Page 21 of Freeing Denver

After leaving the church,we head to one of the bars to check a delivery. The work never stops, and Alistair reminded mevia text that it’s a good opportunity to show our partners that Ranger and I are working together, no matter how much I may hate that fact. Luckily, it’s a smooth afternoon, meaning I can take a second behind the bar to have a breather while Ranger wraps things up for me.

The alley is cold, but I’ll take shivering over another conversation about upcoming shipments and how I plan to keep things running smoothly. At this point of the day, I’d rather be Alistair’s puppet than have to think for myself.

Smoothing down my dress, I sit on the curb, opening the packet of cigarettes. I haven’t smoked in over a year, but if there’s a time to have one, it’s now. I place one between my lips and flick the lighter.

It’s snatched off me before I can even light it.

“What have I told you about smoking?”

I glare up at Ranger. “Sorry, am I only allowed to inhale smoke when you’re trying to burn me alive?”

He rolls his shoulder and goes to the other side of the alley, leaning against it and tucking his hands into his pockets. His tie is still firmly in place, always smart, always the man in control—except for that night.

I should fear him. He’s manipulated and abused me, gaslit and hurt me. He’s been nothing but a monster. But I’m not afraid, because I’ve reached a point in my life when I wouldn’t hesitate before killing him.

Nothing will stand between me and freeing myself and Colt from this hell.

Ranger’s jaw tenses when I take out another cigarette and light it.

“It’s safer if you come home.”

I laugh, smoke billowing around me. “With you?”

“Spider has set his sights on you. No one here can protect you.” He looks down the alley and to the bustling street beyond. “I can.”

“Right.” I lean back on my hand and cross my ankles, taking another deep inhale of the cigarette. “The great Ranger Luxe. The only man I’ll ever need.”

“Your words.”

“My fantasies,” I correct him. “But now I have total fucking clarity, and I have no desire to go back to San Francisco with you. This is my home now.”

“And can you protect my son?” he challenges, pushing himself off the wall to look down at me. “Because Axel seems to have this idealistic image of you, and he will stay if you ask him to. Can you do what needs to be done to keep him safe?”

“I got him away from you, didn’t I?”

Ranger glares at me, reaching down to snatch the cigarette and throw it aside. He grips my wrist, almost lifting me off the ground, and I tense my jaw, my stare heated.

“Remember that you need me.” His voice is low, laced with threat. “I might owe you, but remember my power, little bird. I could take you right now if I wanted.”

“Then why don’t you?” I bite back.

“Because you’ll be more obedient when you realize all by yourself that you’re making ridiculous choices. You’ll see Colt is a phase, that New York was an extended affair, and you’ll come home. That, my love, will be your total fucking clarity.”

My heart races, the muscle beating frantically like it always does when I’m around him. But this time, it isn’t lust, or forbidden love.

It’s shame. Shame that I wasted so much time on him. That I ever let him control me when I’m so much stronger than he gives me credit for.

“Let her go, Ranger.” Alistair’s smooth voice comes from the doorway, and for the first time I’m a little relieved he’s checking up on me. Ranger keeps his dark gaze on me. “I won’t ask twice.”

“Pipe down, Chase,” Ranger says, releasing me. He straightens and levels an unimpressed look at Alistair. “You’re a make-believe leader, so excuse me if your threats mean fucking nothing.”

Ranger goes inside, and I release all the oxygen from my lungs.

“This is such a fucking mess.”

“Mess can be cleaned up,” Alistair says simply. He stands in front of me. “Stand up.”

“Oh, fuck off,” I groan, whimpering. “Just give me five fucking minutes!”