Take (Fury Brothers #4)

I slid the phone away, missing my friend. I made a mental note to give my mom a call, too. I moved to the register, and once I’d paid, I walked out of the store with my two loaded bags. As I headed down the sidewalk, I was grateful I’d found a rental house within walking distance to stores and cafés.

Glancing around, I spotted a man across the street with dark skin and black hair. My heart kicked in my chest.

It took me a second to realize that it wasn’t Reath.

I kept walking and looked up at the sky, annoyed at myself. I’d probably never see him again. I pulled a face. If I was being honest, a part of me didn’t like that.

The memory of that kiss was haunting me.

I shook my head and picked up my pace. Stop thinking about Reath Fury, Frankie.

What I needed was work. Later, I might duck back to my lab. It was all set up now, and I could get started on my work. Just the thought made me so excited.

If I could get to trial stages, it would be a huge accomplishment.

I still had a long way to go, and a lot of work to do, but the possibilities were endless. I knew I could help soldiers stay fit and healthy in the field—soldiers like Jack and Reath had been.

Jack told me that he’d once had a bad bout of food poisoning on deployment. He’d ended up in the hospital.

My ADAPT project could help eliminate that. Just the thought made me smile.

The man came out of nowhere.

He stepped directly in front of me, and I caught a glimpse of an ordinary guy—not tall or short, not big or small, regular face, brown hair.

He was scowling.

“Excuse me.” I sidestepped him.

He sidestepped as well and blocked my way again.

I felt a spurt of annoyance. I had food to cook—and potentially burn—and work to do. “You’re in my way.”

Suddenly, he reached out and clamped his hands on my biceps.

Shock punched through me, and I tried to jerk free.

His face hardened, and he yanked me forward.

One of my shopping bags slipped from my hand, and my carefully selected produce spilled all over the sidewalk. A red bell pepper rolled across the concrete.

“Let me go!”

“You’re coming with me.”

What the hell? He had an accent I couldn’t place. “I don’t think so.” I lifted my foot and stomped it down on his.

He made a small grunting sound, but he was wearing boots, so I clearly did very little. I swung my other shopping bag and hit him in the chest.

He staggered back and cursed.

I dropped the bag, then turned and ran.

What to do? Try to reach my house? Scream?

I heard footsteps right behind me. No.

Hard arms circled around me from behind. I struggled and twisted, then I rammed an elbow back.