Page 75 of Broken Daddy
“Because . . . I want to go visit a friend this afternoon.”
Right. Now he understood. She wanted to see her lover this afternoon and she wanted to ensure he wouldn’t tell anyone.
“I’m not going to tell your husband anything. Unless he directly asks me if you’re having an affair.”
She eyed him for a long moment. “I believe you.”
“Thanks,” he replied dryly.
“I know you probably think I’m a terrible person.”
Christ. How had he gotten involved in this conversation? And how could he get himself fucking out of it? Now?
“Don’t think about you at all.” He grimaced after saying that, but it was kind of the truth. Other than guarding her, he really didn’t think much about her.
Although he didn’t want to see her hurt because of her husband.
Sondra didn’t take offense, though. She just eyed him for a long moment. “I think you expend a lot of energy to keep people away. And I think you care more about others than you let on. Especially that girl. Deidre.”
“Devi,” he growled.
“See? Just what I mean.”
“Just because I know her name means nothing.”
“I know I seem like I’m selfish and oblivious, but I’m really not. For years I’ve been stuck in a loveless marriage with a selfish man who cares nothing for me. I just want to be happy without compromising my lifestyle.”
“Right,” he said.
Sondra leaned in and looked around. “Alan isn’t a good man, you know. I understand that it’s your job to protect him, but there are a lot of people he’s pissed off over the years. He defends hardened criminals. Sure, everyone deserves a defense. But it’s strange how many witnesses end up dead or disappearing or changing their statements.”
Holy fuck.
“Are you saying that your husband has something to do with that?”
Sondra shrugged. “I’m not saying anything. I’m just trying to get out with my life intact. You might consider whether this is a job you really want to continue doing.”
“Here are your drinks,” Devi said, walking up with a tired smile. She bent over to set the drinks down and then stood, swaying.
“Devi! Are you all right?” Hayes asked.
“Yep, I’m honky-dory!” she said cheerfully with a look over her shoulder at where her boss was watching her.
“Did he hurt you before? Tell me now,” Hayes said.
“Adam hurt you?” Sondra asked, actually looking concerned.
“Um, his name is Aaron,” Devi said. “And no, he just touched my arm where I already had a bruise.”
“Show me,” he demanded.
“Um, no.”
“Now.”
“Hayes,” she whispered. “Contrary to what you seem to believe you do not get to boss me around!”
Turning, she strode off, then she crashed right into a corner of the bench.
