Page 39 of Whatever It Takes

Not that current me is that much more evolved, or I would have held my tongue with Avan when I heard the guards mention Brooklyn.

“One day, you’re going to trust that I would rather carve out my own heart than to hurt you.” Easton’s thumb teases over my lower lip. “You’re probably going to hate me by the end of it, butI’m going to train you how to keep yourself alive in any situation. Where to stab if you want to make someone hurt and where to aim if you want an immediate kill. Then we’ll both know you’re at my side because you want to be.” The clicking of one of the floor buttons echoes through the air as his lips ghost over mine. The elevator doors slide closed, and I don’t know what to do with myself. It already feels like there’s not enough oxygen in this small space. “Now tell me, are you okay? Would you like a hug?”

I’m sure a dubious look crosses my face.

Easton is really fucking confusing at times, but I also slap his hand away and wrap my arms under his. I might be embarrassed about this later, but I cling to his chest, sucking in deep lungfuls of his electric scent.

“You have to be careful. I don’t want you to end up in prison because of me,” I whisper, realizing my words are true.

He might be a giant, unpredictable pain in the ass, but he’s growing on me.

A little.

Easton strides toward his office, and I break away to step over to my desk. His fingers wrap around my wrist, and he gives me a firm but gentle tug.

I spin to face him. “Did you need something?”

“I do.” He guides me into his office and around his massive desk. “I have calls to make, and you’ll sit with me while I handle that.”

He places himself down in his chair and reaches for my hips while I’m still trying to determine if he’s not letting me out of his sight because he thinks I’ll call the cops.

I’m not that ungrateful.

The closer you are to someone, the more likely you are to be a suspect if said person goes missing.

I’m afraid this is a huge mess just waiting to explode in all our faces.

He turns my back to him, lifts me, and places me on his thighs. I’m not light, but he makes it seem easy.

“I can scent your stress. It’s got me ready to climb out of my fucking skin.” He sighs, running his hand over my stomach. “I’ve got this, love. All you have to do is trust me.”

I rest my head against his shoulder and nod.

That does sound nice. More than that, it would be a pleasant change of pace to have someone in my life who is genuinely worth trusting.

I’m pretty sure I was so desperate for physical affection that I latched on to the first guy who showed me even an ounce of attention.

Jameson ended up being not that great, and the big question is…am I doing that all over again?

Chapter Sixteen

Calder

It’s dark by the time I finish everything I need to do to cover our asses. Easton and Keir have to handle way more than I do, so East calls a car for me and Briar.

Since we’re headed to Virginia tomorrow, we need to stop by my apartment and pack my bags, but I don’t think Easton mentioned that to the little omega. I let it ride because she’s visibly exhausted. I’m sure she assumes I had to stop to get my stuff since I’ve been staying at Easton’s house.

And I will be tonight.

I felt like an asshole not inviting her in with me while I packed, but I live with my grandparents.

Or rather, they live with me.

I grew up dirt poor.

My mom wasn’t expecting to die in childbirth, but shit happens. My grandparents were already old. They didn’t necessarily want to take on a newborn, but they did, and they loved the hell out of me.

They still do.

---