Page 46 of All In

“I give you my word. However, whether or not she chooses to check herself out of the Miami facility early is not something within my control.”

“I get that.” She slides down toward the mattress and ends up between my side and arm. “What are you busy worrying about? I’m pretty sure your discomfort woke me up.”

My pride bristles.

I’m not uncomfortable.

I’m simply unsure how to handle her.

She’s feistier than I expected, meaning she could give me a great deal of trouble when I inform her that she’ll be coming back to Virginia with me.

Her small hand begins to rub over my bare chest, and I stare at the contact. Very few people attempt to touch me, and I’m confused why she is. I’m even more thrown for a loop that it doesn’t disgust me.

“See, it’s making my impulses itch to soothe whatever is bothering you.”

“I’m fine. You need rest.”

“I would be if you weren’t all tormented alpha, setting off my instincts.” Her tone indicates she’s exasperated by me.

I war with myself over controlling the situation, and possibly losing her trust, or being forthcoming, which could bite me in the ass.

There’s a third option, and I suppose it could help us find a common understanding.

Contrary to popular belief, I am capable of learning from my mistakes.

My hand settles on Laken’s hip as she nuzzles her face to my skin. “My intentions were to remove all those who had information of your involvement in what happened tonight. Despite those attempts, several of Andretti’s men escaped. Not from his compound, but from the warehouse where your trade was originally supposed to take place.”

“Your scent is so weird to me,” she says sleepily. “I couldn’t describe it if I tried.”

I frown, tilting my face to look at hers.

Perhaps the exhaustion is getting to her.

“I’m fond of your scent also,” I admit without meaning to. “However, you asked for information, and I’m attempting to give it to you.”

“Sorry, boss. Carry on.”

My eyes narrow as I attempt to determine if she’s being sarcastic.

I am the boss.

A natural leader.

However, most are reluctant to acknowledge my position.

“It would be unwise to return home prior to all threats being neutralized.” It will also give me additional time to determine why I’m enjoying the feeling of her warm breath fanning over my skin as her hand brushes my chest.

I enjoy personal space.

And yet, I don’t want to remove her from mine.

“I can’t just stay missing. If I don’t get back to Chicago soon, I’ll be without a job and get evicted from my apartment.”

It’s disturbing that not a single person has reported her missing. I spoke to our tech team on the way to the hotel to verify it was still the case, and it is. Her sister clearly knows she was taken, but those of us who live in the gray don’t turn to the police for assistance.

We handle it in-house.

“Anyone who learns of your whereabouts is a potential victim when the Barretts begin searching for information. They won’t hesitate to torture anyone they believe might have an inkling of your location.”

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