Reign A Romance Anthology - Nina Levine Page 0,290

I’m taking photos on Tori’s phone.”

“Christ,” I mutter.

The lights are fucking bright.

The only way to escape is to reverse the fuck out of here.

Brakes screech when the car pulls directly in front of mine, then a cloud of dust wafts over the car. I can vaguely make it out to be a black van. My spine tingles, and I panic knowing I’m in well over my head.

“I’m out of here,” I say to Rhett.

I smack the gears into reverse, but before my foot hits the pedal, the door of the van opens, and a body falls to the ground. The van reverses at high speed, leaving the back door open. The car spins around and speeds back toward the gates.

When the dust settles, the figure pushes up and uncurls.

“Shit.” I slam the car into park and push open my door. “They dumped her in front of me,” I tell Rhett. “I’m getting her now.”

With quick movements, I fly out the car, and the moment she realises it’s me, she falls into my arms.

“You came,” she whispers as though saying the words exhaust her.

I lift her into my arms. “I wouldn’t leave you, I had to help.”

Star buries her face into my chest and whimpers softly, “Thank you.”

Holding her in my arms, I carry Star to my car, balance her while I open her door, gently lower her to the passenger seat and close the door. Looking around, I assess if there are other men. I have no idea where the other fucker disappeared to, or if he has a gun pointed at me from beyond the trees.

It’s dark.

It’s too damn quiet.

I can’t be complacent.

“Ready, princess,” I ask as I ram the car into reverse, hit the brake again and the tyres screech when I make a one-eighty turn. Then I plant my foot and flick the headlights to high beam.

“Got her,” I say to Rhett. “I’ll call you from the airport.” Then I end Facetime.

“Where did you learn to drive like that?” she rasps.

I smile, then rest a hand on her thigh. “As a teen, I made some rules of my own. Being on a farm, I learned to drive years before it was legal.”

“I’m thankful you weren’t always a good boy.” Star covers my hand with hers. She leans back on the headrest and closes her eyes.

“We’re going straight to the airport,” I tell her.

“I can’t. I need some clothes,” she murmurs without opening her eyes.

“I’ll buy you some when we arrive.” I check my rear view mirror, half expecting the bastards to be on my tail.

“Your house,” she mumbles. “I left a couple of things at your place. Can I least get those?”

I contemplate the risk. There’s time before the next flight to Adelaide. “Fine. Rest up, and I’ll wake you when we’re there.”

Another hour passes before I veer the car into the driveway of Braxton’s house.

“Wait here,” I tell her then rush inside, being grateful to everyone visiting their family on Christmas Day. Rohan and Henry are both in Melbourne, and Brax’s family live on the other side of Brisbane.

Switching off the alarm, I rush into my bedroom. I open the bedside drawer on the side where Star sleeps and find some underwear, tops, and a skirt. It’s enough. I shove them into a bag, then head to the bathroom to a small pouch where she keeps her toiletries. I shove a toothbrush and moisturiser into the bag, jog down the stairs, reactivate the alarm and run to her.

“Got it.” I slam the driver’s door and pull out before merging into the traffic.

She has said nothing.

“You okay?” I glance over, but she’s asleep.

I should take her straight to the hospital. Only it will risk questions, and the pricks will be too close to her. She needs to be far away from here. Mum has contacts so someone can look over her when we arrive. I press the button to activate Bluetooth and call Rhett.

“Everything okay?”

“Yeah, man. We’re heading to the airport now. We’ll get in around two-thirty, so don’t wait up for us. Can you ask Mum to get Terry to come around tomorrow to check Star out?”

“Sure. Keep me updated. Let me know when you’re in the car.”

“Will do. And Rhett…”

“What?”

“Thanks. I owe you one.”

“Forget it. I’m glad it worked out. Call me when your flight lands in Adelaide.”

I end the call and take a deep sigh.

He’s right. This shitshow could have ended all kinds of different.

“Star,” I whisper and place my hand on her thigh.

Her