Page 620 of Hell Hath No Fury
The striking grin returns. “So, I guess this happens a lot.”
“Yep.” I slide the iPhone out of my jacket pocket and lay her gift next to her plate. “I’ll be gone most of tomorrow. If you need me, call or text. If I contact you, answer right away.”
Her little body tightens and her mouth twists. I know she’s getting ready to unload on me for being an asshole. I pre-empt her complaints with an explanation, which I rarely offer except to her. “I need to make sure you’re safe. This shit with Greyson isn’t something to fuck around with. He’s small and stupid but that doesn’t make him less dangerous. Probably more so because he’s ambitious but has no idea who he’s up against.”
A shiver ripples through her. Her balls remain intact despite her fear, and she meets my gaze dead on. “You?”
“Yeah, me, fireball. Man’s got a death wish.”
Delicate fingertips graze the bronze case, as if she thinks I’m going to snatch the present away. “It’s yours, Addie. No strings. If you want a different one, let me know. I’ll get you anything you want.”
She hesitates, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear while she mulls over my pronouncement. Jaded from who the hell knows what, but I know I fucking hate her cynicism, she remains cautious. I remain quiet, trying not to freak her out.
Until ever so slowly she picks up the phone. Her shoulders raise to her ears. “I’ve never had one before. I don’t know how to use it.”
Her voice squeaks with shame. “No worries.” I chuckle from the obvious solution. “Chelsea will take care of that in no time.”
The genuine smile I rarely see blows up on her face. Looking at her is like staring at the sun. “Yeah, I guess she will.”
She’s excited and her joy is pure heaven.
“This is the first present anyone has ever given me.” She looks up with shining eyes. “Thank you.”
So many fucking levels of wrong. “You’re welcome. If you need anything else, don’t be afraid to ask.”
Trembling fingers trace down the screen. “No, this is plenty.”
The whisper kills me, and I can’t stop myself from reaching out to her. For the first time, she doesn’t flinch from my touch. Instead, her cheek nuzzles my palm. Obviously, she’s not used to affection either. “This is just the start. You’re going to have a good life here with me. Know that.”
Our reverie only lasts mere seconds, and she shies away from my hand. Skepticism steals her confidence in me. I get it. She’s had a shit life and distrust that deep can’t be overcome in a few days. No worries. Since she’s not going anywhere, I have all the time in the world to convince her.
CHAPTER TEN
Titan
Jace glances down at his tablet again. “Greyson’s been busy. He tried and failed to recruit three of our runners but succeeded in stealing a small shipment at the storage unit on Grove Road.”
Despite my irritation from this gnat pestering me and my business, I smile at the mention of the first self-storage center I purchased after Dad’s murder. The facilities are the perfect place to hide shit from the feds. No one suspects a thing with people bringing in and taking out stuff all the time. “Reward the runners for their loyalty. Who was working at Express?”
“Tyrone. According to him, he fell asleep and didn’t hear a thing.”
The same skepticismhardens his tone that I feel in my gut. Bastard was in on the take. “End him.”
“Yes…”
I don’t hear thebossI expect after rendering an order and turn to see what’s causing his disrespect.
Addie.
Glorious Addie stands in the doorway to the patio with Pete waiting obediently beside her. With the strands of tiny white lights Chels strung around the patio reflecting on her stunning face, she glows in the darkness like the angel she is. I toss my head toward the house. “Dismissed.”
‘Yes, sir.”
He hustles in her direction, and she’s quick to move out of the way with her dog stepping in tandem like some kind of synchronized swimmers. You’ve got to love that loyal mutt.
Neither of them speaks or acknowledges each other except for her letting Jace pass. I need to correct him on that part. As the woman of the house now, she should be addressed and with respect.
With soundless feet, she steps across the textured concrete to the yard and lets Pete loose in the grass. And stays there. I don’t understand this space—physically or mentally—she puts between us and stride to her. I tug her sweet body to me, sheathing her back with my chest, and wrap my arms around her waist. I nuzzle her neck, enjoying her feminine scent. “God, you feel good.”
