Aflame (Apotheosis) (3 page)

Time for a new plan.

Tyr fought back another cursed smile and crossed his arms. Blocks away, red lights lit up the evening sky. Well, they were in for a nice surprise, weren’t they? This pathetic town would soon make national headlines.

* * * *

Z lead-footed his F-450 away from the gym, oncoming sirens and all other bullshit that ruined what should have been a happy union. “I’m sorry. Didn’t mean to scare you. The police and I...” He sighed and shook his head. “We don’t get along.”

No response. Tension billowed throughout the spacious truck cabin for several long moments before Grayce nearly jumped through the roof. “Oh shit! Shit, shit, shit. I have to get to work.” Profanities continued softly while she dug through her purse.

Z jerked the steering wheel and slammed the brakes, throwing them forward against their seat belts. “Are you serious? You’re worried about work?” The steering wheel cracked under the force of his grip. He relaxed his hands, only to feel the tension shift to his jaw. Fuck. After what just happened, she wanted to go to work? Had to be shock. That, or insanity.

“Listen. We don’t know each other, and I won’t give you my life story here. I need this job. I can’t miss a shift. I’m fine. Working will distract me from whatever the hell happened back there.”

A set of piercing angry eyes flashed in his general direction after she’d pulled the cell from her handbag.
Shut the fuck up and drive
was communicated without a word needing to be spoken.

It took three deep breaths for Zander to regain control of heated emotions. Arguing would not be the best course of action. She needed to know. Everything. More than anything, he needed to tell her, right then and there. Blurt it out. Lay it on the table. Timing however, was not his friend.

“Which way?” He grabbed the steering wheel with more force than necessary.

“Jane’s Bar on Fifth and Pine.” Grayce pointed west. The tension in her face disappeared. No need to upset her. Soon enough they’d be inseparable. Didn’t have to happen tonight.

“I know the place. Come to think of it, I could use a drink.” Good excuse to keep an eye on her.

“Um, did you really throw that fucking asshole across the parking lot or have I lost my mind?” She fiddled nervously with her cell.

Zander’s arms ached with the need to pull her close, tuck her snug against him where she belonged.

“I did. I’m sorry you saw that. I followed...” He cleared his throat. “I mean, when I was heading to my truck, I heard you yell and lost my temper. Didn’t think. I just reacted.” The Lone Ranger theme song strummed through his brain as he tapped his thumbs against the steering wheel.

“But, how? I mean, you’re huge and everything, but how did you toss him that far without breaking a sweat?” She shifted in her seat, glanced his way, then looked straight ahead.

“I’m strong.” A nervous chuckle escaped his lips. “I’m very strong.” Strong would be an understatement. Superhuman strength and speed. Never been sick. Never seen his own blood. Bona fide freak of nature.

“So, is Z your real name, or does the Z stand for something?”

“It’s short for Zander.”

“Zander. Nice. Last name?”

“Vascos. Zander Vascos.” God, it felt good introducing himself properly. “And Grayce, I don’t believe I got your last name.”

She quickly turned away. “No. No you didn’t.” She wasn’t going to offer it either, judging by the uncomfortable silence that followed. Not in the sharing mood? Didn’t matter. They’d share a last name eventually.

“Well, Zander. Thank you for rescuing me...I think.”

Grayce spent the rest of the drive with her head pressed against the passenger side window. Didn’t say a word or look in his direction. Gave him plenty of time to consider his next move. Obviously, tonight wouldn’t be an ideal time to drop any bombshells regarding their future. They were together. It would do for now.

The truck rolled to a stop and Zander let it run. Grayce sat in silence, palms folded in her lap. He reached across the seat and placed a hand over hers. With the joining of their skin, the bonding energy, unique only to them, surged through their flesh and bones. Grayce jumped and jerked her hands away.

“I’ll drive you back to your car after your shift.” Secretly hoping she’d invite him home with her, he studied her face for a sign, disappointed to find resolute blankness.

“That won’t be necessary. You’ve done so much already. I can get a ride home.” Grayce searched her handbag, fiddled with her phone, jiggled her keys. She wouldn’t look his way.

“Grayce. I need you to look at me, please.” Her sigh cut like a knife to his chest. Fear twisted his heart as he considered the possibility he’d been wrong, that Grayce wasn’t the one. If she were, wouldn’t she be responding to their closeness, to his touch?

Tucking hair behind her ear, she half turned in his direction. “What?”

“No one can know about what happened tonight.”

Slumping, she buried her face in her hands and laughed. “You don’t have to worry. I won’t say a word. Who’d believe me anyway? I still don’t believe it myself.” With a shrug, she opened the door and vaulted from the truck.

“Thank you,” Zander whispered.

Her reserved smile, the blush in her cheeks and the sadness haunting her hazel eyes temporarily paralyzed him.

“I have to get in there. You coming? First drink is on me.” Tilting her head, she smiled shyly. “No. Not the first drink. As many as you want. On me. It’s the least I can do.”

3

As they entered Jane’s Bar, an eerie silence spread through the room. Zander placed his hand on the small of her back and guided her in. Adrenaline burst through veins already burning with an electric heat. The same sensation jolted her senses when he’d touched her in the car, and again in his truck. Did he feel it too? No way was she going to ask. Enough of her crazy side had been revealed for one day.

Unaccustomed to being the center of attention, a heated blush crept its way up her neck and landed hot and throbbing across her face. However, with his six-foot-four-inch frame wrapped neatly with layers upon layers of muscle, all eyes were on Zander. Grayce felt invisible, which was good. Inconspicuous was dead center in her comfort zone.

