Page 69 of Unlawful Seduction

After the cup brewed, I took my time adding cream and sugar. “We do what we need to do in life to make it more palatable.”

“Why did you feel the need to leave?”

I turned to face her and shook my head.

“You’re not going to be honest with me. Are you?” she asked.

“It’s better you don’t know about me or my past.”

“In case some thugs use me against you?”

Seeing the way her eyes filled with defiance was a clear indication of how strong she believed herself to be. Yet she had no idea what she could be facing if anyone ever learned just how close we’d become even for a short period in our lives. “Why do you feel the need to know, Mallory?”

She thought about my question. “Let’s face the truth here. What we’re sharing here is nothing but a mirage. Once life returns to normal, we’ll never see each other again. Maybe that’s the only thing that can occur after what we’ve shared and what knowledge I do have, but that doesn’t mean I won’t be curious as to what happened in a life that I think you believed was the one you wanted. Something happened that challenged everything you believed in and the real man inside was forced to make a choice.”

“You’re a little too smart for your own good, Doc. I always knew what I’d gotten myself involved in, but maybe I was stupid enough to buy the thought there was a level of decency that would be maintained. That wasn’t the case.”

“A woman you cared about?”

She was going to keep fishing. “A woman I’d never met before. And her son. That’s all you need to know.”

Very slowly her eyes opened wide. “You became their hero.”

“I did what I felt was right.” For a goddamn change.

She cocked her head, narrowing her eyes. “You’re still doing the right thing. Aren’t you? That’s what you meant by responsibilities.”

“As I said, you’re too smart for your own good. That’s where the questions end, Mallory. It’s too dangerous.”

“For being a good person, you’ll be forced to look over your shoulder for the rest of your life.”

She had a way of unnerving the hell out of me. “Well worth it, Doc. But it’s a good reason for you to stay away from me.”

“What if I don’t necessarily want to?”

“You suddenly trust me?” I half laughed, but I sensed that’s exactly what she was telling me without doing so in so many words.

“People rarely surprise me any longer, Beckett. You see and hear a lot of horrifying aspects of human nature while helping animals. Before I left Richmond, nothing fazed me any longer. It was like I was immune to both the good and bad in people. I think that’s really what drew me into returning home. Being here has changed you. You might not believe it, but I know I’m right.”

“If only things in life were that easy.”

“I know I have no say and no right to challenge you on any aspect of your life. You’re going to do what you feel is right for you. That doesn’t mean I’ll like the decisions you make. You’re a good man, Beckett, and I know that’s not your real name. You need to remember that. I’ll never learn your given name, but it doesn’t matter what you’re called or where you live, at least I was given a gift of knowing the real man. If only for a little while. We were both wrong before. I do like you.”

“I don’t see you for a fool, Doc. You’re far too intelligent and savvy for that. Trust your first instincts.” I felt her heated glare as if she was holding a firecracker.

“Fine. I’ll choose to hate you then. Why not? I’m going to shower and change. The coffee is wonderful. Thank you.” She didn’t budge for a few seconds and during the moment we shared, it was as if time had ceased to exist.

Jax nuzzled against her leg and she automatically stroked the top of his head.

“I need you to look at something.” I’d debated having her glance at the photo the first assassin had on his phone. Maybe I was hoping seeing the picture would jog her memory.

“Okay.” She narrowed her eyes as I brought out the phone, shifting to the camera roll.

“Who is this man?”

She stared at it for a few seconds and exhaled. “He was flirting with Marjorie, my best friend. Maybe he was flirting with me too. He insisted on taking the picture. I’m surprised you didn’t see him. Maybe you’d left by that point. The brunch?”

I’d briefly noticed a man had walked to their table, but red flags hadn’t been raised because it seemed as if at least one of the women knew him. I’d left shortly after that.

---