Ruthless Kings - Laura Lee Page 0,91

sad is it that I hope Peyton comes out of that room and scares this guy away? I doubt that's going to happen though because there's a real possibility she just set me up.

“Oh, Jasmine, you don’t get to run the show here.” I stiffen when he says my name. “Yeah, that’s right; I know exactly who you are. Where you live. I’ve been watching you. Waiting. Your boyfriend just gave me the perfect opportunity by starting that fight. Maybe I should send him your panties as a thank you after I rip them off your body.”

I whimper.

He wraps his fist around my hair and pulls so hard my eyes water. "What do you say we take advantage of one of these bedrooms? I’m sure I can find something to tie you up with. I’d have to blindfold you, too, but I’m sure you understand why.”

The guy curses when someone downstairs yells, “Cops! Everybody get the fuck out!”

Oh, thank God.

Out of my peripheral, I see a meaty fist coming at the side of my head, but I can’t do anything to stop it. The last thing I hear before I blackout is, “This isn’t over, bitch.”

“JAZZ! WAKE THE FUCK up!”

Someone rolls me over. My eyes flutter open, and I gasp for air, trying to slap their hands away. I scramble to break free, but I can't. A low cry hits my ears, and I realize it's coming from me.

Firm hands grab my shoulders and shake. “Jazz! It’s me. Calm down.”

I still at the sound of Kingston's voice. I blink a few times, waiting for my eyes to focus. Kingston is hovering above me, alarm evident in his forest-green eyes. Bentley is standing behind him, wearing a similar expression.

“Oh, thank fuck.” Kingston presses his forehead against mine, making me wince. When he pulls back, he gently brushes his fingers over the raw skin right below my hairline. His eyes narrow as he says, “What the hell happened here, Peyton?”

I blink a few more times and find Peyton leaning against the wall, arms crossed over her chest.

“How should I know? I already told you, I didn’t see anything. One minute, this psycho was chasing me up the stairs, and in the next, she was out cold.”

Psycho?! Hi, Pot, lovely to meet you. I'm Kettle, your less snotty counterpart.

I chuckle, amused my sarcasm is still going strong, even with another head injury. Kingston’s concerned eyes flicker back to me, likely wondering what’s so entertaining. Or maybe he thinks I’m a lunatic. I’d say the odds are fifty-fifty. That thought makes me snort-laugh.

"Jazz, what happened?" Kingston asks cautiously. I just now notice bruises are blooming on his cheek and around his left eye.

I moan as I try sitting up. Kingston helps me into a seated position, propping me against the wall.

"I was jumped from behind... the same guy from the woods. Got hit in the head." I reach behind me and rub the sore spot.

Kingston releases a sharp exhale when he copies the motion and feels the big lump. "Jesus, fuck. Bent, will you go raid the freezer? Get me an ice pack, or some peas. Whatever."

“Well, this has been fun and all, but I’m leaving.” Peyton waves her hand in my direction. “Have fun with that.”

“I’m not done with you, Peyton,” Kingston warns. “We’ll be having words as soon as I’m sure Jazz is okay.”

She flips her bleached blonde hair over her shoulder. “Whatever. You can talk all you want, Kingston. It’s not going to change the fact that I don’t know anything.”

I wait until Peyton leaves before speaking. “He knew my name. Said he knows where I live. He’s been watching me. He saw the video...made a pervy comment about it.”

Kingston’s jaw clenches. “Motherfucker.”

“Shit,” Bentley says at the same time.

“Yeah.” I start to nod but wince when it makes the pain worse. Jesus, I have the mother of all headaches.

“I’m gonna go get that ice.” Bentley takes off, presumably to the kitchen.

I sit there in a bit of a daze until Bentley returns a few moments later with a bag of frozen vegetables and a paramedic.

When I give him a questioning look, he says, “Figured it wouldn’t hurt to have him take a look. Some girl called ‘em after her boyfriend’s nose got broken.”

“Awesome.” I sigh.

Kingston shrugs. “At least the place cleared out quickly when people heard the siren. Made it easier to find you.”

The man kneels in front of me. “Hey. Jasmine, is it? I’m Dan. I understand you have a