Page 42 of Bitter Spirits

He uncrossed his arms, dislodging her hold as his hands went to her hips and held her in place. “You’ll be careful.”

It was almost enough for her to believe she mattered to him. “I will.” And she would. It just might not be enough.

Chapter 14

Locke

The next morning, Locke pulled into Wonderland and parked next to Isa’s modest four-door sedan. “Looks like we beat the ticket.”

“Nice.” Isa undid her seat belt and let it zip back. “Thanks for the ride.” With her phone in hand, she reached for the door but turned back when he shut down the car and opened his door. “What are you doing, Locke?”

“Coming with you.”

Her sigh was exasperated as she shoved open the passenger door. “I told you⁠—”

“I heard you, Isa. But I’m still walking you inside.” He got out and shut the door behind him then waited for her.

She came around the Dodge’s hood and headed straight for Wonderland’s entrance, leaving him to follow. His lips twitched as she all but stomped her way across the cracked asphalt lot and slapped the security ward. He didn’t care if his presence pissed her off. It made him feel better. The previous night, Angel had been too focused, too intent on Isa, and that didn’t sit well with Locke. Especially after how simple it had seemed to drive away from the Den. He’d worked with Hunters like Zev for too long not to understand how predators lulled their prey into a false sense of security before attacking. And when it came to Isa, Angel was definitely playing the part of a predator.

Isa yanked open the door and slipped inside. He caught it before it closed and followed her down the stairs and into the main area. She stomped over to the bar, set her phone down hard, and then turned, her hands going to her hips as she faced him.

“You walked me in. I’m fine. Now go.”

Ignoring her bad-tempered demands, Locke closed in and set his hands on either side of her, trapping her against the bar.

Stubborn to the end, she tilted her head back and narrowed her eyes as she glared at him in feminine affront. “Locke…” His name came out like a warning.

He ignored it, dipping his head down as she tried to lean back. With the bar behind her, she didn’t get far. He stopped with only a few inches between them and was gratified when color rose under her skin and her lips parted.

“Text me,” he said.

Those long lashes drifted down then up, dark amber swirling with emotions he really wanted to explore.

A door hit a wall.

Isa jumped and turned her head, the move causing her loose hair to brush against Locke’s jaw. Locke didn’t move away as the silky strands caught on his stubble. He simply shifted his gaze from her flushed face to the amused man walking in from the back, an empty coffee mug dangling from his hand.

“Morning, Des.”

The other man gave him a grunt of acknowledgment before turning to Isa. “Thanks for letting me know you were alive.” Sarcasm was alive and well in his voice.

“Shit, sorry,” she said with a wince. “Did you stay here last night?”

“Yeah. Used the couch in the office.” Des turned Locke. “I’m guessing, from your presence, Angel’s going to push his luck.”

“No.”

“Yes,” Locke said at the same time.

Her head whipped around so fast he barely avoided getting clocked. “No, he won’t,” she enunciated, glaring at him.

“Yes, he will,” he shot back, frustration rising at her stubborn refusal to see the threat. “Which is why you promised to be careful.”

Her hands went to his chest, and she shoved, trying to force him back. “And I will be.”

He didn’t move. “Yes, you will.”

“What happened?” Des stood at the complicated-looking coffee machine, which was quietly whirring away.