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Chapter 6

Bella-

One Year Earlier

I headed down the alley toward Creme Center. Rose had been true to her word, and once a week she gave me the treat of a lifetime whenever I came to the donut shop. She'd started asking me questions, but I avoided them at all costs. Even though it was getting harder to ignore the concern I heard in her voice, and I'd tried to ignore the craving for sugar festering in my blood, I couldn't.

The crunch of gravel behind me drew my attention. I stepped to the side, letting the big black truck pass me, my gaze drawn to the monstrous vehicle. When it pulled up to the back entrance of Creme Center, I hesitated, watching a large figure climb from the cab. When he headed to the back door and was greeted by Rose, I cursed my luck, knowing I wouldn't go inside with him there.

I lingered long enough for him to disappear inside, and I was about to turn around and retrace my steps when a feeling overcame me. For reasons beyond my understanding, I continued, rounding the huge truck. That's when I stopped the wallet sitting near the back door.

Whenever I came to Creme Center, I schooled the temptation to steal from Rose. I wouldn't do someone who helped me so much like that. The wallet, however, probably belonged to the guy who'd gone inside. I rushed forward, snagging the smooth leather, and sprinted in the opposite direction. A block away from the donut shop, I hid behind a dumpster and opened the treasure I'd found.

Two hundred dollars was in the back pocket, and thoughts of pastries fled my mind. Laughing, I pulled the bills from the wallet and slipped them into the pocket of my tattered jeans. One by one, I tossed credit cards into the trash and sorted the rest of the contents. I pulled the driver's license from its sleeve, and read the information on the plastic identification card.

Emmett McCarty.

On a whim, I stuffed the ID into my pocket along with the cash and tossed the rest into the bin. With two hundred bucks and an ID, maybe, just maybe I could get a room somewhere.

Present Day-

I tried to scoot past Adam, but his feet were firmly set apart, preventing a quick escape. I glared down into his narrowed gaze, ignoring the unexpected flutters in the pit of my stomach. "Could you move?"

The corner of his mouth lifted into a smirk making no effort to move his legs. "You didn't say please."

My teeth ground together, my annoyance blossoming into full aggravation. I hated men that were so self-assured, and this guy was as smooth as they came. He had the charisma of a proud peacock, and I had little doubt that grin worked on most women. Fortunately for me, I wasn't so easily charmed. Forcefully, I pushed his legs, hissing with displeasure. "Please."

The smirk on his face spread into a full-fledged grin, but he remained in place. When his lashes fell low, and his gaze took on a razor-sharp edge spitting silver daggers in my direction, I paused. All of a sudden the man before looked as dangerous as a jungle cat preying on a gazelle, only there was no gazelle, he was focused squarely on me. His pupils dilated, his grin never faltered and pointed up the aisle toward the front of the bus. "If I was you, I would sit back down. There's a guy resembling a Mac truck that's been following you since you entered the bus station."

Alarmed by his statement, I glanced in the direction he pointed to find exactly what he described. My breath caught in my throat, and I nervously shifted away from the venomous stare of the 'Mac truck.' With a shiver, I turned to Adam, lifting my chin as my stubbornness kicked in. "What does he have to do with you bothering me?"

His shoulders lifted in a careless shrug. "I couldn't very well leave you to contend with such a skeptical villain on your own, now could I? What kind of gentlemen would I be if I let you fall prey to some man following you around?" Then he created room between his legs and the seat blocking my path. "If you would rather take your chances with him alone, be my guest."

The knife I always carried in my waistband pressed into my belly. I wasn't as helpless as one might expect, but he had a valid point. What if that was Edward the leader of the Deviants, and he'd somehow tracked me down? If I remained in my current seat, at least I had a barrier between myself and the beast who hadn't looked away from me. My throat threatened close, refusing air into my lungs, and with a frustrated sigh, I opened the overhead compartment.

I shoved the bags back into the cubby and plopped down in my seat. Pushing his arm off my armrest, I passed him the same smile I used on my former clients. "Fine. I'm not going anywhere, but can you do me a favor?"

"What's that, princess?"

