Page 9 of Wicked Rush

“She’s not your responsibility,” Garrett pointed out.

“See, that’s where you’re wrong. I tried to tell myself that, but I just can’t do it anymore. Look, I know damn well I could wash my hands of this thing. I could…no, I probably should walk away and pretend like it all never happened. But you both know that’s not me. You can judge me if you want but you know that if the shoe were on the other foot, you’d be doing the same thing as me. I’m not looking for your help with this, but don’t get in my way. I don’t know what the hell you both are planning with Giordano and that shit company of his. You guys know that if you need me, I’m here. But leave Braelynn out of this for now.”

“If she’s involved…” Garrett began.

“If she’s involved in any of the things he was working on with the plastics, I’ll find out. I’d be the first one to hand you over evidence. But right now, I need to find out what happened that day on the beach. Something is off with this whole thing. Dean won’t tell me…”

“There are people who might not want you snooping into this,” Chase warned.

“Their problem, not mine.”

“All right. Well, just be careful,” Garrett warned, and changed the subject. “Hey, do you mind if I stop by the office before dropping you off? I know it's pretty far out of the way, but Selby forgot her sneakers. Something about needing them for a class tomorrow morning.”

“You’re kidding me, right?” Lars asked with a smile.

“You know I love her but she has me running around for her favorite pair of shoes.”

“Why doesn’t she go get them?”

“She’s planning something special.” He gave Chase and Lars a sly smile. “So who am I to say no?”

“Yeah, okay.” Lars laughed.

“Hey, you know what they say, ‘happy wife, happy life’.” Garrett shrugged.

“You guys aren’t married yet.” Chase smiled at Lars.

“Whatever. Gotta keep my woman happy.”

“No worries. I’m not going anywhere,” Lars said. “Get her kicks and then drop me off.”

On the long car ride to the office and back to his home, Lars mulled over his interaction with Braelynn at the party. She couldn’t quite look him in the eye as she denied knowing him. She’d insisted on a clandestine meeting, but had agreed nonetheless, supporting his theory that not only did the key belong to her, but it held significance. He’d caught the flash of desire in her eyes, but it was the fear that tore up his gut. He suspected whatever secret she was hiding was dangerous, and her life might still be at risk.

Lars approached his front door, and slid his finger over the cool glass of the biometric lock. As he pressed through the entryway, a cold wet tongue brushed over his hand, breaking his contemplation. Sasha. A streak of moonlight reflected off her midnight black coat and he fell to one knee, embracing the furry beast that had stolen his heart.

Three years ago, he’d adopted her on a rock climbing trip in the Black Hills of South Dakota. On his way to the cliffs, he’d run into a group of local rescuers at a diner, learned of their mission and assisted as they’d picked up a pack of stray dogs. Although nearly a dozen puppies had been taken into safety, Lars had connected with their mama. She was shaking in his arms on the ride back to the shelter, and he’d refused to leave without her. Knowing that her odds of adoption were low, he’d given her a forever home.

Lars pressed to his feet, and threw off his jacket. Stalking toward the kitchen, he went in search of a drink. Not bothering to turn on the light, he reached for the refrigerator door. He considered a beer to break his tension, but snatched a bottle of water instead. He twisted off the cap, fingering its ridged edges and glanced to Sasha, who whimpered, her eyes darting from him to a glass jar full of bones. She barked in response as he unclipped the top, retrieving a treat.

“Sorry, girl.” His gentle giant bit down onto the large biscuit, and scampered down the hallway with it.

“You’re welcome.” He smiled.

Thoughts of Braelynn spun through his mind. She’d been even more beautiful than he recalled. Embracing her in his arms had stirred an erotic fantasy he couldn’t shake. As she’d brushed up against his chest, her pert breasts had revealed her arousal. He looked forward to seeing her again tomorrow night and hoped like hell she was innocent. Lars cursed to himself as his cock rushed with blood. Jesus, Lars.Just stop. Fuck, I need sex.

He retrieved his phone from his pocket and scrolled through his text messages, his finger hovering above one name. Anne-Marie.Sexy as fuck, Anne-Marie. He’d slept with her a few times, all the while aware the redhead was more interested in his bank account than his bedroom. He was used to women wanting him for his lifestyle. He’d fuck them, go on a few dates and move on. But he made it a rule to never date anyone who worked at his company.

As he clicked her text, a picture of her smooth round ass filled his screen. He smiled, giving a small shake of his head. Fuck. His dick went limp at the sight of the perfect cleft beckoning him to tap her number.

“Goddammit,” he muttered under his breath. It irritated him that he couldn’t shove Braelynn out of his mind long enough to get a hard on.

With a flick of his finger, Lars switched to check his email. After responding to several urgent issues and letting Sasha out for a run, his eyes flashed to the time, noting that an hour had passed. He yawned and made his way up to the second floor, slowly ascending the open-planked stairs. Illuminated by moonlight, the cherry hardwood steps contrasted with the surrounding stark white walls. As Lars reached the landing, he went still and glanced up at the stars through the floor-to-ceiling window that lined the hallway. Pausing to appreciate the celestial reflections glimmering in the peaceful ocean, he caught a shadow emerging from the path that led up from the beach. It faded into the darkness, and he swore his eyes had played a trick on him. Like a sleight of hand, the movement was gone, stillness blanketing the night.

Lars blinked, and continued to his bedroom. Exhausted, he threw his tux jacket on the back of a chair and unbuttoned his shirt. He flipped on the light, and was heading toward the bathroom when he heard it through the silence. A rush of adrenaline flooded him as the outdoor motion lights activated, the distinctive sound of Sasha’s barking coming from downstairs. Intruder.