Page 13 of Trust No One

Dev scowled at her. “Nice try, Mel. I’m not worried about a damn thing. Not afraid of anything, either.”

“Oh, I can think of one thing you’re afraid of,” Mel retorted before she could censor herself. “The ‘L’ word. You ran like a little kid who’d come face to face with the boogey man when I whispered it to you.”

He clenched his teeth and stared at her. “Your fault, Mel. You knew who I was. Knew I wasn’t interested in love or long term.”

She struggled to keep her expression neutral. “In spite of what you apparently think, Dev, I’m not a mind reader. I didn’t realize that word would spook you so bad you’d run like your ass was on fire.”

“Well, you know now, don’t you?” he shot back.

“Yeah, Dev. I do. And you can be sure I won’t make that mistake with you again.”

“Good,” he said.

“Damn straight,” she answered. “Always helps to know where you stand.” She swept past him, trying to ignore his distinctive woodsy scent as she shoved the door open.

She gulped the piney mountain air as she forced herself to walk calmly across the center of the compound. Take the steps one at a time. Walk down the hall at a normal pace.

But once in her office, she locked the door and fell into her chair. Stared at the wall of books in front of her desk. What the hell was wrong with her? Why hadn’t she seen that about Dev? Why hadn’t she understood that he was a good-time Charlie, uninterested in anything deeper?

She’d seen what she wanted to see, she realized. Hadn’t been able to stop herself from falling in love with him. And now she was paying the price.

The doorknob jiggled. “Open the door, Mel.”

Dev.

She closed her eyes. Why would he possibly want to see her now? To rub her stupidity into her face? To taunt her a little more about falling for him?

Nothing she was interested in hearing.

Taking a deep breath, she ignored his knocks. Ignored the way he jiggled the doorknob, implored her to open the door.

Trying to block out the sound, she turned on her computer and opened her email. Took a deep, shuddering breath when she saw a reply from [email protected].

The sounds of Dev rapping on her door faded away as she stared at the email, afraid to open it. Would he agree to see her? Or would he tell her he wasn’t interested? Didn’t have the time. Had nothing to offer her.

Finally, impatient with herself, she clicked to open the email. Scanned it quickly, then drew a shaky breath. It wasn’t a no.

She read the whole email carefully and closed her eyes. Simon was willing to meet with her. He remembered both her and Dev. He gave her a range of dates and told her to let him know when she’d arrived and he’d figure out a safe place to meet.

Mel slumped in her chair. He hadn’t shut her down. Hadn’t ignored her. She had a place to begin.

Did she still want Dev to go with her?

No, she didn’t. She wanted to do this on her own. But she knew Dev wouldn’t agree. He was determined to have her back on this op. And if she were honest with herself, she was glad he’d be with her. Glad to have someone to bounce ideas off.

A traitorous voice in her brain whispered that she was glad to spend the time with Dev.

Hell, no. The last thing she wanted was to spend time with the guy who’d so casually broken her heart.

But in spite of their current tension, she knew Dev would have her back. Knew he would be there every step of the way, until Kingsley and Larrimore were locked up.

So she needed to tell Dev that Simon would meet with them. Figure out a time when they could both be gone. Figure out who would be in charge while they were pursuing Kingsley and Larrimore.

They could do a lot from a distance – talk to potential clients. Find out what they needed. Figure out who to send out.

But someone had to keep an eye on things while they were both gone.

Pursing her lips, Mel ran through the list of people who could manage Blackhawk Security for a week or two. Bree would be a good choice, she realized. Maybe she’d ask Bree if she’d be willing to come back for a week or two. Hell, she could even bring Jameson if she wanted.

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