Page 39 of Never and Always
“Piper, no,” Tessa said.
“I just remembered some work I need to get finished before the morning.” I scooped up my coat and bag. “I’ll see you all on Monday. Thanks for the cocktails.” I pulled my phone out.
Everett stepped my way. “You aren’t walking back to the hotel.”
I brandished my phone. “Calling an Uber, Murray. Night.”
The cold air hit me like an Arctic blast. I needed to put my coat on, but ordering my ride was first priority. I didn’t have the bandwidth to deal with Everett tonight.
I managed to order my ride but was barely four steps down Tessa’s walkway when Allie caught me.
“Stay, Piper. You need another drink.”
“I…just need to get home.” Over Allie’s shoulder, I saw Tessa on the front porch, concern on her face. “I’m fine. I promise.”
“I think you’re dealing with too much and need to lean a little,” Allie said. “Trust me, trying to do everything yourself catches up with you eventually.”
“I’m fine.”
A car pulled up at the curb. Wow, that was fast. I guessed it was a quiet Friday night in Windward. The front door of the house opened and Everett stepped outside.
“Right, I’m out of here.” I strode toward the car.
“Piper—” Allie was right behind me,
Suddenly, the passenger and back door of the car were flung open and two men leaped out. The taller one grabbed me, while the shorter one with long, scraggly hair grabbed Allie.
“What the fuck?” Allie yelled.
“Let me go!” My bag and coat fell to the slushy sidewalk. The man lifted me off my feet and tried to shove me in the back of the car.
“You’re coming with us,” he growled.
“No!” I kicked as hard as I could. I could see Allie doing the same.
“Your brother owes the boss a lot of money, bitch.” His hot breath was on my ear. “You’re gonna help him pay up the hundred grand.”
My stomach dropped.A hundred thousand dollars?
Then suddenly, I was ripped free of the guy. He turned, only for Everett’s fist to land in his face.
In my periphery, I saw Allie yanked away from her captor, and a furious Caden was there, pounding on the other man.
I stumbled back and Allie grabbed me.
Chapter 13
Everett
Irammed another punch into the asshole’s face.
An asshole who’d just tried to abduct Piper.
Not fucking happening.
My next punch hit him in the gut. He grunted.
Next to me, I noted Caden slamming unforgiving blows into the man who’d tried to grab Allie.
