Page 84 of Tormented

“Are you fuckin’ insane?” Hello: pot, kettle.

Her eyes flash, and she tries another tactic. “Don’t you need to get back in a hurry or something? Like, don’t you have urgent club business?”

I lift a finger and reach up to remove my helmet. She watches, arms folded, foot tapping a beat on the tarmac as I hang it off the handlebars and proceed to push my mask down around my neck.

“If you need a—”

“Just wait a second, girl.” I pull my phone out, holding her gaze the whole time as I swipe sideways and hit 1 to get to the preprogrammed number I need.

She huffs out her nose, backing up two steps to lean her butt on the door of the truck. The evening’s cooled off quite a bit since the sun set, and she rubs her arms in an attempt to warm up as I bring the phone to my ear.

The line clicks over after three rings. “How’s it going?”

“All good here, King.”

“Where you at?”

“Stoppin’ off at Grand Junction for the night.”

Abbey rolls her eyes, arms flopping dramatically to her sides.

“She with you?” King asks.

“Yeah, I’m keepin’ watch.”

In more ways than one . . . .

Fuck off.

“Everyone happy?” he asks with a sigh.

“Yeah, we all are.” King’s known me long enough; I know he’s referring to more than just the physical personalities on this trip. “Just think it’s best if we all get some rest.”

“Good.” Shouting cuts through the line, and he curses under his breath. “I need to go, but you give me a call when you head off again, yeah? I’m not callin’ church until tomorrow, so you’re not missin’ anything.”

“Sure thing.”

I disconnect, a small smile playing on my lips as Abbey turns and wrenches the door to the truck open again. “I guess that’s settled, then, huh? No point asking me what I want.” She grabs a bag of clothes and slams the door shut. “Maybe I’ll feel better after a shower. Who fucking knows?”

Jesus. She’s exactly like a tired and cranky toddler, refusing to admit she needs a nap.

“What’s the real issue?” I dismount and step toward her.

She’s literally vibrating. “I feel safer at Lincoln, okay?”

“Safer.”

“Yeah, that’s what I said.”

Why the fuck would King send her if he knew she’d do this? “Don’t I make you feel safe?”

Her gaze roams the length of me, and her mouth opens and snaps shut a few times before she finally picks her words. “Yes, and no.”

“Well, that’s fuckin’ clear as day, then.”

You’re under her skin . . . .

Tell you who’s under my fucking skin—