Just One Kiss (The Town of Pearl 8)

Suddenly Salvatore pulled her back behind him as Lucifer took position behind her and Brutas growled low.

“What’s wrong?” she asked, heart pounding inside of her chest.

“Shh,” Lucifer whispered, and she felt the warm breath against her hair, and both hard male bodies protecting her from whatever it was they heard. Her heart was racing, and the sensation that even her breathing was too loud consumed her as she wondered what they heard and how these two big men could be so damn quiet.

“Who’s out there?” Salvatore called out.

“The question is who the hell are you?” They heard the deep voice, and then both men chuckled.

“Good evening, Shay,” Lucifer said as he petted Brutas and stepped from behind Lucia. A moment later Shay Anders came into view, holding a gun and dressed in dark clothing.

“Sorry if I scared you. I was keeping a lookout for Lucia. She’s usually back at the apartment before dark, and we were worried,” Shay said.

“We were concerned for her well-being too. Followed her up from the O’Brians’,” Lucifer told Shay.

“The O’Brians’? That’s a long trek. Damn, Lucia, you shouldn’t be walking all alone through town like that and these woods late at night. Dave and Ron were out last night and came across some hikers from out of town. They didn’t like the looks of them, and when Dave and Ron asked some questions, they all had attitudes. Really mean, unfriendly types. You definitely can’t be walking through these woods at night,” Shay added, giving Lucia a firm look.

It was obvious Shay was concerned. Once again, this town, these people surprised her with their actions.

“Thank you so much for looking out for me. I guess it would be smarter to take the long way on the road for now on.”

“Or you can make a phone call here and one of us will come get ya,” Shay added.

“We’ll take care of it, Shay,” Lucifer said rather firmly. Shay squinted his eyes at Lucifer and then Salvatore. “You sure about this?” he asked, and Lucia wondered why Mr. Anders suddenly sounded so fatherly.

Lucifer placed his hand on Lucia’s shoulder and squeezed it gently.

“As sure as we’ve been about anything, Shay.”

Shay nodded then looked at Lucia.

“These are good men. Them and their brothers, Lucia. Trust them and no more trekking around alone.” Shay turned around and headed through the woods, disappearing in the darkness.

She felt Lucifer’s hand caress down her arm to her waist, giving it a light tap that sent pretty damn powerful sexual currents through her entire body.

“Let’s get you home safe. Tomorrow, we’ll work your transportation out,” Lucifer told her, and they continued walking.

She was going to question his statement, but something changed in him. From the time Shay told them about the hikers until that moment when he told Shay they would take care of her means of transportation.

As they walked across the field, the side roads in view, and got to the small building of a one-bedroom apartment she was renting cheap, she turned around to question him.

She hadn’t expected Lucifer to press her up against the wall, one hand above her shoulder and one by her waist caging her in place. He loomed over her as her lips parted and she saw his intense stare. Her heart pounded inside of her chest, and she was shocked that the first thought to come to mind was Lucifer kissing her.

“This is your only warning, and I don’t want to hear about how independent you are, how you can handle things yourself, or any denial as to what we’re all feeling here. Strangers in town trekking through woods at night could lead to a very dangerous situation. If we weren’t with you, and if Shay weren’t out watching for you and these men came along...” He paused, closed his eyes, and took an unsteady breath.

He was really concerned, almost angry at the information, and it made her feel foolish and naïve.

“I’m sorry I didn’t know about the hikers. I know now. I’ll take precautions.”

He shook his head.

“Maxwell or Gabriele will be here at eight on Monday to drive you to work. If you’re going anywhere over the weekend, you have one of the Anders men call us and we’ll come get you.”

She shook her head.

“This is not up for discussion,” he stated then reached up with the hand that was above her shoulder, and he caressed her cheek, pushing a loose strand of hair from her cold cheek.

“There are bad men out there. Men that would think nothing of harming a beautiful, young woman like you. You wouldn’t be able to defend yourself, and that’s not something I’m willing to let happen. You need to know that men like that exist, even in some of the most perfect places.”