Chapter 4

CHAPTER FOUR

KENZIE

I peek at the gorgeous guy escorting me out of this wasteland. I don't know why all the unanswered questions—like what he's doing here, and why he's dressed for Halloween if he's in L.A. on special assignment—don't bother me. Normally, I'm suspicious about people. Too many of them lie, even those in dire need of medical care in the emergency room when we're trying to save their lives.

Initially, he scared me shitless, but that feeling disappeared quickly, like I've known him all my life. And flirting with him… That is so not me.

"Listen, Kobrik, would you like to go to the party with me? You might even win the prize."

"Prize?"

"Josh gives a prize for the best costume. His way of incentivizing his guests to knock themselves out with killer costumes. He's one of those people who needs to have the best of everything. Women, clothing, parties."

"What is the prize?"

"Last year, it was a bottle of wine."

"You like wine?"

"Never had it. Too few bottles survived the war, which is why I'd sell it on the black market if I ever won a bottle. Josh will have homemade beer to drink. I'm sure you'll like the selection."

"I don't consume alcohol. It dulls the senses."

"You can still come and have a good time. Maybe carry me home when I get tipsy." I lean into him because apparently I'm a total flirt when it comes to big, muscular guys.

He strokes my arm. "I will happily carry you home. Drunk or not." Without warning, he scoops me into his arms with no effort at all.

"I didn't mean now!" I protest, mostly because I'm self-conscious about my weight. Despite my squirming, his hold on me remains solid, like the chest muscles I'm pushing against. "Put me down before you strain yourself."

"Relax, female. You fit in my arms perfectly."

I do, so I stop fighting him and relax against him and let my fingers caress those huge muscles. Never has there ever been a better mode of transportation. "A girl could get used to this," I say as I lean my head against his shoulder.

"As could a male."

"Then you'll come for me?" What the fuck am I saying? " With me! You'll come with me to the party!" I add quickly. This is why I shouldn't leave my apartment. Meet a handsome guy and five minutes later I'm putting my foot in my mouth.

"I must return to work," he says nonchalantly. He must have missed my slip of the tongue.

I know where I'd like my tongue to slip. OMG, what is wrong with me?

He ducks under a series of beams leaning at a forty-five-degree angle through a narrow strip of fencing, making sure he protects my head as he bends.

"Seriously, Kobrik. You don't have to carry me."

"True."

He doesn't put me down. I slide my arms around his neck and settle in for the ride.

"Are you sure you don't want to go to the party with me?"

"I must complete my task. I will take you to your home, where you will be safe."

"I'm expected at the party."

"You would attend alone? Without a male to protect you? This world is dangerous for a lone female."

"There will be plenty of people there."

He falls silent, fast. Like some of my patients who clam up when I ask a sensitive question.

"Go ahead, Kobrik. Say whatever it is. Friends shouldn't keep secrets."

He sets me on my feet and drags a finger down the left side of my face. So gentle, so light, leaving my skin tingling.

"I'm drawn to you, Kenzie."

My lady parts wake up when he says my name in that deep voice. That should frighten me. Instead, my heart speeds up.

I don't hook up on the first date. Or even the fourth. I don't know this guy, but I want to.

"And I wish to take you home."

"Are you planning on coming in?"

He stands tall and straight. Damn, he's handsome, and cute, even if he's shy about saying what he's thinking.

About what we're both thinking.

"No," he says, to my disappointment.

It's for the best. I don't sleep with a guy until I'm further into the relationship. Much further, if even then.

"But I wish to know where you live," he adds. "So I can spend more time with you."