Page 51 of Seduction in Spades

“I thought about checking out the aquarium tomorrow.”

“My kids loved going when they were younger.”

“I’ve never—” I catch a glimpse of tall, dark, and handsome leaning casually against the building behind us. I figured Trey had someone from the casino’s security team keeping an eye on me as I go to and from work.

Trey had said as much. Whoever it’s been has been doing an excellent job staying out of my sight. Nolan, however, is not even trying to be inconspicuous.

“Do you know him?” Marcy motions to Nolan. “Because wow. That man hasn’t taken his eyes off you. If I wasn’t married and almost old enough to be his mother...” She lets out a low whistle.

“He’s friends with my brother.” It’s the easiest way to explain what Nolan is to me.

“I’d wager our Christmas bonus he wants to be a lot more than that.”

“We get a Christmas bonus?” The walk sign lights up and Marcy and I cross the street.

I don’t look back to see if Nolan follows us. He won’t let me out of his sight, that I’m sure of.

“Based on our work performance, yes. The past three years have been substantial.”

“That will help with the bills.”

“Have fun at the aquarium. Is your brother’s friend going with you?”

I can tell by the direction of her gaze that Nolan is nearby.

“I’m actually looking forward to going by myself.”

“Good luck with that.” She gives me a wink before turning toward the entryway to the T.

I continue down the road toward my apartment and make it only a few feet before a strong hand wraps around my biceps.

“You’re not going anywhere alone,” Nolan growls in my ear.

“I’ve been lying low for two weeks. Trey’s even backed off with his ten texts a day. He’s down to two. I’m not locking myself away for the rest of my life.”

He doesn’t release my arm, but he relaxes his grip. “Hungry?”

The sudden shift in topic has me wondering if this is a double entendre. “Sure.”

Nolan steers me down a side road. I follow without question.

“How was your day?”

I raise my brow in surprise, not that he can see. His focus continues to dart in every direction. He’s subtle about it, but I pick up on the slight turn in his head.

“Fine.”

“One of the most dangerous words a woman can say.”

“Been on the receiving end much, have you?”

“More than you can imagine.”

I tamp down the ridiculous twinge of jealousy that surfaces. Nolan stops in front of a hole-in-the-wall restaurant.

“Thai okay?”

“It’s fine,” I say again, just to jostle him.

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