Chapter 25

The criminal flinched, then put on his tough-guy face. He had menace down to a fine art, but the other guys didn’t seem to notice.

“Want help, Deke?” Tyler asked hopefully.

“Got it. This will be my pleasure. I hate pricks who threaten women. Cowardly motherfuckers.” He grabbed her attacker by the hair and bunched up his fist, clearly ready to smash in his face.

“Wait!” she called.

Deke hesitated, glaring her way.

“If you hurt him too bad, they’ll arrest you. A-and he won’t be able to talk. Neither of those will help.”

Grumbling, Deke reached into his back pocket for a set of cuffs. “You’re ruining my fun, damn it, but if that’s the way you want it . . .” Then he looked straight at her. “Kata, right?”

She nodded. “Hunter sent you, too?”

“Yep. He’s my brother-in-law, so when he called, I came.” He secured the criminal’s wrists behind his back and lowered the guy on his belly like a snake.

Just hearing that confirmation made somethi