Page 37 of Riding Danger

Jason held his hand out to help Oscar up. “Skylar already asked for double her normal call rate if she needed to work with you.”

Skylar would be one of our back-up dancers and she would feature as the woman alongside Oscar. When we were younger, Skylar had met us through her mother. Oscar had propositioned her back then, and she had immediately put him in his place.

I narrowed my eyes. “And if you think Hilton has the power to ruin you if his girlfriend tattletales to him, that is nothing compared to what will happen if you make my woman uncomfortable in her own town.”

With that I stomped out of the studio, yet I still managed to hear Jason. “Well, if that wasn’t a declaration, I don’t know what is.”

17

SHILOH

Ihad been going crazy for the few days I had been booked off work. My arm wasn’t bad and the stitches were healing well. Still, the doctor had booked me off and the captain wasn’t taking any chances. During that time, I also needed to see a therapist. She gave me the all clear to return, provided I booked another session with her.

I understood the need to make sure we had our head in the game. And I appreciated the support I got from the department. Something that was still stigmatized by the older police officers but thankfully, the people in charge were beginning to see the benefit of making sure mental trauma was dealt with properly.

Since we had once again stayed at Ryder’s place past Ethan’s bedtime, I was left to get ready for work on my own. That happened more regularly than I wanted to admit. But as it turned out I liked kissing the man, and I needed Ethan asleep to do that.

My mind went back to the conversation we’d had the night before. He was nervous, something I rarely saw since he had become more comfortable around us. Turned out he needed a favor, he wanted me to appear in a music video. Before I had achance to turn down the idea, he explained the concept and after a lot of convincing and a heavy make out session, I agreed.

As usual, my alarm went off a few minutes after I woke and I immediately threw back the covers. I went through my normal morning routine and since I didn’t have to get Ethan ready, I even had time to chat with the girls.

The Pancake Club Chat thread popped up on my phone.

Maggie:Who’s going to be home over Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year?

It was tradition that my group of friends gathered together the night before a holiday, since everyone used the actual holiday for their family.

Skylar:I’m working in New York over Thanksgiving. And with Hilton’s parents for Christmas. My parents are coming to LA for New Year.

No surprise there. Skylar danced in the parade and would be doing other shows in the build up to Christmas.

Tiffany:I’ll be here. Hopefully Cat will be home.

Caterina was my foster sister. She had been rescued at the same time as me, Maggie and Grace. But as it turned out, she was also Tiffany’s half-sister. Her father was the one who bought her mother when she was still in the trafficking ring. She was currently deployed, which was why she never answered any of our texts.

Me:Grace?

It didn’t surprise me that my youngest sister didn’t answer. She was likely on the other side of the world walking a runway. I dropped my phone on the bed and continued getting ready.

I was busy fastening the Velcro of my under armor when my phone rang, interrupting my morning routine. At first, I thought Ethan needed something, and I couldn’t help but smile. I checked the caller ID and saw it was the landline for the station. My smile immediately dropped and I put on my work voice.

I pressed the green button without even thinking. “Bauman speaking.”

“Bauman. You’re meant to be coming back to work today.” He was always abrupt and efficient.

“Yes, Sir. I’m busy getting ready now.” I just finished tying the last strap. “Nothing like strapping on a bullet proof vest your first day back on the job after being shot at.”

His voice was a little strained. “Well, I’m not sure you’re going to need it today.”

“Sir?”

“I’ve reassigned you while Joel is recovering.” The pause he took made me nervous. “Lilly Salinger has requested your assistance while your partner is recovering.”

I understood the words. And a part of me was elated to hear it. Still, it bothered me. “Sir, are you sure? I mean, I have no experience to offer Salinger Security, or Lilly Salinger in particular. And is it even allowed?”

“Firstly, she requested you.” He lets out a big sigh. “I have no intention of pissing off the department's biggest allies. Especially if it means avoiding a logistical nightmare of having to figure out who to partner you with. Besides, what you learn while you’re there could benefit the department greatly. And I have sent my men to them for training before. I don’t see this as any different.”

“Yes, Sir.”

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