Claim - Page 41

“Hey! Let her go!” I roared.

The man’s head jerked up. I got a glimpse of a pale face and a nasty grin, but then I realized his face was covered in some sort of weird clown mask.

He grabbed Bell and shoved her to the ground, then he turned and ran.

My hands curled into fists. I wanted to chase him.

The man darted across the street, dodging the cars. Several slammed on their brakes, tires screeching and horns honking.

Then he was out of sight.

Bell.

I focused on her, dropping to kneel beside her. “Bell. Fuck.”

“I… I’m all right.” She sat up. She had a small scrape on her face, as well as her palms.

“Was that the fucker?” I asked.

She swallowed. “I’m not sure. He was wearing a mask, and he didn’t say anything.”

This had to be related.

I helped her up and scanned the street. “Come on.” I wanted her safe inside Hard Burn.

She took a few steps, wobbly as a fighter who’d just been sucker punched.

I scooped her into my arms.

“Beau—”

“Quiet.”

Gio was holding the front door open for us, a fierce frown on his face. “You okay, girly?”

“She will be.”

I carried her straight into my office, and kicked the door shut behind us.

“It’s time you tell me who he is.”

Big, blue eyes met mine. So much pain.

“I need to know so I can protect you,” I told her.

“I can protect myself.”

“By running?” I sat on the couch in the corner of my office, settling Bell on my lap. “You even think about running, Iwillfind you. That isnotan option.”

I hated the thought of her disappearing and me being unable to find her.

“Beau…” She started shaking.

I smoothed her tangled hair back. “You’re safe now.”

“We both know I’m not. I can’t believe he found me. Again.” Despair in her voice.

I wondered just how many times this guy had found her, scared her.