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I want to thank my prereaders for their help and opinions, and for being there to talk me through some of these chapters. Sam, Sassy, and Michelle, you all help me so much because sometimes I get stuck with what I want to happen, and how I want it to happen. Thanks for being there.

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Chapter 7

Edward-

There weren't words to express the rage that compelled me when my target slipped from the bus. The way her eyes brightened when she turned to look at me, sassily blowing me a kiss, was the final nail in her coffin, so to speak. When I got past this bus driver, I would make sure she paid for making me chase her around. Through narrow slits, I watched her jog across the parking lot and disappear through the doors of a cheap motel.

I was far from stupid. Had she stopped in that hotel to get a room? Absolutely fucking not. She'd no doubt slipped out the back, and was even now, searching for a place to lay low. I studied the strip, taking in the random businesses lining the street, calculating the number of hotels I just might have to investigate before catching my prey.

Eventually, I pulled my gaze away from bright signs indicating the businesses to focus on the driver. He had the same air as any native Chicagoan. There wasn't a person in that city that lacked style and confidence, a matter-of-fact determination darkening his eyes as his arms folded over his chest, his stance unwavering. "I won't have the occupants of my bus harassed. You will have to find another source of transportation going forward."

"No problem," I stated, easily intending to slide past him. My annoyance surpassed my rage when he stepped in front of me, effectively blocking my path. I looked him over, my gaze wandering down his simple Greyhound navy blue uniform before returning to meet his brown eyes. His eyes widened a testament to his growing fear, and he shifted uneasily. He wasn't as brave as he appeared, but I couldn't put a plug in him in front of half a dozen witnesses, and no doubt a camera behind that tinted visor. I read his name tag, my brow arching.

I knew the name of this game. The prize went to the highest bidder. I was betting Joe was under some false sense of honor, but honor could be bought. Everything was for sale, for the right price. "Joe, I bet you make what? A few hundred for this trip. Right? How would an extra grand sound? Huh? I'm betting the extra funds would go a long way."

Interest sparked in his eyes, and his chin lifted with a smirk twisting his lips. "Fifteen, and I didn't see anything."

I glanced at Emmett and with a slight nod, I urged him to pay the driver. Emmett dug into his jacket and retrieved his wallet, quickly counting out the bills. As soon as my brother slapped the money in his hand, he created the desired space I needed to ditch the bus. I was halfway across the parking lot when Emmett came up beside me. Curiosity lit Emmett's deep navy gaze as I spied him out of the corner of my eye. "What are our plans, Ed? If she's in one of those rooms, catching up with her is going to be a challenge. Especially if she's a screamer. She'll alert the entire hotel."

"I'm kinda out of my element here, Em. I'm taking this one step at a time."

"I don't understand why you didn't just grab the bag and hop off the bus. She was asleep, and we wouldn't have even been noticed.'

I stopped at the end of the parking lot waiting for the semi to turn in. Bypassing the flatbed, I jogged alongside Emmett, crossing the street and stepping into the patch of grass marking the side of the road.

I couldn't answer Emmett's question because I had no fucking idea. When I spotted her curled in that seat, I'd felt an unexpected pull, and I'd dropped into that space next to her without thought.

She'd looked helpless and vulnerable, nothing like the cunning tigress who had demanded I leave her alone when she'd awakened. To be quite frank, I'd been intrigued. The more I'd pestered her, the more annoyed she'd become. She was different from the women I normally encountered. I barely talked to most women before they were falling all over my feet, ready to do anything I bid, but Bella had remained firm in her disdain.

I had met distant, cold women throughout my life, and I had no desire to penetrate the shield they created to protect themselves. Bella, on the other hand, had layers to her. The cat and mouse game I'd played when she'd awakened, thrilled me in several different ways, and that fucking kiss she blew me before fleeing–took guts. As for what I would do with Bella once I caught up to her, I had not one inkling, but she wouldn't be giving me the slip so easily a second time. "Emmett, I've been playing this whole thing by ear. I will let you know my plans when I know."

