Page 192 of Chasing Sparks

Ori’s jaw slackens, and she shakes her head as if to clear it. “Did you take a paternity test?”

“No need. I haven’t slept with the woman in years.”

Her gaze narrows at me. “Then why would you think you were the father? Ash, you understand how this process works, right?”

I shoot her an exasperated look as I drag a hand through my hair. “Don’t worry. I understand the basics, beautiful.” I exhale sharply, trying to gather my thoughts. “Lucille and I are working undercover.”

“You’re what? With whom? Some underground tattooing ring?”

“Homeland Security.”

"Of course. Homeland Security." Ori’s gaze drifts to the far wall, her palms pressing together as if trying to grasp the weight of my admission. "Come on, you’re not serious."

“Actually, I am.”

She presses her fingers to her temples, exhaling sharply. “You never stop, do you? Spinning some ridiculous story about working with the government. What’s the point?”

“I’m serious.”

Ori slips from the vanity and turns off the shower. “Can we please stop wasting my water?”

As soon as she steps away, I throw the spray back on. I don’t give a damn if I run up a $500 water bill. I’ll gladly pay every dime. “No, because I’m not sure who’s listening.”

Ori groans and rolls her eyes. “Please stop. I don’t know what crazy crime drama you pulled this plot from, but it’s enough now.”

Gripping her shoulders, I force her to meet my eyes. "Ori, I’ve never lied to you—except about what Lucille’s presence meant in my life. And I’m sure as hell not lying now."

"I’m not sure what finally breaks her defenses—my steadfast stare, my unwavering posture, or her own intrinsic understanding that I’m telling the truth."

She sags against the vanity, her face awash with confusion. Then she lifts her hand, giving me the floor. “Spill it, Hammond. What the hell is going on?”

“Lucille got mixed up with the wrong guy, and I mean thewrongguy.”

“This wrong guy is her baby’s father?”

“Yeah.” I brace my hands on the counter, my knuckles turning white with the force. “Anyway, she started suspectingher boyfriend was running girls—you know, trafficking them through his club. One night, her ex-husband came in to sample the wares, if you catch my drift.”

“Wait a second. Both her boyfriendandher ex-husband are involved in sex trafficking? Jesus. She’s picked a couple of winners.”

I shake my head, tension tightening my jaw. “No, her ex works for Homeland Security. He reached out to her after he learned she was mixed up in this mess and asked for her help. She became his inside person.”

Ori’s mouth twists into a grimace, her fingers tapping against the countertop. “That’s super risky for a pregnant woman. But how didyouget involved?”

“It got very dangerous, and her ex had to pull her out and get her somewhere safe. That’s where I came in.”

She tilts her head, skepticism flickering in her eyes. “I still don’t understand.”

“Lucille’s boyfriend accused her of cheating with me after some pictures of us at the convention in Vegas surfaced. Nothing happened—it was totally professional—but he didn’t see it that way.”

“Was it, though?” she asks, hesitancy lining every syllable.

I grasp her chin, capturing her dark gaze. “Yes, Ori. Since our first night, I haven’t been with anybody else.”

Ori covers her mouth with both hands and releases a deep breath. “I needed to hear that.” She waves her hand, prompting me to continue. “Sorry, back to your story.”

“Her boyfriend beat her pretty badly, and Lucille was scared she would lose the baby if she stayed any longer. Since he already believed I was sleeping with her, we decided to make that the public front. It got her out of his way and gave him something else to stew on while Homeland Security finished their investigation and prepared to take him down.”

“So, you know her boyfriend?”

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