Page 101 of Stay Toxic

I was glad to see that he was okay, although he still had obvious bruises and abrasions.

We made it inside before the bottom dropped out of the sky, but only barely.

Poor Cayden’s back ended up getting soaked, but he didn’t seem to mind as he followed us inside.

Shasha dragged me through his McMansion into what I assumed was his office, but not before stopping at an older woman and calling out to her.

“Polina,” Shasha said carefully. “Call your daughter and ask her to find an extended vacation for the next month. Tell her I’ll fund the bill and smooth it over with her husband’s boss.”

Polina snorted. “You’re her husband’s boss.”

“True.” Shasha winked. “But still. Get her out of here. I want to deal with this before she comes back.”

“Yes, Shasha.”

We went farther into the office, and Shasha led me to the far wall where his desk chair was and directed me to it.

I took a seat, crossed my legs beneath me, and scooted up until I could put my elbows on the desk.

The two men watched the show, clearly amused.

“What are you doing here?” Shasha asked once I’d settled.

“How much does she know?” he asked.

“All of it,” Shasha answered.

I doubted I knew the half of it, but he was telling Cayden a lie so he’d speak freely in front of me.

I appreciated his thoughtfulness.

“I was coming here to take care of the problem,” he finally said very carefully. “But wasn’t aware that there were cops here.”

“Whatever you do, don’t do it with me around. That detective you saw in his black military garb was a pain in the ass detective who doesn’t want me in his town. He’s already been poking his nose around where it shouldn’t be,” Shasha grumbled.

“What do you take me as, an amateur?” Cayden countered.

I had a feeling they were literally discussing getting rid of Gabriel right in front of me without actually saying the exact words.

It was fascinating.

“I’ll stay until they’re gone.” He took a seat. “Then I’ll get him back to my town.”

That was interesting.

Even more interesting was how Shasha sat on the corner of his desk next to me, keeping himself between Cayden and me.

That made my heart feel all warm and gooey.

“You have the kid?” he asked.

“The girl?” Shasha asked without confirming. “I’m sure she’s somewhere safe.”

His non-answer was enough.

Yes, he had the little girl.

Yes, she was safe.

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