I could tell by his expression that he was just as shocked by my reply as I was. I never moved without knowing every step beforehand, but since pursuing this woman, all my planning went out the window, and I was left deciphering the best way to handle her. Of course, up

to this point, I'd been doing a shitty job of maintaining control, letting a mere civilian get the upper hand. Had she really gotten the upper hand? Not particularly. She would get whatever I chose to give her. Perhaps, I liked the chase more than I'd ever admitted.

I stopped near a maroon Suburban, my attention darting between the two hotels sitting side by side. Considering she'd probably entered through the back, I had no clue which she'd stopped at. Unable to decide, I nudged Emmett toward Motel 6 while I turned to Comfort Inn. "Go check with the desk clerk, and message me if you learn anything. I'm going into this one. I'm positive she didn't run far."

We were in the middle of bumfuck nowhere, and there weren't a whole lot of places to run, and hide. Grabbing the brass handle of the Inn, I entered the hotel, taking in the dimly lit lobby. Chairs lined one wall near the full windows, a bowl of fruit sitting on a countertop a few feet away, and the front desk was across the burgundy carpet. I squared my shoulders with authority when a muscular wall stepped out from the back room. He tossed a handful of dreads over his shoulder, his deviant golden gaze sharpening as he studied me.

From Alpha to Alpha, we recognized the power within each other, and there was a challenge evident on his face. His ebony brows lifted expectantly. "Can I help you, bro?"

I met the ferocity apparent in his eyes with my own, keeping my features hard and firm as I approached the desk. "There was a girl with long dark hair, delicate features, and a slender build. Did she come this way?"

Recognition entered his gaze, and I could tell he was reflecting on his exchange with my little thief. He didn't bulk, however, his pointed chin lifting and his lips going thin. "Who's asking?"

That's the only answer I needed. If he hadn't seen her, he would've just said so. Pleased, that I had chosen the right location, I dug into my back pocket and pulled the leather wallet out. Digging into the back I slapped a hundred-dollar bill on the smooth surface. "Benjamin."

He didn't even glance at the bill. "Try again, partner."

"Hardball, huh?" My entire body went rigid. I wasn't used to negotiating with random people for information, and twice tonight I'd been schemed into paying an increased price. I squared my shoulders, and my nostrils flared as I clenched my teeth. I wanted to grab this guy by his shirt and wring his thick fucking neck to acquire the intel I wanted. Instead, I smothered the impulse to yank him over the counter.

"Is there any other kind?" His lip curled showing even white teeth, the bar in his tongue catching between his teeth. "How many brothers are up in that wallet?"

"Two." He was beginning to wear on my patience. I could easily put this game to rest, and put my partner here in a ditch. "What do you know now?"

"Not a lot more than I did a second ago. Gotta do better than three bills."

I heard the door open behind me and knew Emmett was there. Brother's intuition and all that. Having an advantage flanking me, the golden gaze darted behind me, taking in Emmett's size I saw the clerk falter. "How are you feeling about that information now?"

His attention flickered back to me, his stance going rigid. "You and your brother don't intimidate me. I can tell by your accent you are from Chi-Town, and judging by your authoritative air, you're pretty important–which means you have more to offer than a few bills. How important is this information to you?" His wide nostrils flared, and his bicep flexed in an obvious display of intimidation. His gaze ran across my bruised knuckles, clicking the piercing against his teeth. "We ain't in Chi-Town out here. You're in my playground."

I was done playing games with this cat. I glanced up at the video cameras lining the back wall. If I physically handled this situation, I would be inviting the law into my backyard, however, so I decided to play it safe. While it irritated me beyond all reason, I thumbed through the remaining bills. "How're ten dead presidents?"

He gave a short nod. "Better than three." Swiping the bills from the counter I laid out, he slipped them into his pocket. "The girl you're looking for came in and got a room. Should be upstairs now." His gaze wandered to Emmett, studying him intently. "Said she was his sister."

Taken aback by his answer, I cast a look at Emmett. "Come again."

The clerk sifted through a stack of papers and withdrew a receipt with all the information I was after. When he set it before me I was surprised to find Emmett's ID copied on the sheet. "Didn't you lose your driver's license a while back?" That was the only logical reason for Bella to have obtained his ID. My brother wasn't in the habit of fucking hookers so the likelihood of her snagging his information any other way was not logical. "Seems our little bee has been very busy."

