He made a specific room request, handed over a few Benjamins, and watched for incoming assaults.

“Sir, your receipt and room key. Are you sure you want a backside room? There’s a karaoke bar back there. It’s loud, and the drunks are nasty. Nothing will slow down ‘til after five in the morning.”

Winters grunted his lack of concern. It was time to loiter and keep a visual on the incoming traffic. The only flaw in this plan was the proximity to a private room and bed. But that wasn’t why they were there. He should repeat that mantra until the tangos arrived.

The clerk directed them out the reception area. “King-size bed. Non-smoking. Your room is back out the front and around the side. Just follow the music from the bar.”

King-size bed. His dick went semi-hard, and he stifled a groan. Stop thinking about her naked. It wasn’t the time.

Winters nodded his appreciation to the clerk and leaned close to Mia’s ear. His mouth brushed her lobe. It took more strength than he expected to keep from nipping her earlobe. “Come on, doll. Let’s draw ‘em out.”

CHAPTER NINE

Winters’s plan wasn’t perfect, but it was a solid start. Mia padded barefoot with her hands clasped tight in his grip. The soft slap against the tile floor took him away from the dirty reception area. The sound was pure, echoing against the seedy undertones of the motel. It was a complete contradiction, just like her genuine presence in his less than stable life.

They walked outside to a starless night. The faraway sounds of cars were almost drowned out by the thump of tunes pouring from the nearby bar. Winters made a beeline for their car and idled them to the darkest corner of the motel.

“You ready?” he asked. Man, did he not want to put her in this position.

“Not much choice.”

“True. Let’s get this shit over with.” He opened the door, and she did the same.

He scoped out their locale. Shadows noted. Vehicles cataloged. Nothing out of place. She stood by the hood ornament, bending it down and letting it bounce back up. She was nervous. He couldn’t blame her. This was an offensive attack. Her first with him. Probably her first ever.

“Mia, you ready?”

“You already asked me that.” Her voice was tense. He wished he could wash it away.

“This is going down easy. I don’t want you to worry. You got me?”

She put her hand on his belt buckle. “Yeah, got you.”

That wasn’t what he meant it, nor how she probably meant it, but it was fine by him. Hold on to me anytime. “Let’s move boots, babe.”

Winters brought them to a vacant corner of the motel and drew her in front of him. He pressed against the brick wall, pulling her close to his chest and could see all entry points here. The driveway. Front and rear entrances of the bar.

She laid her weight against him and let out a long, tired breath. Nothing left to do except wait. And breathe in her vanilla and butterscotch. Their enemy could roll up anytime, and he’d fight fast and furious, but right now, he needed this. Mia leaned against his hooked arm and looked up, tilting her chin.