“I haven’t heard that one before, love.”
“You—” She comes to a stop. “Wait. What? That’s the gas station.” She stops in front of the television. “They’re looking for me? Why are they doing that?” Her breathing increases, and she shakes her head. “Who would call in a tip like that?”
“You know who.”
“Were you going to tell me?”
“Why do you think I was trying to get you away from here to talk?”
She jerks away from me. “And say what?”
“Don’t.” I step forward, cupping her face.
“Don’t what?” she hisses, eyes wide.
“Alienate me when I’m the one firmly on your team.” I glance around, relaxing when I find amused expressions coming our way.
“Are you, Preacher? Can I trust you?” Her eyes glimmer, and tears roll down her face.
“With your life.”
“How can I believe that?” Her voice cracks, and breaks through the hard shell of my exterior.
I brush my lips over hers. “Because I care for you even when I shouldn’t.” I slide my nose along hers. “When I know you deserve a man who can give you a nice home and a normal life.”
“Normal is boring,” she whispers, her soft lips moving against mine.
“Let me take you away from here, and we’ll talk. Just us in a quiet place.” I press my lips against her, and they soften beneath mine.
Swaying against me, she yields, and I give in to my long-suppressed interests.