That smug satisfaction returned to his face, and I was momentarily stunned by how truly handsome he was. I refused to become a victim of an amazing smile and etched cheekbones. For the last two years, I'd mastered shutting down some of the most gorgeous men with loaded bank accounts in Chicago. This guy didn't have a prayer in capturing my attention. I reinforced my position. Stiffing, I wrinkled my nose with a blunt display of distaste and turned my attention to the highway flying past. I stared long and hard at the pavement whizzing by before glancing back at Adam. "Do me a favor and leave me alone. I have no interest in conversing with you or anyone else."

"You're a pretty detached woman," he remarked, leaning close. "We're headed to the same destination. We could've been friends."

I huffed, my lips clamping together with no intention of communicating on any level with this guy. I had too much on my mind; like the guy at the front of the bus. What the hell was I supposed to do about him? It wasn't like I could sneak past him without being detected. Maybe I could slip off the bus at the next bus station, amid more passengers, and catch another bus in the opposite direction. Maybe a larger city, or hell, perhaps a little ghost town no one would ever think to consider.

"What's your name?"

My eyes closed when his voice cut into my thoughts. I didn't have any inclination to answer his question, sliding as close to the opposite side of my seat as I could, until I was officially pressed into the cool wall of the bus. I was at a complete disadvantage, however, and he shifted, almost right up against me, effectively trapping me. I became overwhelmed by his presence, and I shoved at his weight leaning on my shoulder. "I thought we agreed you'd leave me alone."

His voice thundered in my ear, and my stomach clenched in response. "I didn't agree to shit. You asked me to leave you alone, and I'm obviously disagreeing." His breath slipped down my neck, and on instinct, I reached for my knife. My fingers curled around the handle fully preparing to withdraw the blade. "I really don't see the harm in telling me your name."

I released the weapon beneath my shirt, sighing to let go of the pent-up frustration I was beginning to feel. There wasn't a chance in hell I was giving this cretin my real name. I sorted through my mind, searching for a replacement. "Jordan."

"Excuse me? Is that really your name, or did you just make that up?" His tone was filled with disbelief, and an array of tingles pricked my skin. "I have a feeling you just made that up."

Oh my God. This guy was really starting to get on my nerves. Tilting my head, I scanned the darkening bus and spotted the bathroom in the back. I shrugged, "You will never know." I stood up and stretched before pulling the compartment open and retrieving my bags. I tucked the straps over my shoulders. There was no chance in hell of me leaving a hundred grand unattended with this lurker, hovering over my shoulder. "I need to use the restroom."

"You don't have to take your bags. I'm not going to rob you. Plus, they look rather heavy," Adam stated, his grayish-blue eyes darting toward the duffle bags I held. "You can put them back. I will watch them for you."

"Not a chance," I replied, surprised when he moved his legs for me to squeeze by. I chanced a quick look at the man still leaving over his seat, watching me. The hair on the back of my neck rose, and hurriedly, I dropped eye contact and slipped down the aisle. Once I shut the door to the compact bathroom, I considered staying there until the bus made a stop.

I sat on the toilet trying to decipher my next move when someone tapped on the door. A muffled voice asked, "Are you going to be long? I have to piss."

I might be able to see that charming rat because of the obstacle blocking my vision, but I would bet this bag of cash I was clutching to my chest, it was that conniving peacock. Hoping I hit him with the door on my way out, I pushed it open, satisfied when he had to leap out of the way. It was my turn to pass him a pleased smile before returning to my seat.

Relief flooded me when the beast at the front of the bus was no longer leaning over his seat, watching every move I made. I'd just sat down when I spotted Adam's water bottle in the cupholder. I looked toward the bathroom and quickly removed the remaining pill from my bra.

When I'd left Chicago I thought I was leaving this part of my life behind, yet I'd had one last roofie left, and I'd kept in case of an emergency. Chewing nervously at my bottom lip, I grabbed the bottle and unscrewed the cap. As quickly as I could manage, I broke the pill in half and dropped it inside. Hurriedly, I swished the bottle hoping the damn thing dissolved before Adam returned.

I had no intention of robbing Adam, I just wanted a little peace from his rambling. The water became cloudy, and I silently cursed. Perhaps he wouldn't notice. With this thought in mind, I put it back in the cup holder and prayed it worked.

I could've relocated to a new seat instead, but the brick wall kept me next to the lesser of the two evils. I settled back against the cushions when the devil in disguise reappeared.

