Page 36 of Merciful Lies

But I have a job to do. First and foremost, I have to protect Anna and our baby from whatever threat is out there.

It’s coming for her. I know it.

I feel it hanging in the air, dense and heavy, like a fog.

I almost feel bad for whoever it is who thinks they can hurt my wife. I smile as I get into the SUV and slam the door.

It’s not a good smile. It’s the kind of smile a viper gives before he strikes. And it’s the only kind of smile I’m used to giving.

I want Anna to love me, but I don’t know if she will. I don’t know if she can.

Either way, I am hers now. She has my protection and my loyalty.

Anna and our baby are both safe now.

So safe.

If she only knew how fucking safe she is.

CHAPTER TWELVE-NICO

Iwalk into the Den pissed off and buzzing with energy. The smell of coffee is strong, fresh, and my head snaps to where Maria is pouring a cup.

She holds it out to me.

“Thanks, Maria. Why are you still here?” I ask.

It’s not unusual for the bartender to pick up a couple of extra shifts. But closing was three hours ago, and we don’t open again till noon.

“I just wanted to make sure you were alright, Boss,” she says with a shy smile.

I’m not an idiot. I know something is up with her, and I know she’s been flirting with me. I’m just not interested. Never was.

“Look at me,” I say.

Her smile disappears the second she makes eye contact. She looks away quickly.

“Any concern for my welfare belongs to my wife and my wife alone. I’m married and I don’t cheat, understand?” I tell her, noting her surprise.

“Yes, I-I didn’t mean anything, I was just, forget it,” she murmurs, laughing nervously.

But she stops before she can outright lie, and I respect her for it.

Maria is a nice girl. Whatever she is looking for, whatever boogeyman she needs to stay hidden from, well I hope she is successful. It just isn’t mine to deal with.

“Good. You can keep working if you want. But I have nothing else for you, understand?”

“Yes, Boss. Of course,” she says, smiling politely and shaking off whatever all that was.

I take my coffee and walk to my office, not surprised when I see Angel and Luc inside.

Luc is staring at the security screens, and he is not smiling.

Angel’s shirt is all wet, and I frown.

“What the fuck happened to you?” I ask.

“Ah, your wife’s little friend showed up. Thought I was you. Threw a glass of beer in my face for knocking up her bestie,” he says, but he’s grinning, and I’m confused.

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