Chapter Two
Mason
I didn’t have time to evaluate my car options as I jumped into the first vehicle I could get to in pursuit of Harper. The new 6-series BMW was simply the closest, and that would have to do. The wheels squealed as I darted out of the garage and down the short driveway, pulling into traffic. I was desperately trying to keep an eye on the Mustang following Harper’s Camry. Weaving in and out of traffic, I tried to stay close, but not too close, as I wondered exactly what her pursuer was after.
My heart pounded when we stopped briefly at the stoplight and then continued into Harper’s apartment complex. I watched as she quickly slid her car into the first space and attempted to jump out of it. Everything was moving in slow motion as I jerked the BMW into an adjacent space and made my way over to the ensuing action.
By the time I had made it over to where the stranger had Harper pinned between her car and his body, the rage had boiled over, seeping through my very being as my fingers wrapped roughly around his arm, tossing him aside easily.
I looked at Harper, analyzing her appearance. Her face, flushed, her hair, a little tangled and falling in front of her eyes. She looked scared, frustrated, and angry all wrapped into one. But otherwise, she looked safe.
My attention immediately turned back to the dark hoodie clad attacker. I heard him huffing and puffing as he came at me, fist raised. I sidestepped, grabbing his arm again, twisting it around his back, and slamming him up against the beat-up car just as Harper got out of the way. Leaning in close, I could smell cigarette smoke on his hoodie. I spoke right into his ear, my tone much calmer than the beast inside of me felt, teeth gritted as I gave my warning. “I would advise you to leave Miss Browning alone.”
He laughed, trying to struggle against me. I could feel his muscles pop with the effort, but I didn’t let up on the arm I had pinned behind his back. He was immobile. “Who the hell are you? Her bodyguard?”
I smiled, twisting his arm a little bit further back until he panted. “You bother her again, follow her, or even breathe in her direction, you’ll regret it. Got it?”
He let out a short, clipped sound as I dug my fingers into his wrist before spinning him around, releasing him. I then placed myself in front of Harper, crossing my arms, willing my hands to regain control. Beating this guy in front of Harper wouldn’t do any good, and I didn’t want to bring her into any more trouble.
The man didn’t look in Harper’s direction at all. He met my eyes briefly. “This isn’t over,” he snapped, spinning on his heel and walking back to his mustang.
Harper and I watched as he drove off.
I felt the vein throbbing in my neck and the adrenaline still pulsing through me as I attempted to calm myself. I exhaled, attempting to release the tension as I smiled at Harper. “Hello,” I managed, still struggling with my emotions.
“Hello,” she stared at me in shock. “I guess you just met Jake.”
Asshole. I remembered her little joke from earlier. I tried to smile, but found doing so difficult. I had thought the thrill of the chase was exciting with Harper, but it was nothing compared to the hunt I wanted to have with Jake. “You were right.”
“What?”
“You were right,” I forced the smile now, letting out a small laugh. “He is an asshole.”
“Tell me about it.” Harper rolled her eyes, stepping a little closer. “Are you okay? Your face is all red.”
“I’m fine.” I shook my head side to side as I wondered what Jake had hoped to accomplish by his confrontation.
“Well—thank you,” she said. I could see her shift her weight from side to side. “But.. how? I just left your place… how did you know to be here, or that he would be here?”
“I saw that man—Jake,” I spat the word out, “sitting in front of the mansion when you left. The security team had been watching him, and then he followed you. I don’t have your phone number, and I wanted to make sure you were okay.”
Despite everything, she smiled. I felt my body relax at the sight of it. Suddenly she was next to me, bringing her lips to my cheek. “Thank you,” she breathed. “Again.”
As she pulled back, I could feel my fingers twitch, wanting to fold my arms around her and bring her in for a real kiss. Her lips against my skin had set me off, transferring all the heat I had felt in my chest and head down to lower, less angry, regions. My eyes involuntarily traveled down her body again, taking in the small amount of cleavage her dress revealed. Not to mention her long, smooth legs.
If anything had happened to her... I shook my head, trying to clear my thoughts.
“Do you want to come in?” She asked me. “We should probably look at your bruises in the light. Jake really had the upper hand for a second, there. I can get you some ice.” My body tensed at the comment, and I searched her face as she winked and smiled.