When I entered the store, she startled badly as she popped up between the shelves. Only one look from me had her blushing bright red and hightailing it to the counter.
She didn’t say a single word and did her best to avoid eye contact with me. But I captured her blue and green gaze, and what I saw made me feel something foreign.
There was so much pain and fear in her eyes, and she was trembling. In a matter of seconds, I was able to read her like an open book.
She’s shy and more antisocial than me. She’s suffered through something that broke her, but she’s also innocent.
I’d guess her to be in her early to mid twenties. From the worn state of her clothes, it’s obvious she’s poor. Her nails are bitten short, which tells me she’s constantly anxious about something.
Honestly, she reminds me of a younger version of myself, before I learned how to become the hunter instead of being the prey.
Suddenly, Jenna laughs, her face lighting up for a couple of seconds. A breathtaking smile eases the tension from her beautiful features, completely captivating me.
My lips part, and I suck in a shocked breath.
Holy fuck, I’ve never seen anything or anyone more beautiful in my life.
Then she quickly schools her face and nervously glances around the store and out the window. When her eyes land on my SUV, they widen with worry.
I know she can’t see me through the tinted windows, but not wanting to cause her any further anxiety, I start the engine. As I slowly drive out of the gas station, I sneak a last glance at the blonde beauty before focusing my attention on the road.
Just as I leave the small town of Aurora in my rearview mirror, lights brighten the highway up ahead as motorcycles come from the opposite direction.
My gaze zooms in on the group, and as we pass each other, I see the St. Louis Demons emblem on their cuts.
I’m tempted to pull over so I can empty my two guns on the eight men. It will send a clear message that I’m not here to back down, but as I continue to drive, my eyes flicking to the rearview mirror, I decide against it.
First, I need to find out exactly what I’m dealing with before I make any rash decisions.
My phone rings, pulling my attention away from the group of motorcycles. I glance at the screen, and seeing Dominik’s name, I frown.
Accepting the call, I ask, “What’s wrong?”
“Nothing.”
“Then why are you calling?” I mutter.
“I was in the control room when your order came through. Are you moving to the States?”
“No.”
When I don’t offer more information, Dominik sighs. “Why do you need so many weapons? Are you fighting a war we’re not aware of?”
The man is a hermit by nature, and even though he’s been dealing more with people since the alliance was formed, he still gets annoyed when a conversation drags out.
“I’m opening another factory here to produce counterfeit goods, then I don’t have to worry about border control. An MC gang is giving me trouble because this is their territory.”
“Do you need backup?” Dominik asks.
“Who needs backup?” I hear Santiago ask in the background.
Four years ago, the men became brothers-in-law when they married sisters, and since then, they’ve been inseparable.
“Enzo,” Dominik replies to him.
“Put him on speaker,” Santiago orders, then he asks, “Do you need help, Enzo? We can be there before lunch tomorrow.”
“I’m fine,” I mutter. “Just send me the weapons.”
