Hook (A Hitman's Bait 2)

“Yes, always,” I said. “He really is an amazing partner.”

“I’m happy about that. His father might have had his faults, but he was a gentleman to the very end. He and Milo were very close. When his father died, it broke something in Milo. I never thought he would be this happy again or trusting of anyone. That’s why I’m grateful for you being in his life, Kit. And of course, now I get to pry for information about my son.”

My stomach roiled with a mixture of hunger—as I had eaten little yesterday—and uneasiness.

“Actually, Beth, I wanted to talk about that.”

“About what?”

“Prying information about Sully from me. I don’t like it. Already Sully notices you don’t call him as often anymore, and he’s worried. I wouldn’t be surprised if he shows up at your door one of these days.”

“Then I’d call that a win-win.”

“Not for me when he’s worried about his family.”

“Easily solved, my dear. I promise to call him more regularly. I wouldn’t have stopped had I known he didn’t mind my calls. He’s always so strict about me calling him often.”

“That’s Sully for you.” I chuckled. “He’ll come across all standoffish, but inside, he’s melting that he’s talking to his mother.”

“That makes me happy.”

I inhaled deeply. “Calling him as much as you used to will solve the problem between you two, but it doesn’t solve mine. I’m sorry, Beth, but we can’t keep talking like this. It’s wrong keeping this from Sully. I don’t want him to distrust me, and eventually, he’ll find out about these conversations, which might cause friction in our relationship.”

Her sigh filled the line loud and clear, and guilt flowed through me. “I won’t try to change your mind, Kit. You do what’s right in your heart. Just know that I enjoyed our talks and getting to know you. I hope one day we will meet in person.”

“I’d love to meet you and everyone else as well.”

A knock sounded on the door before Sully entered. My heart skipped a beat.

“I have to go now,” I whispered. “Good-bye.”

“Take care of my son, Kit. Take care of each other.”

I ended the call and placed the phone on the bedside table. Sully sat on the bed beside me.

“I thought you were sleeping.”

“That was the plan, but then my phone rang.”

“Who were you talking to just now?”

Fuck. Where was the Word of the Day app when I needed it? Words were failing me. I cleared my throat.

“I, eh, Tack wanted to know how I was.” I crossed my fingers behind my back.

“Tack?” He raised his eyebrows.

Did he know I was lying?

“Yes. Why did you come up?”

He cupped my face and stroked my cheek gently as he studied me. I held my breath until he smiled. “I wanted to check up on you. That you’re not having trouble sleeping.”

“I’m not. But I’m not opposed to you holding me while I sleep. If you’re not busy.”

“I’m not. Scoot over.”

I shuffled across the bed, and Sully settled down next to me. I wrapped an arm around him and laid my head on his chest. He lifted my leg and pulled it over his waist, then rested his hand on my hip.

“There you go,” he said. “Now get some rest.”