Page 52 of Wicked and Claimed

JasperThePrivateDick: You’re safer that way. Presumably your ex and the others working on the investigation have been trained for danger. Isn’t it better to let them do their jobs?

RedHotSavvySleuth: You mean sit on my ass while other women are in danger? Shouldn’t I be doing something helpful?

JasperThePrivateDick: Supporting the people in the trenches is doing something helpful.

RedHotSavvySleuth: Not enough. And you’re sounding like my ex again, warning me away from a potential paper cut.

JasperThePrivateDick: Getting abducted by these people would be a lot more perilous than a paper cut, Red.

RedHotSavvySleuth: I know. Doesn’t mean I like it. Did you learn anything new today?

JasperThePrivateDick: I’m afraid not. Today was hectic, and none of it as productive as I’d like.

Not that Jasper could share any of today’s findings with Haisley. That would all have to come from Nash. He had things to tell her, even if all the news was terrible. But at least he’d get to spend more time with her.

Fuck, he had it bad.

JasperThePrivateDick: Did your ex make any progress on the case?

RedHotSavvySleuth: Some. He tracked down the lead detective, but the old fart is basically useless.

JasperThePrivateDick: Hey, watch that old talk. I identify with not being as young as I once was.

Not a total lie. After all, his age started with a three now. Nash was still wrapping his head around that.

RedHotSavvySleuth: You’re not useless in any way, shape, or form, so don’t go there. I meant that this detective is burned out and coasting to retirement.

JasperThePrivateDick: That’s frustrating. I’m sure your ex isn’t thrilled, either.

RedHotSavvySleuth: He isn’t. But he’s pushing forward, following other leads. Talking to witnesses, victims who escaped, that sort of thing.

JasperThePrivateDick: Sounds like he’s as dedicated to solving this case as you are. Good. Those victims deserve someone in their corner. How are things between you two? Any more communication now that you’re working together?

Yes, he was fishing.

Haisley paused for a long time before responding.

RedHotSavvySleuth: Yes and no. Yesterday, I was irritated with all his flirty innuendos and smoldering looks, so I asked him to behave more professionally. Today, he was strictly business. It was actually too professional. It’s like he did a complete 180 overnight and decided to treat me like any random coworker.

JasperThePrivate Dick: Isn’t that what you wanted, though? For him to respect your boundaries and keep things aboveboard?

Another lengthy pause. Nash could practically see Haisley worrying that plump bottom lip between her teeth as she mulled over her response.

RedHotSavvySleuth: I mean, yeah. I did. I do. It’s just… I don't know. It felt weird. Unsettling. Like I said, men are confusing.

JasperThePrivateDick: Sounds like maybe you’re not entirely sure what you want from him.

RedHotSavvySleuth: I want to solve this case. I want to stop more women from being abducted and who knows what else. That’s what matters most.

Nash’s chest tightened at her evasion. She was dodging the real issue, the complicated emotions simmering between them. He couldn’t let that go.

JasperThePrivateDick: Of course. But don’t forget to consider what you want for yourself, too. Trust me, as someone who’s lost the woman he loved, if you still care about your ex, you shouldn’t take a single day with him for granted. Even if things are messy and confusing, it’s way better than being brokenhearted.

Nash held his breath, hoping he’d get through to her. Again, Haisley’s reply was slow to come.

RedHotSavvySleuth: Maybe you’re right. I’ll think about it. BTW, if you ever want to talk about your lost love, I’m a good ear. I won’t pry, but you’ve been such a good listener, I’m happy to return the favor.

Nash’s throat tightened. He couldn’t go there, not even in their anonymous online bubble. The wounds were still too raw, and Haisley was no one’s fool. She’d probably catch on before he was ready for the big reveal.

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