Page 86 of Naughty Dreams
Roy put his mouth against his nape. “For what? I was finishing my run and wanted a piece of ass. You were convenient.”
“A booty call. That explains the sweaty, smelly body.”
“You’re one to talk, death breath.”
A half chuckle shook DJ, then caught on a sob. “It’s okay,” Roy murmured, holding him closer. “Just sleep, Dory. No more bad dreams.”
The waking hours were going to be tough enough. If there were sleep gods out there, Roy sent them a strong message.
Give the kid a goddamn break.
When he finally returned to the guest cottage, he slept, had a quick shower, then went into town. He met with the local police department, making sure they were in the loop on everything happening with their famous resident. They were satisfyingly cooperative and concerned.
He should have known the day was going too well.
As he got into the SUV, G was calling. She had the current shift.
“Boss, we have a problem. Or rather, we don’t have a problem, depending on how you look at it.”
“What do you mean?”
“The stalker sent a bouquet and condolence note. Before you ask, nothing traceable. Of course.”
“How did DJ react?”
“Like his current zombie self. I thought. But then…well, we’ve been fired.”
Roy swerved to the shoulder and stopped the car. The pickup truck driver behind him who hit his horn in annoyance got one look at Roy’s face, lifted his hand in apology and sped onward. “Explain.”
“An hour later, DJ called me into the den. He told me he’d be having Moss send a big fat wire transfer to the company account, because our services are no longer required. He thanked me, very politely, and had Henry’s people escort me off the property.
“Housekeeping packed up your stuff. The terrified maid who gave me your bag apologized about fifty times. Milton looks like he’s about to have an aneurysm. On the up side, the kitchen staff made us some tasty road snacks and lunch. Warren will be happy.”
“Where are you? You didn’t leave him?”
She scoffed. “I don’t work for the stubborn brat, I work for you. Unfortunately, without legal recourse, Iamstanding outside the gatehouse, and Todd and Stan, who’re currently manning it, feel awkward as hell. They’re adorable. What do you want to do, boss?”
“Hold there. I’m on my way.”
“I figured.” She paused. “Just FYI, he told them not to let you in. You specifically.”
Last night, DJ had held onto him for dear life. He’d woken up, received the flowers, fallen into a vat of self-loathing for seeking the comfort, for allowing himself to be alive, and gone scorched earth. But Roy thought the idea had been simmering for longer than that. He recalled DJ’s odd behavior in the garden when they first arrived, the finality of that one comment.Thanks for getting me home.
“Is your car switched off?”
“Yeah.”
“Stay on your cell phone like you’re making some calls. When I text you that I’m close, try to start it. Pull the stranded motorist bit.”
“Bat my eyes, no need for a throat punch. Got it.”
“Todd’s a good guy. He’ll take a look under the hood. By the time he realizes there’s nothing wrong with it, I’ll be past him.”
She sighed. “Being a smoking hot female is such a hardship.”
“Yeah, yeah.” Roy wasn’t in the mood for humor. He was ready to be the ton of bricks about to come down on Dorian James.
DJ had been smart enough to have Henry remove Roy’s access to the security system, so the only way in was old school stealth.
