Page 19 of The Killer Who Kept Me

“I became curious after his last few requests. While doing that, I dug into the people who work for him, his family, and nowhere is there any Em, Emmett, Emery, nobody that fits you. Why is that?”

He gulped and cleared his throat. “Well, I’m more of an under-the-table worker.”

I moved to the couch and since he didn’t flinch, I sat beside him.

“Maybe you tell me truthfully how you got hurt.”

“I…can’t. Look, I’m fine, really. I just need the pickup.”

“Here’s the thing. I don’t feel right about you walking out that door tonight, or ever, to be honest. Have you thought about my offer?”

He sighed. “I don’t think it would be good for you or Ramsey if I accepted.”

“Why’s that?”

Em opened and closed his mouth twice before huffing. “Okay, so, if I work for you, Ramsey will hunt me down, and I’ll disappear. He’ll start a war with you, and I don’t know how well you’d fare.”

“Oh, sweetheart, I’ll do just fine going toe-to-toe with Ramsey Brookes.”

“I hope you would, but it’s peaceful for you right now, right?”

“I dunno, Em. You were there when six men tried to kill me. What do you think?”

He smirked, and I desperately wanted to make him smile.

“Okay, fair. But you don’t need more drama in your life is all.”

Chuckling, I cupped his cheek in my hand. “You like to protect me an awful lot, don’t you?”

He snorted. “I’m hardly someone who could save a soul, can’t even save mine.” He gasped as if he hadn’t expected to say that out loud.

“Can I please have the pickup? I have to get back soon. As it is, Ramsey is going to be livid with what happened to Hess.”

I pursed my lips. “Is that what happened, Em?”

“Huh?”

I motioned to his hand and leg. “Ramsey got mad?”

He didn’t say anything, but his silence was all the answer I needed. Ramsey liked to toss Em around, and while I wasn’t the type to get involved in others’ lifestyles, I couldn’t ignore that Em was being hurt.

“It’s settled, then,” I said as I stood and walked to the door.

“What is?” He went to stand, but his leg must have been worse than he thought, because he plopped down.

“You’re not leaving my side until I’ve found out everything.” I exited my office and locked the door. I didn’t mean to make Em feel like a prisoner, but he needed to stay put where he was safe.

I’d return to him in a moment…after I took out the garbage.

CHAPTER TEN

“I am what survives of me.” ~ Erik Erikson

Em

The secondI heard the door click, I knew I’d be locked in. Part of me panicked, wanting to rush and grip the knob and pull with all my might to get free. I’d been locked into so many places lately. Then there was another part that almost wanted to take a breath and let it happen. Let Saros shield me, fight for me. Why? I didn’t know. I wasn’t worth a whole hell of a lot, but for some reason I was to him.

I relaxed on the couch and propped my leg up. That one had been my fault. While I was in the basement I’d heard voices from the kitchen, angry ones. I’d climbed the stairs to get a better listen. Ramsey had been angry with Saros. Not liking his power, called him greedy. I didn’t know who he was talking to, and maybe he’d forgotten I was so close.

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