When He's Dirty (Walker Security - Adrian's Trilogy 1)

“Not because I want to,” I say, pulling the blanket over her. “And not if you stay naked. It’s just before sunrise and I need to get out of here under the cover of darkness.”

She catches the blanket to her breasts. “We slept all night on the couch?”

“We did.”

“You, too?”

“Yes. Me, too. I meant for us to talk strategy and plans last night but obviously, that didn’t happen. I know that would have made you feel more in control and secure, but I promise you, we’ll talk today.”

She captures my hand. “You’re not going to disappear, right?”

“Who’s asking?” I find myself saying. “The woman or the prosecutor?”

“In all honesty? Both. Is that a problem?”

In all honesty.

Words I value.

Words I despise because I can never give her the same.

“No,” I say. “That’s not a problem. I’m not going to disappear. And now you know where to find me anyway. New York, working for Walker Security.”

“Unless they send you to another country. We both know that’s how you hid from Waters.”

Obviously, she’s been paying attention during our talks. “I’m here until this is over. For now, be you. Take your run. Go to work. We’ll keep you safe. If you need me, call me or text me. If you feel even a little bit uneasy, or if you think you’re in danger, call me.”

“Are you sure it’s safe for me to run?”

“We’re here. You’re safe. And the more normal you act, the better.”

“In case someone is watching me?”

“I’m not going to sugarcoat this, Pri. It’s Waters we’re dealing with. You think you know how bad he is? You don’t. Don’t put anything past him.”

“In that case, should I call you at all? Could the call be traced back to you?”

She’s sharp. I like that, but she won’t like my answer. “I’m protected,” I say simply.

She draws a deep breath and exhales. “It’s not your real number.”

“I’m not going to disappear.”

“That’s a yes,” she says tightly. “It’s not your real number.”

“Don’t do that. I’m here. I’d stay here right now if it were possible. I’ll see you soon.”

“I guess I just have to trust you.”

“And I have to trust you, Pri.” I lean in and kiss her neck. “I trust very few people, but I choose to trust you.”

With that, I force myself to stand up and walk away, heading to the back door, where I exit the house and reset her alarm. Any other time with any other woman, I’d say I didn’t look back, but I do. I look back and the minute I’m in the Walker rental, I’m at the monitors where Savage is on duty, watching Pri’s house.

“Any trouble?” I ask.

“All is quiet now. What happened with the dickwad of an ex?”

“He’s representing the guy Waters wants to give up to catch a deal.”

“And he thinks she’s going to make a deal?”

“He thinks the DA might, is my take. He wants her off the case.” Even as I make that statement, something is bothering me and I don’t know what.

“I’ve got Blake on chat,” Savage says. “I’ll fill him and Lucifer in on the scoop.” He glances up at me. “I’d make some crack about you getting to know Priscilla Miller in the deepest of ways, but I’m thinking you won’t like that. She gets to you, aye?”

“This would be the time when I’d tell you you don’t have the equipment to go deep, but you didn’t go there, so I’m not going to.” He chuckles and I start walking.

“Because she gets to you,” Savage calls out. “And we can’t save you. No one can. That’s how this love shit works.”

Love? What the fuck is he even talking about? I don’t bother to turn around. I just call out, “I just met her Savage.”

“That’s what every lovesick pup says when he’s denying he’s capable of being a lovesick puppy. I know, man. I’m that puppy.”

I wave him off and head down the hallway to my room, change into my running gear, and then end up in the small weight room that’s set-up to work out before my jog. I’ve been at it for about fifteen minutes, and am presently curling a couple of dumbbells when Adam, ready for the day in jeans and a T-shirt, appears in the doorway. “Savage just gave me the rundown on Logan.”

I set the weights down, my hands going to my hips. “Piece of shit tried to convince her to drop off the case to ensure Waters doesn’t have the chance to hand his client over to the DA.”

“Waters could still make the deal if she’s off the case.”

I draw in a shallow breath as a realization hits me. “Unless there is no real deal. Waters and Logan’s client must be connected. This is one of Waters’ plays. He just wants the case to get delayed until after the election. If Ed isn’t re-elected, the new DA may not have the balls to pursue.”