“Find a seat,” she mumbled. “I’ll be back in a minute and get your drink.” She strode to the back room, shoved her handbag in a locker, changed her clothes and made her way to the mirror.

Mortified by the sight, she bit back a squeal. Mousy brown hair hung frizzed and messy over her shoulders. Flushed cheeks flashed like neon signs across her face.

“Shit.” Twisting loose braids on each side of her head, she scrutinized her reflection and decided the crimson glow was pleasant. It brought out the flecks of green in her eyes. Attempting to perk her boobs, she adjusted her bra. Okay. Everything in place. Good to go.

The standard issue black t-shirt bearing the bar’s logo was purposely too tight, the v-neck way too low, but Jane insisted she’d get much better tips if she conformed. Income far outweighed pride at this point in her life. Tucked safely under a floorboard at home was six months worth of tips. Escape funds. Drop everything and run for your life cash. Hide from the monster money.

Heart beating a painful rap against her chest, she entered the crowded bar. Immediately, her gaze was drawn to where Zander sat in the darkest corner of the room. How funny, she thought, a man of his stature trying to hide. She drew herself up as she ambled forward. She needed to suck it up and be brave for a few more hours. If he was going to hurt her, he would’ve done it already. After a few drinks, he’d leave and be out of her life for good.

“Holy Fuck,” she whispered to herself.

Settled in the corner with his back against the wall, his industrial-sized arms were folded over a hulk-like chest. Tan skin stretched tight and firm over every inch of him. Dark blond hair sat tousled atop his head, carefree and wicked sexy. And his eyes—his intense blue eyes glowed in the dark. His gaze travelled along her body from head to toe as she drew near. She’d never felt so exposed. Not even in the playroom.

“Okay my superhero, what can I buy you to drink?” The words were barely audible because her throat had closed tighter than a corked bottle. She studied her feet and the scuffed hardwoods as she attempted to clear the shag carpet from her larynx.

“Superhero?” His chuckle soothed her jagged nerves. When he smiled, his eyes shone brighter than the sun making its first break through black clouds after a passing storm. “A superhero wouldn’t have given that fucker a chance to get anywhere near you to begin with.” The smile morphed to a frown. “I’ll take a beer please, whatever you’ve got. The darker, the better.”

* * * *

Jane’s Bar wasn’t at capacity, though busy enough to keep Grayce from talking to him. He didn’t care. He’d found her. Well, he was ninety-nine percent sure she was the one. If not, he’d have to commit suicide because the attraction was not one of earthly origin, but that of the heavens. Now, to find the right time to break the news.

Zander was more than content to spend his evening in the corner. Screw that, he was downright ecstatic. For the first time in his life, the stars had aligned and all was right with his world. Shit, he’d make the very chair he sat on a permanent home if it meant he could get twenty-four hour, nonstop Grayce time.

The woman was jaw-dropping gorgeous with her petite, curvy stature, exotic hazel-green eyes and lips that begged to be devoured. Damn.

Unable to peel his eyes away, it didn’t take long to notice the changes in her demeanor anytime a man approached. Her body tensed, tone of voice faltered, facial expressions darkened, even her posture altered with the slightest touch. Where did this fear take root? Who did this to her?

It was his fault. If he’d found her sooner, tried harder, maybe she would’ve been spared whatever anguish haunted her spirit.

Grayce cleared glasses behind the bar, and occasionally shot a glance his way. Wielding a wet towel and a bottle opener, a voluptuous redhead worked alongside her and gawked like a lovesick teenager. A couple of young women made their way to his table, flirty, underdressed and confident that at least one, if not both, would be invited home with him. Not taking his eyes off his woman, he shot them down and turned them away. If he wasn’t mistaken, Grayce fought back a smirk at the shattered expressions on their faces. Made his heart swell. She cared. Just didn’t know it yet.

As the night rolled on, Zander’s agitation became unbearable. The urge to castrate every man who entered was irrepressible. A feat he could easily accomplish in the blink of an eye. Shit. They wouldn’t leave her alone. Every male who walked through the door made a pass at her, whether they came with a woman or not. Fuck, she was like a douche bag magnet.

He growled under his breath but didn’t act on his protective instinct. Watching her defend herself proved more entertaining as the evening progressed. Her foul mouth and steely glare were enough to turn any would-be-suitor into a cowering little boy. Her razor sharp tongue had wounded many souls.

If one more drunk asshole made a move on Grayce, Zander was in danger of claiming
numero uno
on the FBI’s Most Wanted List for murder, as well as a dozen other crimes he could imagine committing all in the name of defending his lady. If he had his way, he’d throw her over his shoulder and march straight out of there. Never let her come back.

The decision to leave pained him, but Zander decided it safer for everyone within a two block radius of the bar if he did. He scribbled a note on a napkin and snuck through the back door when she wasn’t paying attention. Yeah, it was better that way. If he’d waited to say goodbye, there wasn’t a doubt in his mind he’d be taking her with him whether she consented or not.

* * * *

“Grayce, I don’t know what the deal is, but if you don’t take that sexy beast home and fuck the holy living shit out of him, I will.” Jane winked and tugged Grayce’s braid. “Where’d you find him, anyway?”

“Well, um, he kinda found me.” She pondered the day’s events. Her brain reeled from her near abduction, but mostly from her overwhelming attraction to the blond warrior sitting in her bar. Oh, what she wouldn’t give for a rewind button. If she’d stayed in bed, well, shit, would another woman have been attacked instead of her?

For a fleeting moment, Grayce felt an ache in her gut when she realized Zander’s chair was empty. The ache turned to anger as she pushed through the drunken crowd to clear his table. What the hell? Emotions like these were not her style. A note was scribbled on a napkin with a generous tip folded underneath.