“Only if we get some for all of you, because I’m not going anywhere without you.”
A different kind of heaviness settles in the air, and I wonder if I’ve said too much, but fuck it, I’m not hiding behind an emotionless wall anymore. They might be afraid to confront their feelings, but I’ve scaled that beast and come out the other side. I’m still scared, because I’m navigating new terrain, but I’m done pretending.
“I can make that happen,” Theo says. “Because we’re not letting you out of our sight.”
“Ever,” Saint adds, stretching his arm across the console to squeeze my hand.
Tears prick my eyes, but for once, they are happy tears.
Nothing else is said, but that’s okay, because nothing else needs to be said.
“He’s slowing down,” Saint says ten minutes later when we reach the large public park and woodland on the outskirts of Fenton.
Saint follows his route through the park, pulling into the far end of the parking lot and killing the engine. It’s late afternoon, and the sun is starting to set, but there are still a ton of people around. Families taking young kids to the playground. Couples out walking dogs. Joggers and cyclists. But it’s the dark-haired man sitting on the bench beside Diesel who has claimed our interest.
Acid churns in my gut as I watch Diesel discreetly chatting with the DEA agent.
“I fucking knew we couldn’t trust that motherfucker,” Saint says, anger simmering in his tone.
“We don’t know what this is.” I’m not defending him per se—I just don’t want to jump to the obvious conclusion. “He said he was working an angle. This could be it.”
“We need fucking answers,” Saint says. “And we’re getting them tonight.” He looks into the back seat. “Reschedule the meet with Bry to tomorrow night. This can’t wait.”
We sit in silence for another few minutes, watching the two men talking, their faces changing as the conversation grows heated.
What I wouldn’t give to hear what they are saying.
The DEA dude jumps up, stalking off and getting into a blacked-out SUV. We all duck down in our seats, waiting for his car to pass. Saint has his hand on the door handle when I tug on his elbow. “I’ll go. You two will just end up punching one another.” I don’t wait for his reply, hopping out and jogging toward Diesel’s Land Rover.
He’s about to drive off when he spots me. He rests his head on the steering wheel, his lips moving as I walk around the car and climb into the passenger seat.
“I bet this was that asshole’s idea,” he supplies, but his voice is resigned, not angry. I’m guessing that is more to do with the bruising shadows under his eyes and his pale pallor.
“When did you last sleep, Diesel? Last eat a proper meal?”
He shrugs. “I’ve a lot on my plate right now,” he admits.
“And I’m only adding to your burden.”
“You’re not a burden, Harlow. You never could be. You’re my priority.”
“Why, Diesel? You’ve got to give me,us, some answers.” I make a split-second decision, hoping I’m making the right call. “I know you work for VERO.”
“Shit.” He closes his eyes briefly, and air escapes his mouth. “Theo is more talented than I’ve given him credit for.”
“My man has mad skills.” Pride seeps into my tone, and Diesel picks up on it.
“You’re in love with him.”
I confirm it with my eyes.
“With all of them?” he inquires.
I don’t answer that question because I haven’t told the guys yet. “It doesn’t matter. What matters is, we’re supposed to be working as a team and we’re not. We need to know it all, Diesel.” I touch his arm. “I know you don’t trust them, but you trust me, and I trust them, so, please, come back to the barn, have a shower, eat some lasagna, have a beer, and just tell us what the fuck is going on.”
_______________
“Where do youwant me to start?” Diesel asks an hour later after we’ve all eaten. Theo has lit a fire, and we’re all sitting around it, sipping beers. Diesel is drinking coffee, because he insists he needs to head home later, and it’s probably for the best even though I offered him a room for the night.
