Chapter 21 · She Cuts Him Open

"Nice building." Rourke didn't bother knocking. He held the folder up like a badge, my clinic's own letterhead printed across the front. "Shame if it burned before you finished paying it off."

Cassian's arm came across my chest before I even registered him moving. "Get inside, Sloane."

"No." I pushed his arm down. "It's my name on that folder. I'll hear what he wants."

Rourke smiled like that was cute. "Ethan sends his regards. Says you should come talk to him. Alone. Bring the paperwork on the warehouses."

"Tell Ethan," Cassian said, voice flat as a blade, "he can make an appointment."

"Wasn't a request."

Two more men climbed out of the second SUV. One had a hand already inside his jacket. I felt the air change before I understood why — that low hum under my skin that meant Cassian's wolf was right at the surface, one word from breaking through.

"Sloane, inside. Now."

"I'm not hiding behind you in front of my own door."

"You're not dying behind me either.