Page 135 of Mile High Daddy

Mikhail is here.

28

MIKHAIL

The photo of Alex glares back at me from my phone screen.

Something about him doesn’t sit right. I can’t explain it, but I trust my instincts. And my instincts are telling me he’s a problem.

The car door opens, and Torres slides into the passenger seat, shaking off the cold as he exhales.

“You don’t like that guy, do you?” he asks, nodding toward my phone.

I don’t answer.

Because we both know the truth.

Torres lets out a low chuckle, resting his elbow on the door. “Well, you have good reasons not to.” He reaches into his jacket, pulling out a folded piece of paper. “I dug around. The guy arrived in town around the same time as Lila.”

I go still.

“Coincidence?” Torres shrugs, smirking. “I think not.”

I take the paper, my jaw tightening as I scan through it.

Nothing.

No past records. No history before Camden Hill.

Who the fuck is he?

“He’s not saying who he is,” Torres continues, watching me closely. “And considering the way he’s been circling Lila? I don’t like it.”

Neither do I.

I can feel my blood heating, my fingers curling around the steering wheel. “You think he’s dangerous?”

Torres snorts. “He’s not you, if that’s what you’re asking.”

I shoot him a warning look.

He smirks, raising his hands in surrender. “I’m just saying, boss. Guy’s been way too friendly, way too interested. You sure Maggie didn’t blabber about the baby shower?”

A muscle in my jaw twitches.

Fuck.

I didn’t want him there. I still don’t.

The thought of Alex anywhere near Lila, near my children?—

My hands tighten dangerously on the wheel.

Torres is watching me, amusement flickering in his eyes. “Yeah, I’m still shocked you helped Maggie organize it.”

I don’t respond.

“Must really love her, huh?” he adds, almost offhandedly—but then he sees the way my expression darkens, the way my grip tightens just a fraction more.

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