Page 163 of Boys Who Hunt
I gulp. He’s right. They’d immediately lock me up if they got their hands on me even though I’m innocent. Who will vouch for me? I’m just a lowly thief, and the guy who sent those fuckers to get me will surely testify on their behalf.
Shit.
“You’re safer here than anywhere else,” Heath adds. “I swear on my fucking life.”
“Why? Why would I be safe here when I have nothing of my own and no one I can trust?” I ask. “I don’t have any of my stuff, I don’t even have clothes. All I have is this room, Cora, and you guys.”
I tilt my head back so I can look him in the eyes and determine if he really is truthful with wanting to protect me.
“Because …”
His thumb brushes over my lips as his eyes home in on them, almost as if he’s studying the very shape of my face.
“I …”
Suddenly, Cora turns around in her bed, and we both gaze at her while holding our breaths. Luckily, she falls right back to sleep again. It must’ve been a rough night for her.
Bagel jumps off my bed and curls around my legs instead, meowing.
“I didn’t even bring kitty food …” I pick Bagel up to hug him. “I’m sorry, Bagel.”
“You know what? C’mon.” Heath grabs my arm.
“Wait, what about Cora?”
“Max will watch her and feed her when she wakes up. Don’t worry.”
I only barely manage to release Bagel before I’m dragged down the stairs.
“Where are we going?” I ask.
The grin on his face predicts trouble. “Shopping.”
CHAPTER 40
Heath
Our first stopis the pet store to get food, toys, and a litter box for Bagel. The moment we walk out of the store with a whole bag worth of groceries seems to ease Ivy’s mind a little, and I can visibly see the weight slowly dropping off her shoulders.
“All done?” she asks as we hop inside the car.
“Not yet,” I reply, driving off.
“What else is there?”
“I’ve gotta stop by a car dealer,” I reply, racing through the streets.
She holds the car door. “Not so fast.”
“Sorry, can’t help it. Learned from the best.” I wink.
“Who?” she asks.
“My dad,” I reply, though I’m definitely not eager to see him.
When we finally get to his car dealership, I get out and open Ivy’s door for her just like before.
“Were you always this chivalrous, or is this your way of apologizing for your behavior?” she says.