“It can be a problem. Women like that need strong men to keep them in line.”
I shrugged, forcing a rough grin. “I’ve been working on it. Trying to keep her safe.” That much was true.
I stood and strolled around the living room, examining the expensive objects scattered on various tables and shelves.
Phelan leaned back in his seat, relaxing. “Maybe your Keira shouldn’t have poked her nose into business that wasn’t hers. But that’s a lesson she needed to learn.”
I stopped, turning my head slowly to look at him. My body had gone rigid.
“A lesson, huh? But those men who invaded her home and hurt her, they had nothing to do with you, right?”
Phelan laughed. “My goodness, not at all. Of course not. I didn’t—I just meant my conversation with her that night. I warned her to be more careful.”
“For her safety?”
“Exactly. A woman like her shouldn’t be a cop. She’s small and fragile. Too pretty for her own good. She shouldn’t have been out by herself at all. She should’ve had you with her. No offense.”
It pissed me off that Ialmostagreed with him, at least in part. If only I’d been there that night. But not remotely for the reasons he was suggesting. Keira was a great cop, and I would never hold her back, even if we sometimes disagreed. She knew how to do her job.
The thugs who invaded her home took her by surprise. That could happen to anyone. Man or woman, cop or civilian.
But I smiled and nodded. “Right. Like you talk about on your show. Men need to be in charge of what’s theirs. Never show weakness.”
“Exactly.” He beamed at me like I was his star pupil. “Now, how about you? What industry are you in, Dean?”
I stuck my hands in my pockets, keeping my posture casual. “I’m a ski and snowboard instructor in the winters. Off-season, I’m a bartender.”
“But I suspect you’re eager to get more out of life. Take more for yourself than just working by the hour for someone else.”
“You read my mind.”
“If you’re looking for a new opportunity, I need salespeople.”
I stroked my jaw, feigning curiosity. This could be an opportunity to learn more about the guy. Get close to him. If I could stand engaging with him long enough to stay undercover.
“Yeah? I might be interested.”
“Natasha can give you an application.” Phelan sat forward. “But here’s some free advice. The key is taking a stand at home first. Make sure Keira knows her place.” He paused, his gaze turning appraising. “Not that I fault you for being hoodwinked by a girl like Keira Marsh. That sexy little body? Her face? It would be hard for any man to resist.”
Yeah, no. Fuck this guy, and fuck his job opportunities. I wouldn’t make it working undercover for this fool.
Fury ignited in my chest, hot and immediate, and I barely managed to keep it from showing on my face. My hands stayed in my pockets as I stepped closer to him casually, like I was just shifting my weight.
I’d told Keira she shouldn’t provoke him. But she wasn’t here right now, and I had no problem doing it myself.
My plan had been to stay calm, but hey.Plans changed.
“But you’ve got to keep her in hand,” Phelan continued, oblivious. “Show her who’s boss at home. Who’s king of the castle, the big cock in the henhouse. You catch my drift?”
He laughed. I nodded, grinning.
And that’s when I lunged.
The first two fingers of my right hand jammed hard into his nostrils and squeezed, while my other hand clamped over his mouth to cover his scream. His eyes went wide as saucers, and his cowboy hat tumbled off his head and down behind the chair. His hair was limp underneath.
“I think I’ve heard enough,” I said quietly. “Now, it’s time for you to listen. You were talking about the importance of learning lessons. I’ve got one for you.”
Phelan started to struggle. I controlled him by squeezing my fingers tighter inside his nose. Tears streamed down his face. I leaned closer, keeping one ear out for Natasha and Keira, but there was no sound from the hall.