Adam dropped into the space next to me. The bleating of his phone caught my attention, and even though I tried to ignore him, my ears perked up when he answered the call.

"Yeah, man. I gotcha." Pause. "No, I don't think so." Long silence. "Hmmm. Yep. I will."

Through the reflection in the window, I watched him tuck his phone into his back pocket. He chanced a glance in my direction, and I was afforded the opportunity to really look at him without being noticed. I followed the angular line of his jaw to the narrow width of his forehead. The shadows from his scruff gave him a dangerous air, but I was drawn to his captivating gaze. When his thunderous eyes met mine through the glass, an electric charge descended on me, and I couldn't look away. Finally, I redirected my attention to the passing landscape, determined to shut this stranger and his heady effect out of my life.

The bus should be stopping at any time for a short break, and when it did, I had to figure out the best option from there. Would it be safe to proceed to California or should I reevaluate my plan?

"Have you always lived in Chicago?" He wanted to know, still staring at me through the window.

I rolled my eyes toward the black sky. "That's none of your business."

"You'd think you'd be more appreciative considering I'm ultimately keeping you safe," he mumbled, grabbing his water bottle. "This water is piss warm. I hope we stop soon. I need to grab something cold to drink."

When I stared at the bottle, he tilted it in my direction. "Are you thirsty? You can have it if you want. I can't drink warm water."

"No," I whispered, closing my eyes, and resting my head against the cool window. Apparently, this guy wasn't going to shut up. Hoping to prevent any more conversation, I said, "I'm going to sleep. Please, stop talking."

"Well, since you asked nicely," he shot back. His weight shifted next to me, and he leaned over the armrest separating us. "Do you want me to wake you when the bus stops?"

"Holy Mother." I was starting to think he was pestering me on purpose. Somehow I'd left Chicago behind, and picked up a whole new aggravation. I was truly tempted to take my chances with the threat of the unknown and move to the center of the bus. "You haven't stopped talking since I woke up. Are you always so annoying?"

Instead of taking offense to my question, he merely shrugged, "I've been nothing but polite to you. You're the one that has her panties in a twist. If you don't want to talk that's fine, but it's my obligation to try and be civil. Asking your name and simple questions is just a way to get to know you. Hell, most women never shut up …"

"Stop." I was on the verge of ripping my hair from my scalp. "You're doing this shit on purpose …"

I would've continued my rant if the bus hadn't chosen that moment to roll off the exit. Luck must've been on my side because the greyhound turned toward the sign indicating an upcoming truck stop. This was my golden opportunity. If I played my cards right, I could ditch this bus and the men making my life difficult. I might not know specifically who the guy in the front seat was, but I wasn't going to wait to find out. Then there was the lurker with a thousand questions next to me, and I didn't need to weigh my options very long.

I read the signs on the side of the road, spotting several advertisements for hotels, anticipation burned hot. All I had to do was give these guys the slip, and I might have a chance at reclaiming my sanity. Jumping to my feet, I grabbed my bags, and I pushed past Adam's legs. My steps faltered when I approached the menace blocking my escape. Feeling safer in the presence of the bus driver, I sat behind him, completely ignoring the brute to my left.

His piercing gaze drilled a hole into the side of my skull. Everywhere his eyes touched burned like he held a flame straight against my skin. It was a fight to remain calm when my nerves were snapping and popping. I was doing a pretty good job at schooling my features, and then the unthinkable happened.

"Fuck, you sure split kinda fast. I'm starting to think you're trying to ditch me."

A quick glance over my shoulder confirmed Adam had followed me to the front of the bus. Inwardly I groaned, but I still had one trick up my sleeve. I didn't bother to respond, preparing to make a record exit from this bus. Suddenly, a weird sensation traveled down my spine, igniting my intuition and my sixth sense kicked in.

The man to my left and the one behind me was dangerous, and I needed to put as much distance between us as possible. I braced my hand against the seat as the bus driver pressed the brake, stopping across the parking lot from the truck stop. I had no idea where we were or how far we'd traveled, but that didn't matter. I'd sleep in a bag behind the dumpster before I put myself in jeopardy by staying on this bus.

As soon as the driver opened the door, I played my last wild card, heading to the bus driver's seat. "Sir, I have had two men bothering me for the duration of this trip. Could you possibly watch my back until I get to the truck stop?"