"What the fuck?" Emmett asked, leaning over my shoulder and scanning the receipt, scratching his head with disbelief. "How the hell?"

She was in room thirty-five. I glanced back to the clerk, tapping the counter impatiently. This game had already gone on long enough, and I was ready to get the ball rolling back in my direction. "Anyone in thirty-six?"

"Nope."

I had three different identities. Being who I am, I couldn't risk using my real name in random cases. Withdrawing Adam Cray's ID, and credit card, I paid for the room adjacent to Bella's. Considering the conniving witch had used Em's identification left me in a vulnerable position. Pulling the receipt from the countertop, I handed the paper to Em, waiting until he tucked it into his pocket. "Sorry, bro, but I can't leave that." Giving him a pointed look, I gestured toward the cameras overhead. "I was never here if you get my drift."

"No problem. I will erase the cams." He was already tapping into the surveillance footage. With a few presses of a button, the videos were deleted. "I will delete the last bit when you walk out of the lobby."

"Excellent," I stated, turning toward the elevators with Emmett in tow.

Quickly, Emmett and I located our room, and after staring at her door long and hard, I slipped inside. I was thoroughly exhausted, ready to collapse at any given moment. Emmett clapped me on the shoulder, aiming me toward the bed. "Get some Zs. I'll wake you up when she shows her face."

As soon as I dropped on the mattress, everything went black, reality fading away, and for a few short moments, I had peace. I felt like I'd barely closed my eyes when a hand on my shoulder shook me awake. I rubbed vigorously at my eyelids trying to wipe the sandpaper from them. "She just went to the vending machines."

Instantly alert, I hopped to my feet. I had been so tired I'd passed out with my sneakers on. Looking pointedly at Emmett, I said, "Stay close but hang back in the hall. I wanna deal with this on my own."

Ignoring, Emmett's confused look, I quietly moved toward the door, looking through the peephole until the woman came into view. I could kiss the maintenance in this building for doing regular service to the hinges on the door, turning the knob I silently slipped into the hallway. The second that light popped to green and I heard the lock click, I rushed up behind her and clamped my hand over her mouth. "You have something that belongs to me."

She didn't miss a beat, the ball of her foot slamming onto the top of mine, while a sharp elbow jabbed me in the ribs. I was taken by surprise by the ferocity of her moves. My breath rushed from my lungs as unexpected pain ricocheted throughout my ribs. I ground my fingers into her mouth, refusing to relinquish my hold on her, and propelled her into the room as the door swung open.

Kicking it shut behind me, I held tight, cursing beneath my breath. "You're a little fucking hellcat. I don't want to hurt you, but if you do that shit again–."

She didn't bother to heed my warning, biting into the fingers clamped over her mouth. The second my grip faltered, she ripped out of my arms, yanking a knife from her waistband. The bathroom light gleamed from the blade. Her top lip curled with a snarl. "Don't touch me. I will cut your fingers off without blinking."

There was just enough fear in her eyes that had me calling her bluff, I closed the distance between us. Defensively, she held the blade up, and judging by the tremble of her hand, she'd never cut anyone. "I'm not scared of you, princess. I'm willing to bet you've never hurt a flea."

"J-just take your money and go," she stated, her head lifting at a stubborn angle. She resembled a cornered bobcat. Wild, fierce, and ready to protect herself at all costs. Her breasts rose and fell rapidly as she attempted to catch her breath. "I'm sorry. I didn't know who the money belonged to when I took it."

Undeterred, I kept walking until her back was against the wall. She had two options. She could release the weapon or use it, and the question in my mind was, which would she choose? A strange sense of pride filled me when she didn't back down, pressing the blade against my pec. I stared in her in the eye, still moving forward, feeling the blade cut past my T-shirt, and a warm trickle of blood seeped from the fresh wound. "You're a brave, little thief, one that kind of reminds me of a kitten with an attitude."

Her pointed chin quivered, fear evident in her widened eyes, swallowing tightly as she watched the blood spread through the fabric of my shirt. Her complexion went through various shades of green before turning ashen. "I don't want to hurt anyone. J-just take your money."

