Page 78 of Wicked Rush

“She’s special to me. I don’t want her hurt.”

“A little too late for that.”

“She wasn’t too smart about the tides the night she tried to break into my house. But I’ll give her this, she’s got brass balls.”

“Garrett and Dean,” Seth sighed.

“Their idea. And honestly, the key, I don’t even know where the other chip is but she said she hid it in one of the sea caves. Kayaked in and submerged it. At this point, it’s either still there or washed out to sea.”

“She’s tough.”

“She’s leaving.” Lars glanced to Braelynn, who dipped her toes into the hot tub.

“Giordano’s going to claim he knew nothing about the espionage. That’s a woman on video, not him. It looks bad that it was at his company but unless you can tie him in directly, he’s getting off.”

“He’s got all these bad things going on around him but there’s no evidence. As long as he’s out, Braelynn’s at risk. He knows she took the data and don’t think for one second he won’t come after her. He might not do it himself, but he’ll make a move. No, she’s got to leave.”

“I see your point.” Seth glanced to her.

“The good news is that the research is going to be back where it belongs. We have the key and can try to get the other chip. Braelynn will disappear to wherever the feds are sending her. She’ll be set up somewhere safe.” Lars’ stomach dropped as he talked through the scenario like the calm rational person he usually was. But inside his chest, a tornado of emotion swirled.

“So you’re gonna let her go?”

“Yeah.” No choice.

“Just like that?” Seth raised an eyebrow at him.

“Just like that.” The lie lingered on his lips. Setting her free, ensuring her safety would come at a steep price. “Can you do me a favor?”

“Yeah.”

“I’ve got lasagna in the freezer. Can you pull it out for me?”

“Homemade?”

“Hell, yeah. Is there anything else?”

“You know, I love you, right?”

“I love you, too. But this relationship seems a little one sided,” Lars joked.

“No, no, no. I provide you with endless hours of entertainment and you feed me. I think I might move in when we get back.” Seth gave a wave and set out to tend to dinner.

Lars scooped up two glasses, watching as Braelynn stretched her arms above her head. The sunset waned in the distance; a cascade of light danced upon the waves, its final beams streaming from the pink and blue sky. The thin marine layer skimmed the horizon, and the sun disappeared within seconds.

His cock twitched as she raked her fingers into her dark hair, twirling the silken strands. The draping fabric of his robe did little to conceal her raw beauty underneath it. He laughed, considering that she could be wrapped in burlap and he’d still get hard. I want to keep her in my life.

“Brae.” As she turned, the sight of her puffy, reddened face gutted him. Although her eyes had dried, she wore the pain of the day like a mask.

“I’m sorry for everything. But you see,” she gave a sad laugh, “it wasn’t me. Finally, finally someone saw it. And it wasn’t me.”

“We need to talk.” He set down the wine onto an end table.

“I’ve already said I’m sorry, Lars.”

“How long have you known me? You said you saw me speaking? That was months ago. This thing between you and me? It’s not about just this weekend. Ever since the beach, you’ve been the only thing on my mind.” He slipped his arm around her waist. “How long? Truth.”

“Why does it matter?”