“I’m married to Dominic Anderson’s daughter, Sophia.”
I know Dominic to be Kincaid’s older brother.
“I see.”
“If you’re willing, I think it would be best if you file a report on the damage done to your car, but I can tell you that with Christmas right around the corner, everyone around the police department is overburdened. They’re going to investigate crimes against people before they’ll get a chance to work on a case involving vandalism.”
What he’s saying makes complete sense, and I’m glad things are that way. Four sliced tires shouldn’t take precedence over someone living in an abusive situation or someone who has been assaulted.
“I’ve been assured that Cerberus not only has the time for research right now, but they’re eager to get started.”
“And by Cerberus, you mean Ethan Packwood?”
“Max Vasquez is their computer guy. He’ll be the one working on retrieving information.”
This man isn’t giving away anything. Knowing that he’s as closely connected to the club as he is doesn’t mean that the man is best buddies with Ethan. The call between them could’ve been completely professional, no personal details, just the facts.
“He’s worried about your safety, Ms. Robbins.”
He, not Cerberus.
“Thank you for stopping by. I’ll work on that list and get it to Eth—Mr. Vasquez.”
Detective Matthews stands. “And call me if you need anything.”
I nod in agreement, looking down at the business card as he walks out of the office. The card beside it draws my attention.
Had a great time last night. Can’t wait to see you again.
The longer I look, the less irritated I feel.
I start to question my own independence. I spent years with foster fathers telling me what was best for me, instructing me on how to act and what to say. Early in life, I decided that when I was old enough, I wasn’t going to let a man control me. This feels like control, a way for Ethan to exert some type of power over me.
Forget about the great sex. Being inside of me, regardless of him making me come twice, doesn’t give him the right to interfere like he has been.
Wanting to be as professional as possible, I key in his number in my office phone rather than using my personal cell.
“Faith?” he asks the second the call connects.
Is there excitement in his tone or am I just imagining it? How does this man make me want to change my attitude just by breathing my name into the phone?
“Detective Colton Matthews just left my office.”
Silence fills the line, but waiting people out is one of my many skills. It comes in very handy when questioning witnesses on the stand.
“I thought it best—”
“I have things under control, Mr. Packwood. I don’t need you stepping in to save me or making decisions about my life.”
“That’s not—”
“I appreciate the flowers. They’re beautiful. I can honestly say I’ve never gotten ‘thanks for the fuck’ flowers before.”
“That’s not—”
“Last night was a one off. I don’t need you stepping in to help me or getting more people involved. Whoever is bothering me will give up quickly enough.” I say the words, but it doesn’t rid the fear inside that’s screaming that the declaration is a lie. I blame paranoia rather than accepting there being any real danger.
“Faith, I—”
“I don’t date or have any inclination to do so. I work too much, and I don’t have time to dedicate to a man with a superhero complex. My suggestion is to find someone who wants to be saved.”
“Faith,” he growls. “I’m not trying to—”
“Have a good day, Mr. Packwood.”
I hang up the phone. I don’t know if it’s fear that I just cut him loose or adrenaline from doing what I feel is right that’s making my hands shake so badly.
Chapter 17
Legend
“Sexually frustrated?”
I ignore Grinch as he walks into the weight room built beside the indoor pool.
I’ve had two hours to work through all the shit Faith said to me on the phone, and that entire time, I’ve been hiding out in here, pumping iron. I’m no closer to figuring out what to do next than I was the second the call went dead.
My first thought was to go to her office, press her against the wall, and remind her exactly why it’s in her best interest to keep me around. The longer I thought about that option, the clearer it became that I can’t keep her safe if she calls the cops and files charges on me for harassment.
I’m not confused about what she told me. She’s not interested. She doesn’t date. The sex was great, but she doesn’t want it again.
She was very concise when she spoke.
What I homed in on was the slight waver in her voice. I know what she sounds like when she’s truly not interested. I heard it more than once when she was shooting me down after we first met.