Her face tightens. “Not this again. I didn’t do anything with Lee. He was just talking to me.”
“Think maybe he was keeping you distracted?” I ask casually, pulling my drawer open.
Her eyes narrow. “Why would he do that?”
I shrug, taking out a black tee and pulling it on. “Weird, isn’t it? He dragged you into the back, kept you talking.”
“He was showing me his office,” she mutters.
I bark out a laugh. “Jesus, it’s a broom cupboard. What’s there to show?”
“He was proud of it,” she insists, voice low. “I think,” her shoulders slump, “he was just proud.”
I snort out another laugh. “Well, his employment’s about to be terminated.”
Her head snaps up. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
“Nothing,” I deflect, lacing my boots. “I’ve already said too much. Axel’ll kill me.”
She studies me for a long beat then frowns. “Why are you dressed like that?”
I glance down. “What do you mean?”
“All in black. Usually, it’s white tee and jeans. I don’t think I’ve ever seen you wear anything else.”
I smile, leaning down to kiss her forehead. “I’ve got work, babe. Get some sleep.”
But she doesn’t lie back down, just like I knew she wouldn’t. She perches on the edge of the bed, torn, suspicion warring with hesitation. “Why don’t I come?” she blurts.
I shake my head. “It’s club business, darlin’.”
“Involving Lee?” she presses.
I nod once. “Stay out of trouble while I’m gone.”
She leans forward suddenly, desperation flashing in her eyes. “Shouldn’t I know the truth? About your life? About what you do? If you want me to stick around, shouldn’t I know what I’m getting into?”
“Axel would have my balls,” I say flatly.
“I won’t tell him.”
I laugh under my breath. “Nah, but once you see what I do, you might run for the hills.”
“Colin killed my mum,” she blurts, and I freeze. My head jerks towards her. She nods quickly, like she has to force the words out before she loses her nerve. “I knew the second they told me she died. And then he admitted it to me. That’s why he’s desperate to find me.”
I step closer, my voice low. “He wants to shut you up?”
She nods again, her chin trembling. “He likes to be in control of me. I think he’s relaxed a little now because I haven’t told anyone. Not until now. But my point is,” she swallows hard, “I can keep quiet.”
Her words hang between us, heavy.
I want to push, to demand details, but the clock in my head is already ticking down. Axel’s waiting, Lee’s tied in the basement, and I need her to follow me. If she’s guilty, she’ll confess the second she sees me laying into Lee. Women like her, they have empathy. She won’t let him take the blame if she’s guilty.
I crouch in front of her, cupping her knee. “We’ll talk later,” I say firmly. “I’ve gotta go.”
She searches my face, eyes shimmering, and she nods slowly. I kiss her temple and force myself out the door before I change my mind.
Axel doesn’t look up from the papers spread across his desk as I enter. Grizz is just as occupied, his head buried in the laptop balanced on his knee.
