1
The moment I woke this morning, I had a bad feeling about this day. A sixth sense, a premonition, or whatever you want to call it. Somehow, I just knew.
“What do you mean we’re going to take your car?”
“I mean what I said. We’re taking my car. How hard is that to understand?” Jeff asks, as ifI’mthe dumb one.
“We can’t transport the inmates in a civilian car. That’s not safe and completely against regulation.”
“Look, Annie, you’re a rookie. I’ve been a cop since you were in pigtails,” he reminds me, like he does every chance he gets.
“It’s not safe,” I repeat, sneaking a glance at the two inmates standing only a few feet from us.
Their eyes remain glued to me, like they haven’t seen a woman in years. Maybe they haven’t, or at least not this close. They definitely haven’t been in a car with one, and if Jeff gets his way, there will be no separation between me and the inmates.
Cuffs secure their wrists to their belts, with more chains running to their ankles. And that’s the only thing stopping my freak-out.
“The AC is out in the transport van, and I’m not driving three hours in 100-degree weather. We’re taking my car and that’s the end of it. Get them in there. I’m grabbing snacks for the road.” He unlocks the sedan with his key fob and walks away from me.
“Are you serious?” I’m dumbfounded, watching him re-enter the correction facility. Protocol is not to leave me alone with them, ever.
“Come on,Annie. We won’t bite,” Ryker taunts. The smirk on his lips tells me that’s a lie.
“It’s Officer Williams,” I correct, unwilling to show the panic making my palms sweat.
Men like these thrive on fear.
Ryker Hall, thirty-one years old, black hair, brown eyes. He is without doubt more dangerous. Unpredictable, cruel, and a borderline psychopath according to his file.
Even though it’s not required of me, I read both of their files last night. Knowing what to expect is always better. Although, knowing he tortured two people to death is not helping me right now.
His partner in crime, Hunter Lewis, thirty years old, brown hair, green eyes, is not much better. At least not when it comes to the crimes he committed, but he seems to be the calmer one. His file said he was highly intelligent and can be reasoned with. Most important, he won’t attack without being provoked.
“Of course, Sugar.” Ryker winks, and gives me a smile that would wet other girl’s panties… if they didn’t know what he can do.
Sucking in a breath to calm my nerves, I walk over to the two men cuffed to the door. The closer I get, the smaller I feel. I’m five-four, weighing in at 130 lbs., while each of these men are over six feet and probably weigh twice as much as me. Even being in chains, they could easily knock me to the ground, hurt me at the very least.
Don’t show fear. You’re in charge here,I tell myself while gripping the key in my hand so tight it hurts.
Instead of looking at them, I keep my eyes on the chain attached to the door. It’s definitely a mistake, but if I look at their faces right now, I’m really going to freak.
Forcing my hand to stay steady, I unlock the padlock and free the chain from the door.
“Walk ahead of me to that car over there,” I order, giving them my most stern voice.
“Yes, ma’am,” Ryker sneers.
As they walk, I stay a good two feet behind, and follow them to Jeff’s car.
Ryker stops by the back door. “You gonna open it for me, Sugar? I’m a little tied up at the moment.”
I roll my eyes. Even with his hands cuffed to his side, he could bend and open the door with a bit of finesse. Since I’m proving to myself that I’m not scared of them, I lift my chin and walk up to the door.
For a second, I turn my back and reach for the handle to pull it open. Big mistake. When I scurry out of the way so they can get in, I only make it half a foot before Ryker strikes. He moves so damn fast; I have no time to react. Before I can lift my hands to protect myself, I’m pressed against the side of the car.
The total weight of Ryker’s body pushes me to the hot metal of the car. He buries his nose in the crook of my neck and inhales.
“You smell divine, Annie,” he savors my name like he can taste it on his tongue.