“Want me to make some calls, honey?” Cleo asks.
“Yes, please. Can you check Ella out, too? See if there’s any reason someone would want her gone?”
“Of course. Don’t forget it’s my birthday next week.”
Gable leans forward. “Gift is already on the way.”
I roll my eyes. “Kiss ass.”
“Thank you, sweetie. Love you both. Stay safe!” Cleo sings, then hangs up.
Now, we wait.
Gable collapses onto the couch, focused on his phone.
I sit beside him, my ribs still aching. “Who are you texting?”
“My dark web guy. I’ll forward him the message and see if he can figure out where it came from if Cleo can’t.” He elbows me in the ribs, and I wheeze. “That’s for the false truce, dickhead.”
I suppose it’s justified.
I drop my head back and stare at the ceiling. I’ll have to delay Ella tonight. If it turns out she has done something to deserve this bounty, the last thing I should be doing is having sex with her when I find out. Like it or not, I’m attached to her, and I’ll try to excuse what she’s done to keep her in my life. If I keep my distance and find out she’s done something fucking heinous, I can send Gable over there to finish what I couldn’t even start.
Then move on with my life.
But what if she is innocent? Her bounty is still active, and if we don’t finish this job, someone else will take it.
An ache starts in my temple, and I rub it. “I’m gonna shower and get some sleep.”
Gable nods, and when I get to the bathroom door, he speaks.
“I love you, Ash.”
My smile is small. “Love you too, Gabe.”
Chapter 14
Asher
ELLA: You’re sure I didn’t scare you off?
Ismile at my phone, typing back quick.
ME: Not a fucking chance. Gable just needs me tonight. Brother stuff. What are you doing?
I lost rock, paper, scissors for the bed, so I stretch out on the couch, one hand tucked behind my head as I wait for Ella’s response.
ELLA: Trying to write, but I keep thinking about your hands.
I grin.
ME: Are you trying to sext with me,Miss Gibson?
ELLA: Absolutely not. If I’m typing anything sexy, it’s in this damn book.
ELLA: Stop distracting me
My phone starts vibrating in my hand, the name on the screen a welcome one. One I hadn’t realized I needed to see until this very second.
