“So, what happened?” she asks.
I fill her in on what I saw when I arrived on the scene. Then what I did. She listens to the brief story, her eyes wide, her expression shocked. And when I’m done, she shakes her head.
“If not for you… I don’t know what would have happened to me,” she says.
“You’d have been trafficked,” I tell her. “Sold to the highest bidder. Then sold again when he tired of you, and so on.”
A crooked grin crosses her lips. “That was rhetorical. I was just trying to say that I’m grateful. And that you saved my life.”
“Oh. Well… you’re welcome. I’m just glad I was there in time.”
She sways in her seat a bit and shakes her head. “I’m really tired. I still feel… groggy.”
“It’s probably the effects of whatever he injected you with.”
“Yeah. Probably.”
“I think I should go home.”
“Absolutely not, He tried for you once, do you want to give him the chance to make another play for you?”
“After what you did last night— he wouldn’t dare— would he?”
“He’ll only be more determined,” I cut her off. “I’ve dealt with guys like this before. Trust me. He isn’t going to give up. He probably already has an order for you. We’re talking big money here and very powerful players. International. You wouldn’t believe how this world works, and who’s involved. But that’s basically how these pieces of shit work, Brynn. Hehasto deliver— or he becomes the next victim. Plus, you’re also a loose end he needs to tie up, so to speak.”
“I can’t stay here.”
“You can. And you will,” I tell her. “At least until I can figure out what we’re going to do about this guy.”
Her eyes shimmer with tears, though I can’t tell if it’s from fear or gratitude. I soften my expression.
“I’ll take you by your place later on,” I tell her. “We’ll get what you need but until we can deal with Cole, I would feel better if you let me keep an eye on you.”
Finally, the corners of her mouth curl upward. “Thank you, Burke.”
“You’re welcome,” I respond. “Now, go take a shower or get some more rest. I’ll work on our problem while you do.”
She gives me a nod and shuffles out of the kitchen, and as she goes, my eyes trace the curves of her body, the heat within me growing, my cock stiffer than iron. I tear my eyes away and shake my head, reminding myself that I can’t have her.
But Jesus fucking Christ, do I want her.
6
CHAPTER 6
BRYNN
Iwoke up to find a pair of jeans, a long-sleeved t-shirt, and a hoodie that both fit me well sitting on the chair in the corner of the room, along with toiletries and other essentials. Burke had obviously done a little shopping while I was asleep. After a long and luxurious shower, I’m starting to feel normal again. But still feeling like I’ve got a bit of a hangover.
After drying off, I get dressed. I stand in front of a full-length mirror and pull my hair back, tying it into a loose ponytail and stare at myself. I gingerly touch my swollen cheek, frowning at the bruise. It still hurts a bit from where that asshole slapped me. As I think about what might have happened had Burke not been there, a shudder runs through me.
Why was he there? Was he looking into Cole? Or me? I mean, if he already knows that Cole is involved in trafficking, he was probably investigating him and following him? And I just happened to be there. Wrong place, wrong time. Right?
I’ve never been very confrontational, but this whole situation is freaking me out, and I need to know what he knows. And what exactly is going on?
Dressed and feeling better, I step out of the room and am immediately inundated by the aroma of something delicious. My stomach rumbles, reminding me it’s been a little while since I’ve eaten, so I follow my nose down the hallway. I step into the kitchen and see Burke buzzing around in a flurry of activity.
Classical music plays from a soundbar, making me want to stick my fingers into my ears.
