Page 10 of Twisted Steel
Crimson smiles like he thinks restraint is weakness.“You got something to say, enforcer?”
“Yeah.”I hold his gaze.“Talk about bringing her in like a fucking problem again, and I’ll make you one.”
The room goes silent, and Savage doesn’t correct me.That says more than words.
Crimson’s smile disappears, and Savage leans forward, palms flat on the table.“Harper Quinn stays untouched.She’ll be watched from a distance, and protected if needed.But nobody fucking approaches unless Steel clears it.”
Saint’s gaze flicks to mine.
Crimson laughs once.“Since when does Steel clear civilian contact?”
“Since I said it,” Savage replies.
No one argues after that.They aren’t stupid.Mostly.
The meeting moves on.Routes.Retaliation.Names.Pressure points.I hear all of it.File it.Measure it.But part of me stays in that ambulance bay with Harper’s chin lifted, blood on her vest, and her mouth sharp enough to draw its own kind of wound.
I have known pretty women.I have fucked pretty women.I have had soft hands on my skin, red nails down my back, mouths begging for more because they liked the danger as long as it stayed fantasy.
Harper didn’t look at me like a fantasy.She looked at me like a disease she refused to catch.That should make this easier.It doesn’t.
****
Ifind Milo Carverat 3:00 in the morning outside a gas station two blocks from Station Eight.Not because I’m stalking him, but because I am collecting information.There’s a difference ...probably.
He is buying terrible coffee and a protein bar when he spots me near the ice machine.His whole body goes stiff.
Smart man.
I keep my hands visible as I approach him.“I’m not here to hurt you,” I say.
He stares.“That’s exactly what someone here to hurt me would say.”
That’s fair.“I need to know if anyone followed you from County.”
His face changes.Fear first, then understanding.“Is Harper in danger?”
I like him better for asking that before he asks about himself.“Yes,” I say.
He swallows.“Because of your club?”
“Because someone wanted medics at that shooting.”
His coffee trembles in his hand, and he suddenly looks younger.Not weak.Just human.“Jesus.”
“Did anyone follow you?”I ask again.
“I don’t think so.”
“Think harder,” I bark out.
His eyes flash.“I’m a paramedic, not one of your guys.”
“I know.”I take a step back and give him some space.
“And Harper would skin me alive if she knew I was talking to you.”
“Probably.”
