Chapter Thirty-four
Alia hadn’t had the experience of driving a muscle car before, especially not one that ran like a souped-up race car, purred with power and was as responsive as all hell.
She put the pedal to the metal and they swerved up the street, only for her to see a familiar face behind the wheel of a rental a little further down.
Libby!
In the rear-view, Alia saw the savvy broad pull out of her parking spot and cut off the following SUV. She chuckled and saw Sloan’s answering grin. “Someone you know?”
“Kind of. I think she’s my ex’s PI who’s been spying on me.”
“She must be the one who tailed you to my place.”
Alia eyeballed him through the mirror, her heart missing a few beats at his words. “Not sure I know what you mean.”
“I’ll tell you later. You maybe want to keep your eyes on the road.”
She grinned before returning her attention to the traffic. “It’s a sweet ride.”
“And I’d like to keep her that way… please.”
“Her?”
“She’s precious. My baby.”
“Seriously, dude. You need to get a life.”
“That’s what Les tells me all the time. But I like my life just fine, thank you. No inconveniences or responsibilities.”
“You mean like Les and Roy?”
“Besides them.” His chuckle sounded forced.
Deciding to leave that subject for another time, Alia switched focus. “How’s Sara?”
“She’s still out cold. The poor sweetheart took both bullets near each other, one in her arm and the other in her upper shoulder.”
“Not such a sweetheart. She shot Joey point blank.”
“I knew there was another gunshot. You can’t deny her provocation.”
“You’re sticking up for her?”
“No. Just understanding things from her point of view. We weren’t the ones staring up into those beady little eyes full of malicious intent. Look, she’s lost a lot of blood. Better get us to the hospital as soon as possible?”
“No can do. I’ll take her to Cassie. She’s a nurse, and they have a clinic that looks after these kinds of things.”
“You’re kidding me, right?”
“Not even for a minute. It’s the deal. Unless we have their permission or they’re mortally wounded.”
“A deal… With who?”
“Oh shit, they’re back. Hold on.”
Wrenched sideways, Sara, still unconscious, let out an involuntary squeal, which made Sloan react. “Alia, ditch these guys. We need to get her some medical attention now.”
“On it.”