Dirty Secrets (Get Dirty 4)

Dalton, the blond with shaggy hair, finally speaks. “I feel like we’re missing something here, but if everything’s good, mind if we head on out? We had a long day and I’m wiped. Laying two thousand square feet of wrestling mat is a pain in the ass.”

I’ve never laid wrestling mat, but I can imagine. “Yes, let’s all do that. I’m ready to go home.”

Max seems to be the more curious of my new neighbors, and he gives me another friendly but careful smile. “Before we go . . . Allie, are you okay with this guy?”

“Definitely safe with Logan. Only one guy I’d be safer with, and let’s just say, it’s probably good for all of us that he’s not here.” Just to be sure I’m correct that Dom’s not lurking nearby, I give a pointed look around the parking lot.

Logan sighs and his head tilts back. I imagine he’s saying a prayer of thanks that Dominick isn’t here too. Ignoring him for a moment, I step around him and offer my hand to Max and Dalton.

“By the way, welcome to the neighborhood. Like I said, I’m Allie. I teach at Encore Studios.”

I point over to the side, where our lit-up sign blazes brightly. They glance over and then back. “Yeah, we were going to go over soon, swap hellos and do a sound check so our music doesn’t screw with your lessons and stuff . . .” Dalton says before his voice trails off and he looks back at Logan. “Not to make an already weird situation weirder, but aren’t you Logan Hendricks? I follow your career, man.”

Logan almost imperceptively nods, but Dalton catches it and gets excited. “Holy shit! You’re like one of the best one-eighty-five guys around. What the hell are you doing out here?”

Logan’s answer is deadpan sarcastic, but I can see the way his lips twitch in a small smirk. “Obviously, moonlighting.”

Both Max and Dalton chuckle and then glance at me. I realize that my hand’s still hanging out, and they both shake, their eyes naturally drifting down my body and back up. I’m used to it and almost don’t give it a second thought, knowing that I’m fully covered in both dancewear and a top layer of sweats.

But Logan doesn’t let it go so easily. “Careful. She’s Dominick Angeline’s.”

Judging by the guys’ reactions, that means something to them. I’m actually surprised, and it fills in a few blanks that Logan and I need to discuss. Having Dominick stake a claim on me is sexy as hell, but it’s not actually him doing it, and I wonder what exactly Dominick has told Logan.

Max tilts his head slightly, and I can see his mind working as he quirks one brow, poking at Logan. “Angeline’s what? His sister? Girlfriend? Cousin from a second marriage?”

Logan’s grin is a feral baring of his teeth. “She is simply his.”

And isn’t that the absolute truth. But judging by what’s happened and what Logan has said here tonight, Dom and I need to have a serious talk.

Dalton’s humor breaks the tension as he laughs and says, “Okay, motion to move back to my action plan of leaving and going the fuck home. Seconded?” He doesn’t wait for anyone to speak, continuing on. “Motion approved. We’re out. But hey, man, anytime you’re around, stop by. I’d love to pick your brain on your counters against a southpaw. You really picked that last guy apart with those.”

Max and Dalton back up a few steps before hopping onto two gleaming motorcycles, starting them up to a huge bass rumble that echoes through the lot for a moment before lowering to a leonine purr. With two-fingered waves, they pull out. Logan turns to me, and I intercept him before he can pull a fade.

“Okay, you have about ten seconds to fill me in on what’s going on before you find a ballet slipper shoved up your nose.”

There’s no way I can back up my threat, but Logan respects me, and he sighs, nodding.

“Fine. What do you already know?”

I shrug, surprised that he’s willing to give me any information at all. “All of it. But I want to hear it from you, Stalker McStalkerson.”

He laughs hollowly, shaking his head and muttering, “You have no idea.” But then he looks at me. “How come you never said anything? Never called me out or asked Dominick outright?”

I bug my eyes out. “Seriously? Have you met him? I’m not scared of him, not one bit, but he’s intimidating enough that I’m not really going to waltz into his office and start demanding answers, especially when there for a while, I really needed the security. Not because I was in danger, exactly, but the whole shooting thing was scary as fuck for someone like me, Logan. You guys’ being around made me feel safer, and then I guess I just kind of got used to it. Maybe liked it a bit.” I point a finger at him threateningly. “But if you tell him that, I’ll tell him you play games on your phone when you’re supposed to be on duty.”