Page 21 of Wait for You

I wish I knew.

The fact the lieutenant had kept that from him didn’t bode well for Mat. He’d have to check in tomorrow. Head to the safehouseEl Jaguarfavored, but he worried about his reception when he did.

Nothing I can do about it now.

Shoving those concerns away, he launched into the story. “The lieutenant held the Carnival party because he wanted to flush out a traitor. Th—”

She waved her hand as if shooing away his words. “I heard that part.”

His sanctimonious streak wanted to smirk at her admission of guilt, but he only said, “Well, the problem with that wasI’mthe traitor.”

Worry flashed in her pretty eyes. “He doesn’t know? Doesn’t suspect you?”

“No,” was Mat’s immediate response, but then he had to wonder . . . “I don’t think so, but the plan had been to burn a life-like effigy to send a message. I had no idea he’d changed it to an execution.”

She shuddered, and Mat reached for her hand. When she didn’t pull away, something in him that had been wound too tight for too long loosened a little. “The chaos that interrupted it was a raid. The sheriff’s office acted on a tip they’d received. The Rangers weren’t aware of it; otherwise, I’d’ve been prepared.”

Imogen’s eyes widened. “How long have you been a Ranger?”

“Three years.”

“Congratulations. I know that was always your dream.” She seemed genuinely happy for him until a frown tugged at her lips. “Why did we run, though? Couldn’t you have shown them your badge?”

“Not and keep my cover intact.” Wanting to smooth the lines on her forehead, he scooted closer and grabbed her other hand. “Look, Imogen. My assignment is to find the Lazcano Cartel’s chemist. I’ve been with the lieutenant for over a year, and I’m too close to finishin’ the job to throw all that work away.”

“Well, what will you do now? Where’sEl Jaguar?”

The wheels were turning in that too-smart head of hers, but whatever she was planning, he had every intention of keeping her out of it. He gave her hands a squeeze before releasing them. “I know where he went. I’ll check in with him tomorrow.”

“But won’t it look suspicious that you didn’t go right away?”

She had a point, but . . . Mat shrugged. “Not if I play my cards correctly.”

Imogen lifted her chin, determination clear in her pose. “I want to go with you.”

He was equally determined to keep her away from the lieutenant. “No.”

She leaned in, settling a palm on his knee. Mat’s gaze dropped to her delicate touch as she asked, “Please?”

Her proximity started to distract him, but he figured that was her aim. Meeting her gaze, he told her, “Not a chance, Gen.”

To his surprise, the ice princess exploded, arms fluttering in frustration as she pushed to her feet. “I’m not going to just sit here and do nothing!”

He stood, captured her face, and spoke softly to calm her down. “I’ll find Emil. You have to trust me.”

Her expression fell before she tugged his hands from her face. “How can I do that? How can I know you won’t disappear on me again?”

The haunted look in her eye cut right to the bone. Capturing a dark wave of her hair, he tested it between his fingers. Thick and silky. He’d always loved her hair. It was strong and delicate at the same time. Just like her.

“I walked away for you,” he paused when his voice cracked, “and it’s the hardest fuckin’ thing I’ve ever done.”

She sucked in a breath. “What?” Her eyes searched his face as if she could find the truth there. “What do you mean?”

He had nothing to hide. Not anymore. What would it matter if she knew why he’d left? It wouldn’t change the last five years they’d spent apart. “You’d worked so hard for the women’s shelters. I couldn’t be the reason your father ruined it for you.”

Her eyes widened in recognition. “You heard our conversation?”

Mat’s stomach fell as he nodded. That damn conversation had been burned into his memory for eternity.

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