Page 123 of Just One Silver Fox

“You make shit up,” Tobias said to her. “I write books. Not just any books: bestsellers. I understand motivation and character.”

Sonia would have smiled, guessing this meant he saw through Katia, but she was thinking about Nate. “Why would he do that?”

“If you love something, set it free?” Tobias shrugged and finished the fortune cookie. “What happened to him before?”

“His fiancée dumped him when he lost his hand.”

“Okay, so he doesn’t want to be hurt like that again.” Tobias surveyed her. “And he’s afraid on some level that you won’t stick around if the going gets rough.” He shook his fortune at her. “He had to think that you loved Nick, or that some great-looking guy like Nick would steal you away.”

“Idiot!” Sonia said. “How could he of all people not understand that I’m not interested in appearances?”

Tobias grinned. “So, what are you going to do about it?” He read the fortune and his brows rose. “This might help:to the bold go the spoils.” He nodded as if it was wise. “Timely advice. And your lucky number is seven.”

“You opened the fortune cookie,” Katia said. “It’s your lucky number.”

“I need a car,” Sonia said. “I need to go to Boston.”

“Now?” Katia asked.

“Now.” She got up, intending to ask Pierce for a ride.

“Ask and you shall receive,” Tobias said. “I’m like one of those magic genies.”

“I will not rub your tummy,” Katia said and he laughed.

“You can take the limo, but you’d better get an address,” he said to Sonia. “Let me call Mario. He likes driving at night.”

Sonia was going to call Pierce, but her phone rang.

“All clear,” Pierce said with satisfaction. “They’re over Pennsylvania by now. Do you want surveillance on your apartment? Or are you going to stay here? This building is very secure.”

“I want to go to Nate, wherever he is,” Sonia said. “Tobias will lend me a car and driver, but I need an address.”

“That,” Pierce said, “can be arranged.” He cleared his throat before ending the call. “You could press charges, you know,” he said softly and Sonia smiled that he was protective of her, too.

“That’s what Nate said,” Sonia admitted. “But I think my step-mother has it covered.”

* * *

It wasclose to eleven by the time Nate and Troll got back to Boston. A big limo came right up behind them in the left lane and Troll had muttered a curse as he’d moved out of the way. The limo had peeled past them, its windows dark. Troll just shook his head.

Nate had called Mack when they were close and was surprised to find that she’d orchestrated his move in his absence. They’d talked about it when he’d dropped off Sheba, and he’d packed in preparation for it, but he hadn’t been sure she’d manage it all on such late notice. She’d even gotten the delivery of his furniture moved up and been there to sign for it.

“Never underestimate Mack,” Troll muttered, obviously overhearing enough of the conversation to understand.

“The place is a bit spartan,” she said with a laugh. “But we got the big items unpacked and in place. Sheba has checked on her stuff, so I think maybe she gets it. She’s sitting at the door, by your shoes, waiting for you.”

“We’re minutes away,” Nate told her and thought he heard a doorbell.

It must have been his imagination.

“I’ll drop you off and take the car back to the office,” Troll said. “My car’s there and it’ll be easier.”

“Thanks for driving today.”

“No worries. I kind of like it.” Troll pulled into the parking spot beside Nate’s Mustang and Mack came out with Sheba on a leash. The dog barked as soon as she saw him and Nate crouched down to pat her, laughing at her enthusiastic greeting.

“Home sweet home,” Mack said with a smile, handing him the leash.

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