Page 35 of Hawk

He blushed, which was adorable as always. I was quickly learning that he loved to receive compliments, but they always made him blush. I thought we were making a lot of progress on him being comfortable with me, and I hated to spoil that, but I had some serious things to talk about that couldn’t wait.

“Before we go watch television, I need to go over a few things I learned today.”

“Okay.”

“I had our best IT person digging into Butch and the Iron Jackals, and what we found isn’t good. They’ve always skated the edge of what was and wasn’t legal, but you already knew that. What you might not know is that over the last year or so, they’ve been stepping over that edge a lot more often. Enough that they’ve caught the attention of a federal task force. These are dangerous people, Mika, and not just to you.”

The color drained from his face. He closed his eyes and drew in a deep breath through his nose. “That’s what I was afraid of. I didn’t know what all he was mixed up in before we got together. I figured it out pretty quickly, but by then, he didn’t want to let me go. Thing was, about the time I left, a couple of new guys had joined, and they had a really bad vibe.”

“The important thing is that you got out, and we’re going to find a way to keep you safe. But in the meantime, I have something I want to give you to wear. It has a tracker in it, and it has a panic button. If anything happens, you press the button, and it’ll alert Three Bears HQ and me immediately.”

I handed him the watch, and he inspected it before slipping it on his wrist.

“Okay, I won’t take it off.”

“Good. We’ll move forward, just like today. I’ll be here when you leave for work and when you get back home. I’ve checked out the Thompsons’ place, and they have cameras, and the gate guards are all former law enforcement, so you should be safe at work.”

“What will you be doing all day while I’m at work?” he asked.

“I’ll be working on a solution to make the problem go away.”

Mika

Andy and Jesse had barely made it out the door before the text messages started up in our group chat.

Caleb

How did your ex find you? Are you safe now?

Mars

Samuel says Hawk is the best at what he does and that you’re in good hands.

Andy

I know Hawk is good. I saw him in action at the fire station the day that nut job threatened to blow us all up, but I still wish you were staying with us.

Mars

You don’t have much room at your place, Andy. Mika, you can always come stay with me and Samuel if you want.

Caleb

Or me and Keith. Although I agree with Samuel—I think you’re safest with Hawk.

Me

Guys. I’m fine. It was scary, but Hawk’s here at my house now so I don’t need a place to stay.

Andy

You should totally hit that. You know you want to.

Caleb

Now isn’t the time. Hawk needs to be focused right now.

Mars

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