Page 58 of Even if It Hurts

“Which of the ARCK people showed to relocate her?” I asked.

“That guy who scares you.”

The beginnings of a smirk edged at the corner of my mouth as I slanted Rush with a look. “He scares everyone,” I defended. “And I’m still not convinced they’re all that different from the Wreckers.”

“We still use them,” Rush reminded me pointedly.

“Not gonna fault them for their blood or old lives when they choose to save people the same way we do.” I shrugged. “Especially when they can do it better than us.”

Feigned shock stole across Rush’s face. “Can I quote you on that?”

“Shut up, man.”

His chest pitched with a muted laugh. “Before you ask, I have the rest of the team following the partner for another week.”

“Let me?—”

“You’re still out.”

An edgy laugh crept up my throat and ended with a frustrated sigh. “My company, Rush.”

“Shouldn’t have made me lead.”

“See if I ever make you lead again after this,” I challenged darkly.

“You will,” he said undoubtedly and without a hint of arrogance. “Because you know and trust me, just as you know I made the right call on keeping you out.”

“Maybe last week,” I admitted reluctantly. “Now? I need to be pulling my weight, giving the rest ofmy teambreaks on a case they’ve been working nonstop.”

“Nothing’s changed for you in the last five days,” he began as he stood, a grin slowly stealing across his face as he backed up toward the door. “Except that you weresmilingbecause of the nanny.”

“Rush—”

“Heard what you said about her.” He lifted a shoulder as he clicked open the door. “I’ll believe it when you do.”

I sat there, unable to respond as he slipped out of my office and shut the door behind him. Because he was right...I hadn’t once lied in what I’d said about Lainey, but I’d clearly twisted the truth. And even though I hadn’t fooled Rush, there was a pit in my stomach for even trying.

I demanded honesty from everyone in my life because that’s what I’d always given everyone.

Except then.

Pulling my phone out of my pocket, I hesitated when I saw the screen was still unlocked and opened to Lainey’s messages. But instead of playing the video again, I tapped on the screen until I was in the thread with Rush and sent off a message.

She’s someone I need to talk myself out of for so many reasons. That’s what I’m trying to do.

Seconds passed before Rush responded, forcing my eyes to roll as I hurriedly tapped out another message to him.

Cameron Rush

Can’t think of one reason why you have to.

Still my employee. And Ada just told me her boyfriend is proposing soon.

Cameron Rush

Ah.

That changes things then.

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