He frowned. “I don’t like it, but I like leaving you out in the open less. We need to get rid of the threat before it strikes again. At least if they come after you on your own turf, you’re in control.” Meaninghewould be in control.
Solene wanted to yell at him, to ask him why he thought it acceptable to put her at risk, but the set of his jaw and frown told her he didn’t like this any more than she did. And that surprised her.
“So, I have to be with you all the time until we catch these people?”
“Until I, Noel, and Hammer catch them, yes.” His tone brooked no nonsense. “Your safety is our priority.” He emphasized that and glared at Noel. “I’m not kidding about that.”
“Which is why she’s in your hands.” Noel eased Addy off his lap and stood. “Now how about dinner? I’m thinking Chinese. Hammer’s buying.”
Hammer groaned. “Why? I bought yesterday.”
“Not to mention we just ate.” Solene grimaced.
“I’m not saying I can’t eat again, but I just got groceries.”
“Try last week.” Noel snorted. “And you eat nonstop. I filled the fridge the other day, and it’s empty already.”
“I get hungry. Sue me.”
Addy asked him, “Can you cook?”
“I can use the microwave. I’m awesome at reheating things.” Hammer grinned as if confessing a major achievement.
Solene shook her head. “So not only do you eat everything in sight, you also expect everyone to cook for you. Typical man.”
“Hey.” Hammer unfolded himself from the couch. “I don’t have to take that. I’m gonna go talk to Noel Jr., a man who actually appreciates me.” He shot Noel and Deacon the finger, glared at Solene, then ruined it by laughing before he stormed out of the room.
Deacon clapped. “Now that’s how you make an exit.”
Solene stood, aware of Deacon’s gaze burning through her back. “On that note, I’m out of here.”
He rose as well and kept way too close to her. “We’reout of here.”
“Whatever.”
Addy frowned. “You’re going to miss Chinese night.”
“Sorry, Addy, but I’m tired. It’s been a long day.” The look Solene shot Deacon would leave no one in any doubt as towhohad made it feel like forever.
Noel nodded. “I feel your pain.”
Deacon flipped him off. “Go find some answers, Ice Man. But don’t worry about Solene. I’ll takegoodcare of her,” he purred.
Solene gave him a wary glance, becausegoodcame out way too husky for her peace of mind.
Noel put his arm around Addy’s shoulder. They looked perfect together. “Come on, baby. Let’s leave them be. You and I have things to do tonight.”
Addy practically melted. Solene liked that her friend had found love, but the doe eyes Addy gave Noel were a little much. Solene believed in keeping one foot firmly on the ground. Being realistic kept her sharp, engaged, and strong. Not vulnerable to any man spouting half-truths to get what he wanted from her. She liked romance, and she wanted to believe in the notion of love, however farfetched it might be. But there was more to the feeling than just saying the right things with a sexy smile.
Noel nuzzled Addy’s nose, and Solene heard Deacon sigh.
Addy and Noel were like honey glazing a cream filled, frosting topped donut. Too sweet and frankly, a little sickly. In a louder voice, she said, “On that note, I’m leaving. I’ll take a raincheck on the Chinese food. Tell Hammer and Noel Jr. we said goodbye.”
She quickly preceded Deacon out the door so as not to hear Addy asking why the rush.
Once in Deacon’s car, she sat back and groaned. “No more love talk. Just, not for a while.”
“Amen to that,” Deacon agreed and drove them in silence back to her home. No more than a fifteen-minute drive north, and they pulled into her driveway. He left the car running. “Stay here.”
