Page 33 of Take

I giggled.

He frowned. “Stop it.”

A second later, a woman appeared. She was an attractive brunette in a sleek black skirt and white shirt. I recognized her as Dante Fury’s girlfriend.

She spotted me and her eyes went wide. She jerked to a halt. “Oh.”

“Hi.” I lifted a hand.

“You…” She looked at Reath and blinked. “You have a woman in your place. You never have women in your place.”

Interesting. “I’m Frankie.”

“I’m Mila.” She walked over and held out a hand. We shook.

“I’m Jack’s sister.”

Mila’s eyes widened. “Reath’s best friend Jack?”

I nodded.

“Frankie had a…situation yesterday,” Reath said.

“Oh, are you all right?” Mila looked at my bandaged temple. “We’ve had a few situations around here. I had my own, and it wasn’t fun.”

“I’m fine. Reath’s helping me out.”

“Well, if you need something sorted, Reath is your man.” She glanced at him. “I was coming to make sure you were coming to family lunch today. And you should bring Frankie.”

“Oh, well…” I couldn’t read Reath’s face. “I really need to get to my lab.”

Mila cocked a brow. “Lab?”

“I’m a scientist.”

“You’re not going alone,” Reath growled. “I’m coming with you.”

“Great,” Mila said. “Do your stuff, and I’ll see you both at lunch. Lola’s making gumbo.” Mila gave a breezy wave as she headed out.

“I was trying to turn her down,” I said.

“It’s fine.” Reath rubbed his forehead. “Are you sure you want to go to your lab?”

I nodded. “I’m not letting anyone stop my research. It’s important I assess the damage and what needs to be replaced. Plus, I really need to see my house as well.”

“We can grab some of your clothes and things while we’re there. You’re staying here until I find the people responsible.”

I glanced at the couch. “Are you sure that’s a good idea?”

He gave me a long look. “Yes. I’m keeping you safe, Frankie, no matter what.”

15

REATH

She was a goddamn whirlwind.

I watched Frankie race around her lab, cleaning things and making lists of items to replace.

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