Instead of proposing marriage or shared domicile, I hedge, “I just want you to be comfortable.”
“That’s great. But you’ll take me home tonight after your shift, right? I can’t stay here indefinitely. Plus, I work tomorrow.”
Shit.
That certainly complicates things. In the midst of this afternoon’s revelations and lust, I somehow lost track of what I was supposed to be doing with Lila, aside from protecting her and making her come on my hand.
Considering everything I’ve told her in the last hour, I’m taking a big chance by leaving her alone.
She knows we’re monitoring her phone, so hopefully she won’t try to contact Silas. And I’ll have the security guard downstairs call me if she leaves the building.
Until she and I have a chance to talk it out, I’m taking a leap of faith.
If that bites me in the ass, I’ll have to accept the consequences. Right down to losing my job.
My stomach roils. Am I being a pussy-whipped fool? Or can I trust her?
My head says I shouldn’t. But my heart has already made a home alongside hers.
As I look into her eyes, I sense something else. It goes beyond listening to my heart or head. There’s something intangible about my connection with Lila. There’s a completeness in my soul I’ve only ever experienced with her.
Well, that’s not entirely true.
My soul was whole until I was four, when I was adopted. It fractured permanently when they sent me—and me alone—to live with the Hayes family.
Although I’ll never be whole, this woman fills the barren spaces inside me.
Of course,I can trust her.
“Well?” she prods, brows raised expectantly. “What’s your plan for me?”
I bunch my lips to the corner of my mouth. “What time do you work tomorrow?”
“I’m going back to the evening shift. So I start at three.”
“I’ll ensure you get to work on time...?assuming it’s safe.”
“You think I’m in danger at work? That place is crawling with security.”
“I’m aware, Lila. I also know there’s more being played at Oak Winds than casino games. Your safety is my top priority.”
She releases my hand and takes a step backward, wrapping her arms around her midsection protectively. “Okay. I get it.” Her eyes drop to the floor, and she meekly concedes, “Looks like I’m staying here tonight.”
“We’ll talk when I get home. I need to hurry. They’re waiting on me.”
“Get changed or whatever. I’ll camp out on the couch.”
Her agreement isn’t as enthusiastic as I’d like, but at least she’s resigned to accept my protection. When I get back tonight, we’re gonna get to the bottom of whatever shit Silas has her entangled in. Hopefully, she can help us find him.
My phone buzzes with an incoming call. “That’s my boss. Make yourself comfortable.”
I leave Lila in the living room, answering the call as I pass my bedroom’s threshold.
As soon as I answer, SSA Chase is poised to read me the riot act. “Where the hell are you, Hayes?”
I close the bedroom door and keep my volume low. “I was on the other side of town with Lila when I got the call. I’m at my place now. I’ll be changed and out of here in five minutes.”
“Make it two. I’m sending you an address now. We got another tip on the BOLO for Riddick. There’s a sighting at a bar about five minutes from your place. The team is on the way, butyou’ll get there before the rest of us. If it’s Riddick, just keep an eye on him. Don’t engage without backup.”
