Page 23 of Sinful Negotiations

“Am I a project?”

“No. I’m not here for you in that way, although it seems danger found you.”

“What kind of danger?”

“Classified.”

His frank demeanor annoyed her. “This is my life.”

“Yes, it is.”

“But you’re not going to tell me anything?”

“Not yet. I don’t have all the information. It would be speculation at this point.”

She slid her plate away with a slight huff. “I want to go home.”

“No.”

“Why not, Aidan?”

“Because someone tried to break into your apartment and almost ran you over when leaving the office.”

“But you won’t tell me who or why?”

“I honestly don’t know who or the why.”

There had always been a hint of danger surrounding Aidan, and now she knew why even if she didn’t know the reasons why. Could she live with that? Was she a piece on the chessboard? Did he even care? “Are you using me?”

“No. You’re an unexpected complication.”

“A complication? What a shitty thing to say. I hate you.”

“No, you don’t, and I didn’t mean it that way.”

“Then explain.” Tessa held up one hand. “Never mind. You can’t. Right?”

“I can say I’m undercover and working on a case. Somehow, you’re connected, but I don’t how.”

“Is there a spare bedroom?”

“Yes, but no bed. I prefer you sleep with me anyway.”

“This is frustrating, Aidan. Do you even care? I need to leave town.”

“No. Whoever is after you won’t stop, and if I didn’t care, I’d have someone else assigned to you.”

“So, I’m not just a pawn, and you’re not going to disappear one day?”

“No. Not unless you want me to. I like you and you fry awesome bacon, nice and crispy the way I like it.”

“Thank you.” He ran one hand through his hair in frustration, and she hated herself for wanting to comfort him. “The injury? Did that happen because of me?”

“I’ve been watching your place at night.”

Tessa shifted in her seat. “For how long?”

“The last week.”

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