“He’s providing the security detail?” Heather whispered behind his back.
Grabbing her hand, he walked toward the gang leader. “I’m going to assume you’ll want this gig to be off the record.”
Jian smiled coyly. “That might be best for all involved. Ms. Silva, nice tosee you again.”
Her hand tightened in his, but she responded, “You too. Thank youfor your help.”
“Anything for my man here.”
Turning to him, she said, “And now that you have your security detail, I can take you home and clean up someof these cuts.”
“I told you I’m fine.” The last thing he needed was Heather getting her hands on him.
“Jian”—she addressed the darkly dressed man—“does he look like he’s fine to you, or do you think he should get someone to tend to his wounds so they don’tget infected?”
A grin lit Jian’s face, damn traitor. “I think your woman might be right. Can’t have anything getting infected now. Let her take care of you and don’t worry. My men will see that nothing gets inhere tonight.”
Looking around to check out the mess, he sighed. It was late and his muscles were sore. He could use a hot shower.
“You’ve got my cell. Call me if anything strange happens. Doesn’t matter what time.”
Jian nodded. After cleaning up and replacing some tools into the toolbox, he escorted Heather down the few stairs to the street level door.
“You seriously trust those guys?” Her eyes weren’t accusatory, merely curious. He appreciated that.
“I trust Jian. He trusts them. That’s good enough for me. Plus there’s nothing inside to steal except some tools and lumber. Not exactly whatthey deal in.”
“I don’t even want to know whatthey deal in.”
“Smart girl. It’s better not to know. I stay out of it as much as possible.”
“Where’s your truck parked?” Her eyes scanned the street.
“It’s a few blocks over in a lot. We haven’t cleared out the back parking lot yet. You don’t have to follow me home. I promise I’ll go there and clean up. You’ve probably got important plans for tonight.”
“Actually I don’t. Charlotte borrowed my car this morning then dropped me off at work. I took a taxi over here from my office.”
“How are you getting back home? Not too many taxis in this small town.”
She narrowed her eyes and glared, whichmade him grin.
“I guess I could be persuaded to give you a ride home.”
“I’ll drive. You’re limping.”
Was he? He hadn’t even noticed, though now that she mentioned it, his leg did throb, plus a few other places.
“I think I’m still capable of driving a vehicle. Thank you.”
He was capable of a whole lot more than that. Remembering how she’d practically thrown herself at him after the wedding had his pants growing tight. Her whimpered admission that he was more efficient than her vibrator had worked him up so much it had taken every ounce of control he had and then some not to screw her right against the wall that second. But she’d gotten her rocks off. He’d gotten a sleepless night watching her naked form next tohim on the bed.
When they got to his truck, she moved toward the driver’s side. Opening the door, he allowed her to get in, a smirk on her face, then slid in after her.
“No, get in the other side. I’m driving,” she argued.
“Not in my truck you aren’t, princess.”
* * * *
