Lawful: Gia ~ Hunter ~ Julian ~ Jarrod

“I know that, but Julian isn’t exactly making her want to stick around and she won’t stay as long as he’s here.” I shrug because I know he won’t be going anywhere soon.

“Let me talk to her,” my dad offers.

I shake my head. “The only one who can make her stay is upstairs with another woman.”

“Fuck,” Hunter curses. “Carrie has latched on to Julian, but he’s just being good about it because of what she’s been through. Parker can’t take that to heart.” Hunter grasps my hand. “You’re so cold.”

I squeeze his fingers. “I’m fine. I’m just worried about Parker.”

“Like hell!” Julian roars from upstairs.

We look at each other for a moment before dashing into the hall, and looking up to the landing.

Parker is standing her ground with her purse and suitcase in her hand while she confronts an agitated Julian.

At least he doesn’t have Carrie in his arms this time.

“You are not leaving,” Julian shouts. “It’s too dangerous out there right now. Have you forgotten what happened to Gia?”

Parker narrows her eyes. “No, I haven’t forgotten, but what the hell do you care?” She pauses, breathing deeply, and not getting a response from Julian, she continues, “I’m going.” She quickly dashes downstairs while it takes Julian a few seconds to catch his temper, which he seems to be struggling with.

The minute Parker opens the front door Julian slams it shut before she can leave. He breathes heavily as he takes a step back, his fists clench at his sides. “You can not leave…”

Parker slowly turns and looks distraught. “Why Julian? Why can’t I leave?” she whispers the words, tiredness now surrounding her.

He glances away before he returns his gaze to Parker. “It isn’t safe out there.”

“Goodbye, Julian.” Parker turns and leaves while we all watch her in silence.

Julian turns and looks surprised to find us behind him. “Hell! She can’t go back to her place.” He turns to go after her, but Hunter stops him with a hand on his arm. “Let her cool off, then I’ll go and get her. It’s because of you that she’s left. I don’t think at this stage you’ll be able to get her back.”

“Fuck.” Julian roughly tugs his arm free of Hunter’s grip and heads toward the kitchen, seconds later we hear the backdoor slamming shut.

“That went well,” I drawl and meet Hunter’s gaze.

He moves closer and curling a hand around my neck, he brings me against his chest. “I’ll get her back in the morning.” He kisses me on the head. “We all need a good nights sleep.”

“Do you trust Carrie to not get up to anything in the night?” my father asks.

“I’d like to say yes. The thing holding me back is how easy it was to walk away with her. That bothers me.” Hunter sighs, tightening his grip around me.

My father frowns and rubs at his brow. “You don’t think the feds or another agency have someone on the inside who just happens to be Julian’s contact?” He pauses. “It’s not unheard of, but I could just be reaching at straws because her story tugged at my heart strings.”

“I say we sleep on it. I’ll lock her bedroom door, but I’ll tell her first so she doesn’t think we’re just as bad as them… I won’t risk Gia.” Hunter rests his forehead against mine. “Ever!”

21

Hunter

Nothing happened during the night and as far as we know, Carrie slept well, or so I overheard her telling Gia.

Carrie certainly looks much better this morning with no bags under her eyes and she seems to be able to eat a bit more than she had been able to the night before. I wish I could say the same for Julian who hasn’t said a damn word to anyone, other than a grunted, ‘morning’ to Gia. It’s his own damn fault that he’s suffering, but hopefully that was the kick in the ass he needed to finally do something about Parker, at least I’m hoping so because he’s too distracted at the moment and I need him focused.

My own distraction is very slowly moving her hand along my thigh, which I catch under one of my own. I lean in and whisper, “Behave,” before placing a kiss to her cheek.

“How long have you been married?” Carrie asks.

“Ten months,” Gia answers, turning to smile at the other woman.