Page 38 of Bound By Love

“You got it.”

We returned to the kitchen, and a thick fog of tension entombed me as I sat down. Derek stared at me, warily.

Awkward.

“I’m sorry for earlier,” he said, holding my gaze this time. “Would it be all right if I took a look at your car?”

“You don’t have to. I’ll call somebody in the morning.”

“I know I don’t have to, but I want to… please.”

He saidplease. How could I not accept his offer when he looked so dismal? “Okay, if it wouldn’t be an imposition.”

“Not at all.” He smiled, showing off perfect teeth framed by full lips. His golden-blond hair was long on top and flowed gently to the side. And he had sexy scruff. Why did a scruffy face over a chiseled jawline warm my insides?

I nodded, unable to speak.

The table quieted as we finished our meal. Derek relaxed, as did I. He didn’t say much, but then neither did I. Owen, on the other hand, fell into witty banter with Brea.

For the remainder of the evening, I enjoyed spending time with the Watson family, including Derek.

15 Will

SUNDAYS SUCKED SINCE Miranda left. They were a constant reminder of what I’d lost. Early morning lovemaking, a shower together afterward, and breakfast on the deck as we listened to the waves crash. Miranda, inhaling the salty air, her pretty blue eyes glittering with joy.

After grabbing a banana off the counter, I took it into the living room with a cup of coffee. Before I sat on the sofa, the doorbell rang, stopping me in place.

What now?

I opened the door to Cori, holding a pink package with a guilty grimace. “Hi. Donuts as a peace offering.” She held the box out to me.

“Do you honestly think donuts are a suitable offering for destroying my life?” I hated this song and dance, but I’d been ordered to maintain ignorance and pretend I didn’t know Cori Jansen wasn’t really an FBI agent or that she was involved with Jason.

“No, but it’s all I can afford.”

“Come in but don’t get comfortable.” As much as I’d like to throttle Cori, I couldn’t, in the off chance she slipped up and revealed important information.

“Thanks.” She sat on the club chair as I closed the door. “How have you been? It’s been weeks since we last spoke. I’ve been worried. You haven’t answered any of my calls or texts.”

“How do you think I’ve been after my girlfriend disappears without a trace? I’m not celebrating, if that’s what you were hoping for.”

She sighed. “So you haven’t heard from her? Nobody vanishes without a trace. Maybe she just went on an extended vacation. Do you want me to do some digging?”

“No. I don’t want you going anywhere near her. I just want you to stay the hell out of my life. You’ve done enough damage!” I couldn’t help but yell. The very sight of Cori set me off in the worst way. If it hadn’t been for her and the whole fake FBI shit, none of this would have happened. Miranda would still be with me.

Of course, Cori couldn’t know I was on to her. I still had to pretend like I didn’t know shit. Axel freaked me out with his concern for Miranda’s safety. I couldn’t allude we were on to them… all of them. Plus, York was in Spokane watching Miranda. Next week I’d get a full report. I couldn’t wait for all of this to be over.

“You act like I wanted to destroy your life.” She sniffled.Fucking hell. “I was assigned toyourcase. Shit happens, Will. You agreed to help catch Jason. Don’t you want to help stop him before he steals more money from your clients?” She shifted on the chair, fidgeting with the hem of her shirt. She was trying to get me back in the game. “This wasn’t forced on you. You had a choice.”

She wasn’t wrong. I did have a choice. Had I known the truth, I would have gone to the real Feds and my father. But I had blindly trusted Abe when he first approached me. I was in too deep, and according to Axel, I needed to keep pretending I was on Cori and Abe’s side. And I would, because Axel and York promised we’d stop Jason.

Cori sniveled on the chair, wiping away tears as they rolled down her cheek. I hated this bitch with a passion. But I had to fake not hating her.

“Look, I don’t mean to be a jerk. But you took your assignment too far with all the kissing.”

“I know, I know. And I’m so terribly sorry. I’ve never done anything like that before. I was unprofessional. It’s just…”

“Just what?”

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