With her gaze diverted, this was my chance to regain control of the situation. Without hesitation, I grabbed her thin wrist with the intent of shaking the knife from her grasp, but a flurry of action had us wrestling for power.

I grew weary of the tussle and locking my arm around her trim waist, I backflipped her on the bed, landing squarely on top of her. Growling, I bared my teeth as I straddled her hips, sitting back on her thighs to hold her in place. Prying the knife from her fingers, I threw it across the room and pinned her arms to the comforter. "If you even dare to make a sound to cause alarm, I will knock you the fuck out. Do you get me?"

She attempted to buck my weight off, yanking desperately against my grasp. Her nose wrinkled, and a hiss filled the silent room. "I don't understand why you don't take your money and leave. I don't have anything else to give you."

"You stole my money. You robbed my guy. You're a dangerous little cunt. You have more balls than most men I know." I inhaled a lungful of air, studying her closely. Panic flashed in her eyes, her expression going blank, and she bucked against me once more. My tigress altered between squeezing her eyes shut as if she was trying to rid herself of an unpleasant memory. What was she attempting to forget? How many times had her plan gone to shit and she found herself at the mercy of one of her targets? Shaking the questions out of my head, I forced myself to focus on the matter at hand. "Why the fuck should I let you walk away from everything you've done?"

She looked infuriated, snarling back, and I knew she'd rip my throat out if given a chance. My hold on her wrists tightened. "Go to hell. Your man was a perverted asshole who tried to buy sex. He got everything he deserved …"

"And you happened to snag something that didn't belong to him," I adjusted my position on her legs, my ass grinding into her thighs, reminding her of where she was. "Now, you owe me." Another flash of fear entered her eyes, brightening her pupils. "How much of my money did you spend out of that bag? Did you even think of your friend? Alice, I believe, her name is. Did you think of the danger you left in her when you ran away like a mouse?"

Regret replaced the fury on her face. In such a vulnerable state, she was very attractive, her cheekbones prominent beneath ivory skin, her lips drawn in a frown. For the first time, tears filled her eyes, and a tug of emotion gripped my chest. She was more worried about her friend's safety than her own, and that spoke volumes about her character. "I didn't want to. Please, tell me she is okay. You didn't hurt her, right?"

I didn't reply, easing some of my weight from her legs. Casting a look toward the door, I urged her to do the same. "My brother is on the other side of that door. He's the Mack truck from the front of the bus. If you even think of running there's nowhere to go. If you scream–you know what will happen. Do I need to repeat myself?"

Her eyes didn't leave the door, and a tear trickled from the corner, dripping onto the teal comforter. Her response was barely audible when she whispered, "No."

I released her arms and climbed to my feet. Grabbing the chair tucked neatly under the table I whirled it around, placing it between the door and bed. Breathlessly, I dropped onto the cushion, watching her intently. Ever-so-slowly, she pushed herself into a sitting position, warily her attention passed between me and the door. Even while her chances were obsolete, she was still looking for an escape, and that was admirable. "How much of my money did you spend on your quest to ditch me?"

She appeared deep in thought as she considered my question. Shrugging, she shivered, mumbling, "Probably close to six hundred. I don't know how much, I wasn't keeping a tally."

"Then it seems to me you owe me some money." Appearing bored, I propped my arms on the chair. "How do you propose to pay me back?"

"I-I don't have anything." She was lost. I could see the vulnerability written all over her face. Alarm entered her eyes as she traced my features. "What could I possibly have to repay you?"

I knew she wasn't a hooker. I watched on the surveillance cam while she drugged Mike. She'd lured him out to his car, and robbed him blind. I knew deep in my gut everything about the little thief was a facade, but I was interested to see how far she'd carry her cover. I swept her length with an intense look, lingering briefly on her breasts before traveling down her long fucking legs. "You have plenty to offer."

Her head was already shaking in the negative, guessing what was coming next. "I-I …"

Tapping my finger against my lip, I wasn't quite done watching her squirm. I gestured toward her clothes. "Strip."

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