Page 73 of Reveal

“Screw her,” he mutters.

“I need her, though.”

“And I need you.”

“Ah, nice segue.”

“You noticed?”

“Pretty hard not to.”

“So tonight? Can I see you?” he asks again.

“I told you—I have work.”

“After, then?”

“I told you”—I laugh—“I have to meet a potential client, and you have an early court date tomorrow.”

“Are you telling me no, Vaughn?” he teases and reminds me of how stubborn he can be.

“I’m telling you I have to go now,” I say and hang up with a smile on my lips.

My cell rings again instantly. I laugh when I see Ryker’s name again.

“This is Vee. Can I help you?” I answer like I always do my Wicked Ways number.

“Yes, I’m having trouble with one of your girls, and I’d like to file a report.”

“A report? Is that so?” I ask, my heart beating faster at the sound of his voice, even though I just heard it.

“Mmm-hmm. She’s gorgeous and stubborn and works too damn much, but I admire her for it more than she’ll ever know.”

“Well, I’m sure she’d be flattered to hear that, but it can’t make the girl she has to deal with, the day job she has to attend, or the nervous Nellie client she has to meet with—any of those three things—go away. It’s an awful lot to pack into one night and then have enough energy to give you the proper attention you deserve.”

“Something’s standing at attention all right,” he jokes, and before I say anything, he continues. “I hate that she has to work a day job. A night job. A job that doesn’t suit her.”

“I’m sure she does, too, because she’d rather be with you.”

“And I hate that she has to meet with random men at all hours of the night. It’s not safe.”

“I’m at the club. It’s safer than most places.”

“But meeting the man after . . . I don’t like that in the least.”

“Becoming overprotective, are we?” I ask, all the while secretly loving that someone is. That someone cares. “Besides, you know this person because you referred him to her back in the days when you were trying to apologize by referral.”

“Can’t blame a man for trying.”

“I’m not.” I lean back in my chair and close my eyes. “But like I said, you referred him my way, so I’m pretty sure he’s safe.”

“Who is it?” he asks.

“You know I can’t answer that,” I say with a sigh.

“Why are you meeting him so late? What time do you get off?”

“He’s nervous and doesn’t want anyone to see us together. He’s afraid I’m an undercover cop, I think.”