Meanwhile, their men whined and bitched about taking out the trash.
For the first time, my client’s feelings were not one-sided. Riley was different. I wanted her just as much as she wanted me.
But I couldn’t cross that line.
Taking one last glance at Riley to make sure she was okay, I stepped outside briefly for some air. Darkness cloaked the town and fresh fluffy snow swirled down from the sky, glittering in the golden illumination of the street lights.
I pinched the bridge of my nose, fighting to regain my self-control. Falling for my client was not an option. And the longer I had to spend countless hours shadowing Riley’s every move, it would be even harder to resist her.
I needed to get this guy off her tail, sooner rather than later.
Pulling my phone from my back pocket, I made a call. Teddy “Trooper” Gerard and I were Prospects together when we were younger, cutting our teeth on the biker life. We called each other brother now and we rode under the Reckless Order MC colors.
I didn’t advertise my club affiliation when I worked an agency gig though. As far as I was concerned, they were two entirely different aspects of my life.
With a few exceptions. Like what I was facing now.
“I could really use your help, brother,” I said.
“Say the word and I’ll be there,” Trooper replied. “You know that. What’s the problem?”
I sighed and tilted my head back, debating the best way to put it.
“I’ve got a protection detail. It’s…complicated.”
Trooper paused on the other end of the line.
“It’s never complicated with you, Nitro. Your big hulking presence tends to scare people off. And if they bait you into a fight, you knock their lights out. End of story. What’s different with this one?”
I clenched my teeth so hard that my jaw ached.
“Oh,” Trooper said, low and drawn out with understanding. And a hint of mockery, the smug bastard. “Some sweet little creature stole your heart.Finally.You’ve got it bad, don’t you, brother?”
“I didn’t call to gossip,” I replied with a warning edge to my voice.
He just chuckled, impervious to my menacing tone. That’s the thing about Trooper. He liked a good tussle. I’d seen him grin like an idiot right before a brawl broke out in our local clubhouse. He knew where to burn off his pent up energy and when he was given the chance, he let loose. Especially when it involved defending a brother and a friend.
“I need you to dig up information for me,” I said. “The asshole’s name is Chett Kramer.”
“Sure. I’ll let you know when I find something you can sink your teeth into. And what about you?”
“I can handle myself,” I replied.
“Not what I meant,” Trooper countered. “I was talking about the woman who has you squirming like a worm on a hook. God, I wish I could see your face right now. Are you blushing?”
“Do you want an ass-kicking for Christmas? Because that’s what you’re gonna get if you keep running your mouth off.”
He chuckled.
“Sounds like you’re blowing a lot of smoke, tough guy. It’s about time someone turned you soft.”
For a split second, the image of pregnant Riley flashed in my mind again. Every muscle in my body tensed, as one thought rose, unbidden.
Wife.
Fuck, I was in so much deep shit with this woman, and I had no idea how I would get myself out of it. At thirty-seven, I'd never even considered settling down with anyone before, but it's the only thing that filled my head when it came to Riley.
“I’m not going soft,” I replied with iron in my voice.
