Page 180 of Rush of Jealousy

“You are investigating a drug ring that the FBI is also investigating for a potential criminal case that may go to trial. If you get caught, you are jeopardizing everyone involved—including myself and Nic—just by mere association. We could all go down like dominoes.”

“But you aren’t an informant anymore.”

“Nic is though. You don’t have to be tied to the FBI to be in danger. These drug dealers are out for blood if it impacts their cash flow.”

I frown over his words. I am so close to figuring out the truth behind Entice girls getting drugged. But is risking my own life worth it? Can I set aside an ambition that sparked inside me when I lost James and find happiness in another career path?

“It ends tonight, Angie. All of this nonsense is over when you wake up in the morning.”

I shake my head. “Why tonight?”

“Because you are being targeted.”

“Is that why we came here a day early?”

“Yes.”

“Graham, I’ll be extra cautious.”

“Come up with a backup plan, Angie. Because you’re done seeing Tanner. You’re done sending your roommate out to do your spying. It all ends. Find another topic to write about. Or switch majors again. I don’t give a flying fuck what you do. But this research pet project you think will lock you into an internship? It’s over.”

I glare at him with pent-up anger. “Oh how dare you, Graham Hoffman!” I get up from the floor and pace in front of him. “You can’t control everything. I’m not a pawn in your game.”

“That’s correct. But you are becoming one in their game.” He joins me in pacing. “I cannot sit back and allow someone else I love to get hurt by this craziness. I just can’t. When I tell Nic all of this new information, you’ll have to get through his firewall too. Because he cares about you too. You have that effect on people.”

“So you both would sabotage me?”

“I’m prepared to put my entire security staff on you. I don’t even care about being discreet about it anymore.”

My mouth opens like a fish.Well, damn. “You wouldn’t.”

“I already have.”

32

The sun peeking through the slivered opening in the drapes wakes me. I roll on my side and feel around on the mattress. The only thing my hand finds is cold sheets. Graham and I stayed up way too late last night baring our souls and removing the skeletons from our closets. My body is exhausted despite getting some sleep. But mostly, it is my mind that needs to recharge.

I stretch and pull the comforter aside to get out of bed. I look at my cell phone and see it is almost seven. I throw on my two-sizes-too-big hoodie for warmth and sneak quietly out of the bedroom. The smell of freshly brewed coffee awakens my senses, and I walk down the stairs to find its source.

When I get into the kitchen, Germain, Nic, and Graham are standing around the island having what appears to be a family discussion. I turn on my heel and start to walk away when I hear, “Angela, please join us.”

I stop and exhale. Caught. I pivot and give Germain a lopsided smile. “Sorry, I smelled the coffee.”

“My wife’s Colombian friend brings it back for us from her country every few months when she visits family. It is delicious,” he explains. “It would be plain insulting for you not to have a mug full.”

I smile shyly. This morning feels much different being around the men than it did the night before. Now I know so much more about them, and it makes me feel vulnerable to the fact that they may know things about me in return.

Graham walks over to me and hands me his already prepared mug. I take a sip of the warm liquid. It is smooth and rich—with the slightest hints of chocolate and cinnamon. “Wow, this is amazing coffee.”

He kisses me on the forehead and goes to the cupboard to pull out another mug. He pours me some fresh and fixes it the way I love—which is how he fixes his own but with bigger measurements. “How did you sleep?” he asks softly.

I shrug. “Okay, I guess.” It was one of the few times we were in bed together and just slept. But it was not what I would callrestful.

“Well, I better head out to the airport and go get Penny,” Germain says. “I appreciate the gesture, son.”

Graham glances at the clock. “Glad I could help.”

“Boys, please help your mother to not be so stressed today with this whole holiday meal. You know how much of a perfectionist she becomes on these types of holidays. She’s probably really nervous about Penny being home after being gone for so long. Bear some of the weight with her.”

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