“When I know it’s safe for you to be out without protection, I’ll let you go wherever you want.”
“When will that be?” I demand.
“Can’t say.”
“People have been asking where I am. I don’t like lying or evading their questions. It’s awkward.”
“Who’s been asking?” he asks.
I look away.
“Sanders? Frank?”
“Among others.”
“What did Sanders say?”
“That he’s been by my place. That he wants to talk to me about something.” I put a hand on C’s arm. “I could meet him and help to settle this.”
“No.”
“Why? He’s much more likely to confide in me than in Trick or Anvil.”
“No, he’s not.”
My eyes narrow. The only way he’d confide more in either of them would be if they threatened or hurt him. I don’t like thinking that they’ll do that. Dennis and I are close, and he’s been supportive when I’ve needed it while working on the show. That’s not to say that I think it’s okay for him to go around robbing C Crue or being present when one of their men is shot. I just believe that things might have gotten out of hand. Did the C Crue guys pull their guns? If Dennis was there, did he panic? Or did his partner? I sigh. I really, really wish I could stay out of the middle of this.
“I need some time to think, C. So this is the last night I’m staying at your place. Tomorrow I’m going home or to stay with a friend.”
He doesn’t answer, and I don’t know if that means he’s agreeing or just tired of talking about it. We reach the upstairs game room where Trick and Anvil are playing pool.
Connor’s hand rests on my ass. I have mixed feelings about it being there. On the one hand, deep down the possessive feel of it excites me. On the other, it signals what I am... a sex toy to be fondled in public. My cheeks flush.
“Hey, C,” Trick says. “You play pool, Zoe?”
This relaxes me, making me feel like I’m being invited into an inner circle, the way a girlfriend would be. Do these guys have girlfriends? They definitely get laid a lot, but I’ve never heard of them being linked to one girl. Still the friendly invitation makes me happy because at least he’s not looking at me like I might have knowledge about the van robbery.
“No, but I wouldn’t mind learning,” I say with a friendly smile.
“I’ll show you,” Connor says, giving my ass a slow squeeze.
Trick winks.
“Go sit, Zoe.” C nods at the couch.
I retreat to a cozy corner, mostly because no other action makes sense.
The three men move into a tight circle, and I can’t make out what they’re saying in low voices. A minute later, Anvil sets his pool cue against the wall, and he and Trick leave.
“What was that about?”
Connor leans against the pool table, watching me. “Doesn’t concern you.”
“You sure?”
He arches a brow.
“Because I have a right to know if it does.”