Black eyes widened with true concern, and his gaze shifted over my shoulder. Like a true champion, he climbed from his seat and stepped in the middle, effectively placing himself as a barrier between me and my adversaries. I chanced a look at Adam watching his relaxed features become infuriated. Temptation more than I could ignore, I blew him a kiss before jogging down the steps and heading into the balmy night air.

Not wasting a beat, I rounded the Greyhound and darted across the parking lot, heading for the closest hotel. I would rest there for a minute before I decided on my next move. If those men were who I thought they might be, I wouldn't be safe until I jumped in a cab or another bus, and went somewhere else. I entered the bright lobby of the hotel, but I wasn't ignorant. Those two men might have been detained, but they'd both watched where I went.

Within minutes, I bypassed the clerk and ran down the hallway until I came to the back door. Sticking to the shadows, I hurried two hotels over, constantly looking over my shoulder to ensure I wasn't being followed. My calves were on fire by the time I wandered into the Comfort Inn, pulling the ID out of the bag I'd used on many occasions.

Emmett McCarty.

On one of my many visits to Creme Center, I'd stumbled on a wallet by the back door, and never one to waste an opportunity I had snagged it. This ID had become my saving grace so many times over the last year, I couldn't even begin to recount them all. Clearing my throat, I wiped the sweat from my brow as I approached the front desk, handing the clerk the driver's license. "My brother asked me to get us a room for the night."

The man with long dreads glanced between me and the identification. "Why would your brother have you get a room with his driver's license?"

I had a feeling he was going to ask that. Using a confident smile, I shrugged, digging into my pocket. There were two hundred dollars bills in my hand, and waving it before him I asked, "Does it really matter?"

He shook his head, a wide smile spreading across his full lips. "Not even a little bit."

"Good." I passed him the wadded bills, and in return, he handed me a key. "It's a pleasure doing business with you."

"Likewise, little lady," he nodded. "Is there anything else you need help with?"

I glanced around the lobby, spotting a bowl of fruit on an adjacent countertop. I couldn't even remember the last time I had an apple. "Is that bowl of fruit real?"

"Yeah, take as much as you like."

Two shiny apples glistened beneath the fluorescent lights, beckoning me closer, my stomach rumbling. When was the last time I ate? Fuck, I couldn't even remember that. With excitement making my heart pound, I grabbed one bright red and bright green one, staring between the two. Did I want sweet or sour? Sweet won out, and I chomped into the red apple, savoring the succulent juice spreading across my tongue. "Holy fuck." I swallowed the bite and waved toward the clerk. "Thanks so much."

"Have a goodnight."

I planned on having an amazing night. I wanted a hot shower, and to call Alice. Even though it'd only been a few hours since I'd spoken to her, I was still worried the Divents were following her. How safe could she be with the mob tracking every move she made?

I went to the third floor of the hotel. Passing four rooms, I used the keycard to enter, breathing a sigh of relief when the door clicked in place behind me. The room smelled fresh and clean. Feeling the weight of the last twenty-four hours come crashing down on me, I gravitated to the bed. Huge pillows propped against the headboard lured me closer. I dropped the bags onto the chair next to the table and tossed the keycard on the smooth surface. Cleaning the core of the apple off in a series of short bites, I sat against the headboard, the fluff of the mattress dragging me down. The core slipped from my fingers and landed on the carpeted floor as my mind drifted, craving a good night's sleep.

Hours later, my eyelids opened to a mostly dark room. I lay there for several minutes, staring toward the light near the door. My throat felt like I'd swallowed a mouthful of sand, and groggily, I rose from the bed. I grabbed the bucket from the dresser and tucked the keycard in my back pocket.

It didn't take long to locate the room lined with vending machines and the ice maker. Frosty air coasted across my hand causing me to shiver when I reached inside the ice machine and scooped the cubes into the bucket. I glanced at the pop machine, wishing I had a dollar for the carbonated drink, reluctantly pivoting on my heel.

I made it to my door and slipped the keycard from my back pocket. The green light over the slot popped on, admitting me, and I was about to push the door in when a hand clamped over my mouth and a dangerous voice whispered next to my ear. "You have something that belongs to me."

Let me know what you think. Thanks for reading.