Page 20 of Embedded
She turned on the shower and pulled me farther into the bathroom. She said quietly, “I’m going to give you a little info on Paul so you can understand him better, because Lord knows he won’t share shit with you.”
I liked this woman. “I’m listening.”
“He had someone he really loved once. That’s,” she hesitated, “gone now, and he hasn’t dated since. He’s pretty closed off and can be a bit cold.”
“You can say that again.” I rolled my eyes.
“But he’s like a brother to me, and the fact that he blew up like that back at the hospital tells me that he can with you.”
“Lucky me.” I dripped with sarcasm, and she chuckled.
“My point to that comment is Paul doesn’t let his emotions get the best of him until he feels strongly about something or someone.” She gave me a pointed look. “I’ve seen women hit on him, and he shuts them down fast. He doesn’t allow himself to feel anything, but with you he must have. Did anything happen between you guys?” I looked away, and I could feel excitement radiating off her. I hated that I let a tiny smile slip, but I pulled it back as the memory of his hurtful words pushed my walls back up.
“I knew it.” She did a little wiggle through her shoulders. “God, I knew I caught wind of something.”
I laughed. “Don’t get ahead of yourself.” I closed my eyes and blew out a breath. So much had happened, and there was still a lot that needed to be worked out in my head. The Cartels weren’t going anywhere, and I needed to think about me and what would come next.
“Hey, Nicole.” She patted my arm, and I looked into her kind eyes. “I know this is a lot, but sometimes having a normal moment is just what you need to help you get your head back on straight.”
She’d read my mind. “And Paul is a normal moment for me?” I couldn’t help but feel what she was saying. There was a lightness to my chest I hadn’t felt in, what, years? She grinned when she knew she had me. I waved her off. “What do you think you caught?”
“When Frank separated you after your spat, Paul watched you all the way down the hallway until you were out of view.”
“He could have been making sure I left.”
“Nope,” her eyes lit up, “not with these guys. They’re all the same. They’re wonderfully protective. Shit, Cole knows I’m up here with you right now. He knows where I am pretty much all the time. Some might think its controlling, but it’s not. It’s their love language.” She started to fan herself. “Girl, don’t even get me started on their alpha qualities.” She chef-kissed into the air and growled. “Once he realizes you weren’t just trying to get a story off his mission, you’ll get the Paul back who made that smile push through your hurt.”
I rubbed my sore arm from where Bruno had grabbed me. “Maybe, but I’m only here until I get cleared to go back. So, he can take all the time he wants, but I won’t ever be questioned on my motives again.”
Her expression turned serious. “Please give Paul a chance. Trust me when I say he’s been through more than you can imagine, and he really is a great guy.”
“I’m sure he is.” I tried to play nice.
“Okay,” she stepped back, “we can girl talk later, but right now have a shower. We’ll have dinner in the dining room in an hour.”
“Where is the dining room?”
“Main floor, just follow Mark’s voice. He’ll be the one gushing over how great the food is.” She chuckled and stepped out and closed the door.
I turned to look at myself in the mirror. The bags under my eyes were dark, I looked like I hadn’t had a good meal in days, and the bruises on my body were embarrassing. “Holy shit, you look like death, Nicole,” I cringed out loud.
“Left side of the closet,” Savannah called as she closed the bedroom door behind her.
Left side?
***
Apparently, the left side of the closet meant fancy. As much as a tank and shorts and the plush mattress called my name, I wouldn’t be so rude as to not attend dinner. Besides, I was hungry, and the soft gray dress with long sleeves and square neckline looked good. It seemed to draw away from my cuts and bruises. Plus, the fact that the dress stopped mid-thigh made me feel like I had long legs, even though I didn’t think I did. There were only a few times a year that I felt this way, so it was nice to have the added boost to my self-esteem. I slipped on a pair of heels, amazed that they fit, and pulled my hair into a low ponytail. A few pieces fell out, but they framed my face, so I was all right with it.
I fiddled with the thin bracelet I’d chosen from the things on the dresser as I headed down the stairs. With a job like mine, I was used to quietly finding my way in these situations. I always tried hard not to look out of place, and I got my game face on. Though I much preferred being in the field, I could enjoy myself anywhere, and I liked these people.
“Wow,” Mia blurted when I found my way to the kitchen. “Sorry.” She shook her head. “No, actually, I’m not. Wow, you look fantastic!”
I stopped at the island where she sat and laid a hand on the smooth stone counter. “Thanks, Mia. The hot shower and clean clothes certainly helped me feel more alive. Now I just need to eat and sleep for about six days, and I’ll finally be myself.”
“That, we can do.” She smiled and looked over her shoulder.
“How’s Chase doing?” I knew my voice told them how I missed the little guy. We’d been inseparable for what seemed like weeks, and it felt strange not to even know where he was.
