But Grayson’s jealousy confuses me, because he’s been so incommunicative ever since last night. Not that I’ve rushed to talk about things either, but I think that I’ve been cordial. It’s strange that this morning and around Matt…well, I’m half-expecting Grayson to pee on me, so he can mark his territory.

I guess Grayson and I do need to talk about what happened between us. I’m worried about what last night was for him.…What if he was just chasing the unobtainable? Maybe I was something forbidden to him. Something he couldn’t have. Now he’s had that something—me—maybe the thrill has worn off and he’s just not interested anymore.

Maybe the jealousy thing with Matt is more about male pride than anything else.

I guess the only way I’ll know is if I talk to Grayson about it. Have a proper conversation with him. And I will talk to Grayson, once we’ve got Tyler settled at the safe house.

“Thank you for all of your help, Matt,” I say, offering a smile and also my hand. Even though shaking Matt’s hand seems too formal after everything he’s done, I don’t think hugging him would be the best idea with Grayson standing right beside me like some sort of animalistic predator. Who knows what he would do.

Matt stares down at my hand in his. A chuckle escapes him as he shakes his head. “Anytime, Mel. I told you earlier: You need help, you call me first.”

“I know. Thanks again.”

Matt is still holding my hand, even though he’s stopped shaking it.

Grayson clears his throat. I take that as my cue to move. I ease my hand from Matt’s, giving him one last smile of thanks before I leave. I walk through the door that Tyler is holding open. Grayson is on my heel, his hand possessively on my lower back.

His touch surprises me. It’s the first time he’s touched me since last night. The skin that his hand presses against feels like it’s on fire. Even though there are layers of clothing between his hand and my back, I can still feel the heat of his fingertips.

I lift my eyes to him. The look in his face is heated with anger and lust. The combination is one hell of a sight, and my needs flare to life. My need for him.

I break eye contact so I can breathe. This isn’t a moment we need to be having now. But it’s one we need to have soon, if my libido has any say.

We’ve just hit the sidewalk when suddenly I hear the screech of tires. I look up and see a car moving down the street toward us. Panic stiffens my spine.

The car is a black Escalade with full blacked-out windows and no license plate. I feel completely paralyzed as I watch it. Those windows lower, almost as if in slow motion. I see the guns poke out from behind them.

Matt yells something.

Tyler turns and yells, “Get down!” His words hit my ears, but it sounds like I’m hearing them underwater.