The Hit (Team Zulu 1)

8

Cameron

Thebriskmountainairswept tendrils of hair across my face, but I didn’t dare let go of Shep’s waist to brush them away. Having his solid warmth at my front, blocking most of the wind, made the bouncy ride more comfortable.

A patch of flame-red trees on the side of the mountain drew my eye. As did the golden leaves that flitted across the trail on a gust. I was grateful for the unhurried ride back to the cabin. It gave me the opportunity to appreciate the stunning scenery, which I’d been too anxious to take in earlier. And the long journey allowed me time to sort through the conflicting thoughts consuming my mind.

Somehow, I was no longer nervous or frightened in Shep’s presence. I wasn’t ready to drop my guard, but I believed his intentions for bringing me here were honorable. He’d gone against Franky’s orders once before by letting that accountant live, so this wasn’t the first time he’d allowed a target to go free when he thought the punishment didn’t fit the crime.

At his core, Shep was decent. What had happened in his life to turn him into a reclusive hitman with a conscience?

Shep stopped the bike in an open field, but left the engine running. He tapped my hand at his waist and pointed up the hill. “A buck. I’ve seen him here before.”

I spotted the deer camouflaged between trees. A strong beast with large antlers and smooth gray-brown coat. He stood statue-still with his tail raised on alert, watching us as we watched him.

I braced my hands on my knees. “He’s beautiful. How can you tell them apart?”

“Look close.” He leaned low. “See that scar that runs along his neck? And part of his left ear is missing. He’s been in a few brawls.”

The deer bolted, his white tail flashing as he dashed further into the forest.

When Shep noticed my smile, he returned it. Little crinkles at the edge of his eyes and deeper lines bracketing his mouth transformed his serious face. Perhaps it was because we were outside in the sunshine, but his irises seemed to sparkle a lighter shade of hazel. I couldn’t lie to myself. I liked Shep’s smile. What I didn’t like was the way it made my belly flip-flop.

Back at the cabin, we left the bike in the clearing between the house and workshop and went inside. The clock on the wall said it was early afternoon. I hadn’t realized we’d been away for so long.

Shep passed me a bottle of water and took one for himself.

“You hungry?” he asked. “I’ll make us lunch.”

“Sounds good. Can we have Reubens again?” They’d always been my favorite.

“Sure.”

After the fuss I made yesterday, I was glad he didn’t rib me about my request.

I watched Shep prepare lunch. He moved about the kitchen on light feet, even whistling a short tune as he toasted the sandwiches. This was… unexpected.

He placed our meals on the counter with a smile. It struck me that I’d seen that look on him a few times today, and yet, I imagined that was rare for someone like him.

I shook my head and chuckled. “Who are you, and what have you done with the broody hitman?”

“What can I say?” He shrugged. “Being in the mountains makes me happy.”

We ate the same way we had this morning, with me seated at the breakfast bar and Shep standing opposite.

“While you’re here, grab whatever you want from the fridge or pantry. Don’t want you wasting away. Try not to think you’re my prisoner, because that’s not what you are. And let me know if there’s anything you need to be more comfortable.”

That might be the most words he’d said without me asking a question.

I lowered my sandwich to the plate. “Thanks. I know you’re trying to do the right thing, and I appreciate it. You can call it what you want, but chaining me up and not letting me leave still makes me your prisoner. Having my freedom taken away is a major felony, you know that, right?” I stared him down.

He nodded and swallowed his food. “I’m no stranger to committing crimes. Except this is the first one I’m not ashamed of. I’ll do what I have to, to see this through.”

I sighed. Bysee this through, I gathered he meant getting my ass out of this mess alive. I was reluctant to admit it, but his commitment to that cause was fast dissolving the lingering anger I harbored.

“And what if I told you I agree to stay and won’t leave until it’s safe? Will you back off with the cuffs?”

He lowered his sandwich and finished chewing. “I thought you were hell-bent on running off to save your brother?”