi’s pissed. I don’t blame her.

But she’s gonna have to get over it.

“I had other shit to do.” I glance at the woman beside me. “I need you to send the team to Memphis instead of Nashville.”

There’s a pause, which is unusual. Heidi is rarely without words. “Uhh… Why?”

“I have to take Savannah somewhere safe, and I have a friend there who can help me out.” At least I hope we’re still friends. It’s been years since we’ve spoken. But he owes me, and tonight I’m cashing in. “We’re on the road now.”

“Of course you are.” Heidi sighs, her snark back in full force when she asks, “Should I even ask what you’re driving?”

I grit my teeth because I’m not thrilled with the answer. “It’s an 03 Dodge Neon.”

More silence. “I’m gonna need you to repeat that.”

“You heard me.” I risk pushing the gas a little harder, ignoring the rattle that comes with it. “And I think there’s a good chance this thing’s going to fall apart before I reach Memphis, so tell the guys on cleanup they might have to reassemble it.”

“THIS IS WHERE we’re going?” Savannah’s eyes drift around the industrial area on the outskirts of Memphis. “It looks like what Pierce is hunting for. Maybe we should have him check around here.”

“Don’t give him any ideas.” I pull onto a dead-end street lined with large block buildings. “He’ll have us property hunting all over the state.”

Savannah leans to peer out her window as we pass what looks like an old fire station someone turned into a house. “You think he’s still going to want to come here?” She turns my way. “I kinda thought he might not find Nashville as appealing now.”

“I guess that depends on what Heidi and Harlow and the rest of Intel find out.” I turn into the driveway my GPS indicates and pull alongside the boxy building next to it, brows lifting as I discover just how big the place really is.

When I knew Christian, we were a lot alike. On our own and looking for a way to get somewhere in life. But while I decided enlisting was the quickest way to ensure a roof over my head, he made a different—and much less legal—choice.

And yet we ultimately landed in oddly similar places. Except, it would appear my old friend now owns one hell of a huge house, making the empty suite I call home even more depressing.

I park the stolen car outside of the detached garage sitting at the back of the small lot and climb out, unsurprised to find Christian standing on the back stoop, one dark brow angled as he looks me over. “You are the last person I expected to show up on my doorstep tonight.”

A willowy blonde woman peeks out from behind him, her eyes widening. “You know him?”

Christian slowly smiles. “I do.” Turning to her, he tucks the thick sweater wrapped around her body a little closer. “Go back inside where it’s warm. I’ll be in soon.”

She gives me another long look before finally nodding, leaning close to whisper something in his ear, then disappearing into the house.

Christian watches her go. Once she’s out of sight, he comes down the stairs to grip me in a tight embrace. “It’s been a long fucking time.”

“It has.” I lean back, hands on his shoulders as I assess the changes in him. “You look good, man.”

When we met, Christian and I were both underfed, unwanted, and angry at the world.

But now…

His grin widens. “Better than I did back when we ran around together, that’s for fucking sure.” He shifts, looking over my shoulder as a car door slams. His eyes come to mine before drifting away again. “This just got way more interesting.”

I turn, dragging Savannah into my side as she watches my friend with a wary gaze. Motioning his way, I say, “Savannah, this is Christian.”

Christian tips his head in a nod. “Why don’t you two come inside? Do you have bags to—” His gaze settles on the car behind us. “What in the hell are you driving?”

“It’s a long story.” I’m already leading Savannah to the back door. It’s fucking cold outside and she’s had a rough day.

“It better be, because I’m feeling real judgy.” He bends at the waist. “Is that bumper held on with duct tape?”

“Probably.” I don’t look back as I mention, “It’s also stolen.”

Christian chuckles. “That’s less surprising than the duct tape.” He finally turns to follow behind us. “You need me to make it disappear?”

Savannah’s eyes snap to my face, widening.

“Stolen might have been the wrong word.” I pull her closer as we reach the steps. “Borrowed is a better way to put it.”

Christian laughs. “I forgot you live on both sides of the law now.”

It’s an accurate assessment of what I do. Some days I’m working shoulder to shoulder with cops, other days I keep company with mercenaries. “I lean whatever way gets the job done.”

“And what way are you leaning tonight?” Christian’s tone doesn’t carry any judgment. Only curiosity. Making me more certain in my decision to come here.

“Whatever way keeps her safe.”

Christian’s gaze flicks to Savannah before leveling on me. “Then you’re in the right place.” He steps around us to open the door, holding it while I cross the threshold, bringing Savannah with me into my friend’s home.

“Oh, wow.” Savannah stands on the mat inside the door, her green eyes scanning the space. “This is beautiful.”

“Thanks.” Christian comes in behind us, closing the door before flipping the deadbolt and setting the alarm. “It was a labor of love.” He goes to where the blonde who peeked out earlier stands at the counter of the large island, chewing her lower lip as she silently watches us. “This is my wife, Lydia.”

A tug of guilt pulls at my gut. It hadn’t occurred to me that Christian would have a wife or girlfriend here with him. It should have—most men our age do—but it didn’t. Because I thought he’d still be like me.

