Page 33 of Unbearable

“So you placed the pink fizzy water order?” she asked.

“Guilty.” He smiled at her with an “aww shucks” look on his face. This one wouldn’t even be a challenge. “I like a woman who can hold her whiskey, though.”

“Then you won’t mind buying me another.” She gave him her best smile. “You don’t sound like you’re from around here.”

“Oklahoma. I’m just in town for a convention.”

“Really? I don’t think I’ve ever met anyone from Oklahoma. What convention?”

“It’s for casino managers. I’m Cody,” he said, holding out his hand.

“Cassie,” she answered, holding his hand just a little too long. First rule of picking up men in a bar: never give them your real name. “How long are you in town for?”

“Just the weekend, then it’s back home. Do you live around here?”

“Not far. How do you like Boston?”

“It’s getting better by the minute.”

She laughed and lightly slapped his chest. The bartender sat another round of drinks in front of them. Keeping her gaze on him, she took a sip through the stir straw. Then she let her gaze drop. Based on the bulge in his nicely pressed jeans, he was definitely interested in her.

She was debating how long she had to keep the banter up before enticing him down the hallway toward the bathroom when she felt her phone vibrate.

“Hello?” she said, holding a finger up to him. Her heart started to pound at the voice on the other end.

“Make up an excuse to leave. Go out the back,” the voice said.

“Oh no,” she gushed, pulling just enough disappointment on her face. “I’m so sorry. This is the babysitter. Apparently, my kid just puked all over her. I’m going to have to run home.”

“That’s—” Cody began running his hand through his hair. “No, of course. I’ll see you around sometime.” She would have laughed at how fast he managed to fade back into the crowd, except the voice was still on the end of the phone.

“Put your earbud in and leave. I’ll give you instructions as you go.”

She fished her earbuds from her purse and placed one in her ear. She then dropped her phone in her purse still connected. Noticing that Cody had dropped some cash on the bar before beating a hasty exit, she stood and moved toward the bathroom. When she reached the back, she slipped out the back door.

“Turn left down the alleyway,” the voice continued. Her heels sounded like machine gun fire as she clacked down the pavement. No doubt she was the only one who could hear them over the din of the city. She raised on to her toes just in case anyway. “Now right and pick up the pace. You’re being followed.”

She turned the corner and moved into a light jog. It took all of her concentration not to look back over her shoulder. He continued to give her instructions as she wove through downtown. Her feet were aching.

“When you reach the next street, step inside the first door on your right.” She hurried forward until she saw a metal doorway. Quickly, her hand pulled on the handle. To her amazement, it was unlocked. Silently, she stepped inside the dark building. A hand clasped around her mouth, and she was pulled against a hard chest.

“Shhh,” he hissed against her ear. A hand she could barely see turned the dead bolt, sealing them both inside. He continued to hold his hand over his mouth as they listened intently. The door jiggled twice before whoever was outside moved on. Slowly, his hand dropped from her mouth.

“How did you know someone was following me?” she asked.

“I have eyes everywhere. You need to start paying more attention.”

“Who was it?”

“I’m not sure. I don’t think he was one of Boston’s finest. Why would someone be following you?” He spun her around and pressed her against the brick wall. “Have you been talking?”

“No. I promise I haven’t said anything.” The brick was rough and bit into her bare shoulders. Her panties became wet when a strong hand clamped around her throat and began to squeeze. She grabbed at the arm. “Please,” she gasped. “I would never say anything. I love you too much, Edmund.”

“What do you mean you lost her?” Dover asked.

“I mean I’ve never seen anyone rabbit like that,” Dex answered. He gave up trying to pick back up her trail after half an hour.

Knox had been waiting around the corner of the bar in the car and had joined the chase when Dex called him. They found Dover heating up last night’s leftovers when they returned to her apartment. She had just gotten home from work.