Dirty Sexy Alphas (Twenty Book Box Set) - Hannah Ford Page 0,367

away from him. I didn’t get very far. But I was working at your building, cleaning the offices to make enough money to go further away, then find a new place and keep doing the same thing until...”

The truth was, I hadn’t really thought to question just how far away from Jacob would be far enough, or how I could ever truly feel safe. No matter how many miles I put between us, I’d always have to look over my shoulder.

I knew that now.

“You don’t have to run anymore and you don’t have to worry about him.” Madden’s knuckles tightened and turned white around the steering wheel. “I’ll make damn sure of that.”

“He’s a cop. He has ways…”

“No. Skylar, you don’t have to worry. I’m going to take care of it.” Steely determination hardened his jaw and when he glanced over at me, there was fierceness in his eyes I couldn't deny. I’d only know Madden a couple of days, but I knew that when he said something, he meant it.

Madden wanted to give me my life back. I reached over and laid my hand on his thigh. The muscles under my fingers went taut.

“Thank you for being here. For doing what you did tonight. Nobody’s ever done something like that for me.”

He pressed down on the accelerator and the car shot forward. This time of night there was little traffic.

“Where are we going?” I asked, feeling my body slowly starting to relax as the adrenaline wore off.

“Somewhere safe,” he replied, simply.

It turned out somewhere safe was a fancy five-star hotel that wasn’t far away.

He pulled up to the front and jumped out, tossing the valet his keys. Then he opened my door and scooped me out before I could stand up.

I didn’t question how he already had a room at this place. Madden Cross likely had homes, apartments and hotel rooms all across the country that he could use at a moment’s notice.

“I can walk,” I protested.

“Maybe. But you could be hurt and so I’m going to carry you.” He strode inside and I tried to ignore the curious glances being thrown our way.

The truth was, part of me liked how it felt to be held this way, despite the embarrassment.

“Send up a doctor,” he barked at the concierge before stepping into the elevator.

“I don’t need a doctor. A drink of water maybe, but I’m fine. And you can put me down now.” I lifted my head away from his shoulder and found myself only inches from his face. Despite my protests, I tightened my grip on his neck.

His eyes darkened and he tilted his head, bringing his lips closer. “It would make me feel better to have an expert weigh in on whether or not you’re okay. For my own peace of mind.”

Hot breath washed over my lips and an ache started in my lower stomach. It would only take a fraction of an inch more to press my lips to his. Anticipation made my skin tingle. Awareness rushed through my veins like fire.

I tugged at the back of his hair and a low growl came from his throat. His eyes flashed. “You’re playing with fire.”

Hardness dug into my hip and I tilted my head so that I could brush my lips over his throat. His fingers dug into my waist. I shifted, settled firmer against his straining cock.

“Skylar.” The warning was clear in his voice, but it only excited me more. I wanted him. I needed him--right now more than ever.

The elevator dinged softly and opened. He carried me to our room and only when we were inside did he finally set me down. His gaze moved over my face as if he were looking for something.

My breath was shallow and he tilted my chin up. He scowled and swore and took my hand, leading me into the living room. Once he had me seated, he kneeled between my legs and again tilted my head from side to side.

“Your neck is bruised. I can see where that bastard had his fingers around your throat. I should have killed him.” His touch was gentle, completely opposite of the storm raging in his eyes.

And I knew from the way he said it, from the look on his face and the way he’d fought in that motel room that Madden wasn’t making an idle threat.

For the first time ever, a small part of me was actually worried for Jacob. As much as I hated and feared him, I didn’t want