I was real fucking wrong.

“I’m sorry to drop in on you like this.” I direct my apology at her more than him and start to tell them we can go somewhere else, but Savannah cuts me off.

“Your kitchen is so pretty.” She bends to unzip her boots then lines them at the edge of the rug. “I’m in love with it.” She goes to stand on the opposite side of the island, running one hand along the surface of the counter. “Did you pick all this out?”

“Not a single thing.” Lydia gives Savannah a shy smile as she shakes her head. “Christian did it all.” She turns to the coffee maker, filling the reservoir with water. After loading some coffee into a filter she sets it to run then turns back to Savannah, pride in her voice when she says, “He owns a company that does demo, specializing in luxury homes.”

“It shows.” Savannah sighs as she continues looking around. “This house is gorgeous.”

“Would you like a tour?” Lydia’s voice is soft as she makes the offer.

“I would love one, but only if you really don’t mind.” Savannah deflates a little. “I know you weren’t expecting company.”

Lydia laughs. “We’re always expecting company.” She moves out to the hall situated between the kitchen and great room. “Come on. We can get your coat hung up too.”

Savannah starts to walk away, but hesitates, turning back to me as if looking for my okay. Like she wants to be sure it’s fine to be out of my sight.

It’s not, but I’ll have to get over it.

“I’ll be right here.” I tug her close, pressing a kiss to her lips in front of someone I know for the first time. The easy way she leans into me soothes a little of the turmoil still bubbling through my veins over the danger I’ve put her in, but it’s still hard as hell to let her go. I watch as she walks away, my fingers itching to grab her and pull her back to me as she disappears from sight.

When she’s finally gone, I turn to find Christian smirking at me with a knowing look. Whatever he thinks, I’m not denying any of it. I’m also not so interested in explaining it either, so I tell him why I’m here instead. “Some shit went down in Nashville today.” I lay out all that happened, not holding anything back. Christian knows what I do and has no room to judge. He’s done just as much bad shit as I have. That’s why we’re friends. We share a mutual understanding.

When I finish, he lets out a low whistle. “That’s fucking crazy, man.” He pulls the coffee pot off the maker and pours me a cup, sliding it across the counter before doing the same for himself. “You think anyone followed you here?”

“No.” I settle into one of the stools pushed up to the counter and sip the boiling hot liquid. “If it was just me I would have stayed in town, but…”

“Not with her.” He finishes for me. “Don’t blame you.” Christian leans back against the counter behind him, crossing both arms over his chest. “No one will get close without us seeing them. My brothers and I own the whole street and we’ve got cameras everywhere.”

I take a deep breath, hoping the tension making my head hurt will start to ease at the information. “I knew you’d be set up.” I look around. “Didn’t expect it to be quite so fucking posh though.”

Christian grins. “Home is where the heart is, man.”

I swallow down more coffee, mulling over the comment. “I’m thinking I might look into getting a place myself.”

My friend’s grin turns to a smirk. “Too bad you’re in Alaska or I could hook you up.”

I tap one finger against the counter, my mind running through plans I shouldn’t be making. Not after what just happened. “I might be leaving Alaska.” The words feel right as I say them. “Could be moving this way.”

Christian’s brows lift in surprise. “No shit?”

“The company I work for is looking to build another location. I’m thinking of telling the owner I want to be the one to run it.” Again, the words feel right. Like the pieces of my life are finally falling into place. “We were here looking for a location when shit got… interesting.”

“By interesting, you mean some asshole tried to blow you up,” Christian says dryly.

“Yeah.” I sigh. “I couldn’t get as much intel as I wanted because Savannah was with me, but whoever did it was organized, so I have to think it was a targeted attack.”

“Who in the hell would do something like that?” Christian voices one of my many questions.

“The list is real fucking long, but not many people knew we were here, so that should thin the herd some.” I shift in my seat, eyes darting to where I last saw Savannah. “I was here earlier this month. It could be connected to that, but I don’t know how.”

There’s a lot I don’t know right now. Too much.

“Sounds like a fucking mess.” Christian’s lips lift into a hint of a smile. “I’ve ended up in a few of those myself.”

“You won’t end up in this one.” I want to reassure him. Make sure he knows I would never put him or his wife or his brothers in danger. “We’re just here to lay low until my backup lands.”

“You know you’re welcome to stay as long as you want.” Christian’s expression turns serious. “And for the record, you don’t need to wait for someone to try to kill you to show up here. You could come by just for a visit.”

I’ve made a career of shutting people out of my life. It makes shit easier. Simpler. No worries about my life bleeding into theirs.

And no fears theirs would come into mine.

It was easy to pretend I liked my life the way it was. Easy to convince myself it was for the best.

But now…

“Holy cow, wait until you see their guest room.” Savannah’s eyes are shining as she enters the room and comes straight to my side. “It’s gorgeous.”

She’s never looked this way over the townhouse she lives in now. Not even close. “I can’t wait to see it.” I really mean it. Not because I give a shit what it looks like, but because she loves it.

And I want to know what she loves, because I’ve decided I’m going to give her every bit of it.