Page 89 of Dirty Love

“None of your business.”

“He wasn’t Secret Service.”

Deacon clenches his jaw and a nerve twitches in his temple. Ah. A sore spot. I’ll be sure to poke that again if I need to. “And he’s gone. My apologies for the misunderstanding.”

“No worries.” I reach for the door handle but he doesn’t move out of my way.

“Is this a coincidence, you being in Chicago at the same time as Best?”

“Sure it is.”

“Iwillarrest you.”

“Promises, promises.” I wink. “All kidding aside, am I free to go?”

“You’re free to answer my questions.”

“Then you’ve de facto arrested me, and I want my lawyer.”

Deacon slams his fist against the door. “Fuck off, Carter. You know I’m not going to arrest you. But I need to know what the fuck you’re doing here.”

“I’m here for a woman.” It’s a damn cliche, but for once it’s the truth. I pace further into the room. “I don’t like your protectee, but I promise you, I’m not here about him.”

“How did you get a room here?”

“How do I get any hotel room?” I shrug and tap my fingers against an imaginary keyboard. “You should look into their security systems. But actually, I’m seeing someone who already had a room booked here. She’s had a…commitment in town for months, booked well in advance, unlike your guy’s travel plans.”

“What was with the goading on the elevator?”

“Sometimes being reckless gets me results.”

“So you do have an agenda.”

“Always. But this weekend is about…” I trail off and roll my lower lip between my teeth. Deacon’s a good guy. But Tabitha is mine and mine alone. My partners are sworn to secrecy, and as far as her band and crew are concerned, I’m a security consultant. Once Derew/Rook’s case is settled, and she can quietly petition a court for an annulment, maybe then we’ll let the outside world in. Or maybe never. It’s nobody’s business but ours what we are to each other.

“A woman.” He says it doubtfully.

“It really is.”

“I don’t believe you. And I don’t want to have to shoot you later because you’ve tried to kill a candidate for the presidency of the United States.”

“That was definitely not my plan for the evening.”

“I’d feel more comfortable if I knew it wasn’t your plan for the year.”

I don’t plan anything that far out. “I want you to be comfortable with letting me go. I pinky-swear I have no ill intent toward Victor Best or his beautiful young wife.”

“What does Ginnifer have to do with this?” His voice hardens, and I don’t miss it.

I give him a slow appraisal. “She’s friends with Tabitha Leyton. I think you’ve probably met Tabitha, yes?”

He nods. “They had dinner tonight.” Understanding dawns, and he rocks back on his heels. “Vegas. That was you?”

Another nod.

“Tabitha’s nice.”

“Hands off.”

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