Mastered by Malone (Haven, Texas 6)

“What are you looking for?”

“Any bugs or trackers.”

She swallowed heavily, feeling ill. “Your brother used that gadget thing to search the car earlier, he didn’t find anything.”

He didn’t reply.

“Surely if there was a tracker or a bug, this guy who’s after me would have taken me out already.” That was a sentence she’d never thought she would say. “And when would anyone have put anything in there?”

“Will need to go through your luggage too, including what you’re wearing.”

What? Did he intend to strip her where she stood? She flushed at the thought.

“Everything I have is brand-new. Except for the clothes I was in when I . . . when I found Angel’s body.”

“Unlikely he was using those to track you, since he shot the wrong person.” There was a note of derision in his voice.

He put her stuff back into her bag. “You’re gonna need more stuff. Write a list and the boys will get it for you. Including lip gloss and tampons.”

Do not blush. Do not blush. He’s just trying to get a rise out of you.

“I can go and get it myself. I just need a vehicle to get there. And some directions.”

He pierced her with his cold gaze. “Don’t you remember the rules I just gave you five minutes ago?”

Of course she did. She wasn’t stupid. “You said I couldn’t go anywhere without your permission.”

“And I’m not giving it to you.”

She breathed in . . . then slowly out. Trying to calm the fear coursing through her. Another panic attack loomed on the horizon; she could feel it low in her gut. But it couldn’t happen. She couldn’t show weakness around this man.

“I’m a prisoner here?”

“Of course you’re not. You can leave anytime you want. But the minute you leave without my permission, my protection ends.”

She had to remind herself that he was putting his life on the line for her. She needed him. And when it as all over she didn’t have to see him again.

“Understand?”

She nodded “Understood.”

“Good. I’ll get West to show you where you’re staying. Get me that list and I will get the stuff to you in a few days.”

And, with that, she knew she was dismissed. But she wasn’t quite ready to go.

After a few moments, he let out a deep breath. “You can go.”

“I can cook,” she blurted out. “And clean.”

He stared up at her impassively. “Not why you’re here.”

“Yes, but I thought I could make myself useful while I’m here.” It would make her feel better, that was for sure. She hated the imbalance of knowing he was taking all the risk and she was giving nothing in return. Even if he was a jerk.

“Just do what I tell you and stay out of the way, that’s the most useful thing you can do. You can go now.”

Great. She was starting to think that New York might not be such a bad option. Maybe facing a mobster would be preferable to living here with Alec Malone.

3