Page 31 of The Innocent

Imogene jerked her eyes to him, and he caught the small tremble. She leaned closer, and he balled his fists trying to ignore the sweet scent of her perfume. This was the closest they’d ever been to one another. So close he could see a light sprinkling of freckles across her nose. Too fucking cute.

“You really think he’s a drug dealer?”

Yeah, she’s this fucking naïve.

He raised his brows. Imogene was a different breed. One he wasn’t familiar with. His family in the club and all their associates were deep into the life. No one was innocent or gullible. Not like her.

“Go home, Imogene.”

Her lips pulled down in a slight frown. She nodded, seemingly in a daze but giving no pushback on his command. “Yeah, that’s a good idea. I don’t want to get in any trouble.”

But she made no move to leave.

“Darlin’, you need me to walk you to your car?”

I’m gonna fucking kill you, Gent. When his brother moved forward, Jekyll matched his steps, sending Gent a seething glare. It was a warning.

“Oh no.” —She laughed, though it came off forced, and waved her hand— “I can get there myself.” She started past Jekyll, but abruptly stopped next to him and craned her neck, looking up.

Her gaze softened. “How’s Xander?”

Among all this chaos, she was asking about his cousin. Hyde had always been the friendlier of the two, but even in prison he was merely cordial with her.

“He’s alright.”

She smiled. “Will you tell him I said hi?”

Jekyll stared back without acknowledging her request. Fuck, I can’t believe she’s standing right in front of me.

She glanced over at his brothers. “It was nice meeting you all.” Then she turned back to him. “And it was so great seeing you again.” Her voice hitched and her cheeks pinkened.

Jekyll lowered his chin, and she ducked her head. Imogene looked both ways down the street then crossed. He expected her to walk down the driveway leading to the parking lot, but she veered toward the line.

I told you to go home.

“Mmmm” —Gent hummed— “I love a redhead.”

Jekyll slowly angled his head, scowling. Cue cleared his throat, gaining his attention. “Can we head out now? We’re already running late, Jek.”

He clenched his jaw, shifting his gaze across the street. She was talking with a guy in line. Her friend. When he pulled something out of his pocket and offered it to her, she stumbled back.

“We told her.” Gent laughed.

Fuck! Jekyll didn’t hesitate and stalked across the street. He bypassed the line and was a few feet away when he heard Imogene say, “No, I’m sorry, I’m really not feeling well. I have to go home.”

“Just come in real quick. I’ll buy you a drink.”

The second the man inched closer reaching for her arm, Jekyll lengthened his steps and came between her and him, grabbing the guy by the throat.

“What the fuck did she just say?”

His eyes widened, and he gasped for a breath. Jekyll squeezed his neck, leaned closer, and lowered his voice. “Do you know who I am?”

The guy shook his head.

“You’re gonna fucking find out if you ever come near her again.” Jekyll dug his fingers into his throat. “And trust me, you don’t want that.”

The other man nodded as his face turned a darker shade of red.