“That and the nature of my job. I’m a fixer, so if I came in joking and teasing, particularly as a woman, I wouldn’t be taken seriously.” I sighed. “My parents didn’t have much levity in their lives either. Sweet and lovable, but not particularly interested in anything funny. We didn’t have television growing up, until Mom died, actually, and by then, I was out of the house and trying to build my career. So, until I met Ripley, I didn’t really know about comedy.”
“That’s sad, baby.”
I nodded. “Yeah, I guess it is a little. I’m trying to make up for it now, but a lot of stuff goes over my head,” I admitted.
“I get the sadness thing,” he said.
“Oh?”
He stroked my cheek. “My wife was murdered.”
I gasped. “What?”
“Ten years ago. Hit by another club.”
I suddenly felt sick. I pushed at his shoulders, but he didn’t budge.
“Need you to hear this,” he said, stroking the pulse at my neck.
I met his eyes, my heart racing.
“You’re the first woman who’s made me want more since Morgan died. I don’t know how far this will go, but I want to explore it. So… widowed, not currently seeing anyone, neither of us will share, and my club is a one-percent club, yes, but that’s all the information I’m giving you on that front.”
“One-percent means criminal, right?”
“Not necessarily.”
I raised an eyebrow.
“We take care of our own, Dimples, whatever that takes.”
“Murder?” I whispered, and he kissed me.
“We’re done talkin’ about the club.” He released me and I suddenly felt bereft. “Anything else you wanna know?”
I shook my head.
“You gonna explore this with me?”
“I don’t know,” I admitted.
“You need some convincing?”
I put a hand out to ward him off as he approached. “Come any closer and I’ll lose my resolve.”
“Why the fuck do you need resolve?”
“Call it preservation of my heart and sanity. And… Teddy.”
He smiled. “I’m gonna wear you down, baby.”
“I don’t know that I can handle you wearing me down,” I said. “You, and your lifestyle, are a lot to process, and as much as I appreciate you being honest with me, I’m not sure I belong here.”
“Why not?”
“Because I need safe surrounding me and Teddy.”
“You mean, good.”
