Abby’s breaths came in shallow pants. “H
e wouldn’t spank me.”
“What do you think Kent meant when he gave him permission to do whatever was necessary? You give him any problems and your ass is toast. Double toast because I’m sure Kent will roast it again when you get home. I mean, I used to think he was the easygoing brother, but I’ve since learned otherwise.”
Oh hell.
Charlie gave her hand a final squeeze before walking over to Kent and giving him the small bag. She watched curiously as Kent kissed Charlie’s forehead. What was in the bag? She wanted to ask, but then everyone started moving out. She waved goodbye to Charlie before following everyone to Kent’s truck. The men all carried weapons which made her even more nervous. She couldn’t keep up with their long legs without running, which she wasn’t going to do. She was horribly unfit, as well as clumsy as hell. Kent turned; saw she was behind and stopped to wait for her.
He held out his hand and she slipped her into his.
“Did you really give Bain permission to spank me?” she asked quietly.
“Baby, we’re going into an unknown situation. You can’t defend yourself. You’ve never done anything like this. And you’re the most precious thing in the world to me. I still can’t believe that I agreed to this. But I did, so I’m going to make sure you’re as safe as I can. So, I can concentrate on what I’m doing and won’t get distracted worrying about you.”
“Oh. God, Kent, I didn’t even think of that.”
“Just do whatever Bain says, all right? If there’s any trouble he’ll get you out of there and keep you safe. Truthfully, I’m not expecting any real trouble. Markovich knows me and my reputation. If I thought there was any true danger then I’d have Clint tie you up and watch you.”
Right. Of course, he would.
“But that doesn’t mean there isn’t an element of the unknown. So Bain has permission to do whatever he has to, we clear?”
“Yes.”
“Good.”
When they reached his truck, the others were standing around.
“I don’t want Markovich seeing you if we can help it. Zeke, you and Donovan take the other truck. Bain will ride with me to stay with Abby.”
Kent lifted her into the backseat of his truck and did up her seatbelt. The drive was in silence. It was late afternoon by the time they reached the clearing in a wooded area off the highway. It was one of the places that had a couple of picnic tables and a toilet, but was rarely used after a newer picnic area had been put in further up the road.
Two dark cars were already parked right at the back of the parking area. Kent parked up facing them. Zeke pulled in next to him.
Kent turned around to stare at her as he undid his seatbelt. “Keep her safe.”
“Got it,” Bain replied.
Bain exited the truck when Kent did and moved around to the driver’s seat. She peered around the seat as she watched Kent approach Mr. Markovich, who had gotten out of one of the cars. Two goons were behind him, one of whom was Gray.
Zeke and Donovan hung back a bit.
“Keep back,” Bain said sharply as she leaned further out. “I want you out of their line of sight.”
She noticed Bain didn’t take his eyes off his surroundings.
“I wish we could hear what they’re saying.”
“Kent’s telling Markovich that he’s not happy about the incident the other night in the parking lot of Suck ’n Blow. He’s especially angry over him making you pay your brother’s debt.”
“What? How do you know that?”
“Everyone is wearing a mic.” He was silent. “Yep, roger that.”
“What?” she asked again, confused.
He sighed. “I’m answering Macca.”