An icy shiver runs the length of my spine. Petrified with fear, I want to scream, but the golf ball sized lump in my throat is barely letting me breathe, let alone talk.
“Ryker,” Hunter warns, reminding me he is here too.
With my face pressed against Ryker’s chest, I can feel the deep chuckles at his friend’s warning. He pulls away. Before he releases me completely, he bends and places a chaste kiss on my cheek.
“Thanks, Annie.” He smiles and steps away from me. My knees are so weak; I have to slump against the car for support.
Out of the corner of my eyes, I watch both men climb into the backseat like nothing happened. I take a moment to catch my breath and regain my composure. When I’ve re-grown the bones in my legs, I stand up straight and shut the door.
Just as I get into the passenger seat, Jeff exits the building, hands full of small packs of chips, cookies, and sodas from the vending machine.
As he slides into the driver’s seat, he shakes his head. “I was joking, Annie. I would have helped you get the inmates in the car. Fuck, you got bigger balls than I do, rookie.”
I want to shove the bag of Doritos down his asshole throat.
“Put your gun in the glove box.” Jeff points in front of me, urging me to do as he says, when I hesitate. “Do it. Don’t want them grabbing it from behind you.”
Grinding my teeth together, I take my gun from its holster and place it in the glove compartment. After buckling up, I move my seat to the front until my knees are an inch from the dash.
“Trying to get away from me?” Hunter’s gravelly voice fills the car, sending a wave of goosebumps across my skin.
“Shut up, inmate Lewis, before I taser your ass,” Jeff snaps, turning the key in the ignition.
The engine roars to life, but I feel like my heart is beating so loud everyone can hear it. As always when I’m nervous, I fiddle with my bracelet, running the pad of my thumb over the delicate butterfly charm. It’s become a subconscious habit that calms me. We pull out of the parking lot and head toward the outer gate. One of the guards waves us through and opens the heavy metal gate without questions. I’d hoped he would see the inmates in an unauthorized car and stop us, but apparently, I’m the only one who works here that actually gives a shit.