Page 97 of Being Lost

“Mind? Fuck no. I like you in it.” His hand moves up and down my arm.

I shift over, moving in closer to him. He doesn’t disappoint, taking my lips in a scorching kiss, before resting his forehead against mine, saying, apologetically, “I’d love to take this further, Patsy, but I’ve got things I need to get done.”

Clearly reluctant, he pushes away from me.

As he searches through his drawers for fresh clothes, I start to pry. “Did you have a good meeting yesterday?”

He swings around. I’ve surprised him. For a moment, I doubt he’s going to reply. “Niran came across a man, Shark, at that eatery they were checking out.” His eyes lock with mine. “Shark’s one of the traitors that sided with Snake. Seems he’s back stirring up trouble. Had a chat with him to find out what he knew.”

“Oh.” I suspect I don’t want to know the details of how that conversation went.

I start again. “What did you find out?”

Lost shakes his head, then comes over and takes my hand, squeezing it gently. “Shark was working for Alder, but he had no information on why Alder wants you, Patsy. We did find out Alder’s not running drugs, or not through the tunnel.”

I pick through what he’s just said. “There is a tunnel?” He raises his chin. “But he’s given drug running up?” It’s my turn to frown. “Oh God, Lost. That’s why he wants his revenge. Dan’s info must have shut his whole trade down.”

But again Lost moves his head side to side. “No, he’s not out of pocket and I suspect he’s still got a hand in that game. But the tunnel is used for another purpose.” He pauses, grimaces, then admits, “People trafficking.”

He’s just woken me up and sleepily I’m having difficulty waking up.There actually is a tunnel?That was the last thing I expected.People trafficking?“So Phil wasn’t working alone?” My eyes narrow. “Dan got the impression it was Phil’s project, and not something Alder condoned.” Then I start adding two and two together. “Phil knew of the tunnel’s existence, or, at least, the plans. He said he was going to take Beth out of the country. What if he was the one who set the trafficking route up, and Alder’s taken it over now?”

“It could be,” Lost agrees, staring at a blank wall as he pulls his thoughts together. “But I wouldn’t have thought Phil had enough clout or money for that. I’ve no idea how long Alder’s been in this particular trade. He could have built the tunnel for bringing drugs through and then changed its use to something else.” He’s quiet for a moment. “I’ve got to go meet with the men now, babe.”

I’ve started to be able to read him. The way his face tightens and his jaw clenches puts my senses on high alert. “You’re going to do something dangerous, aren’t you?”

Instead of answering, he justifies himself. “Got to shut this down, Patsy. If we’re lucky, we might now have a way to draw Alder out.”

My hands go to my face. “When?”

His lips press together, and I realise he’s not going to say anything more.

I sit upright, pulling his t-shirt around me. “Lost, please. I don’t want to lose you. Just let it drop.”

“Can’t Patsy.” He turns those vibrant eyes on me. “Whether you’re involved or not, this has to stop.”

“Then report it to the authorities. They can deal with it.” Anything but Lost risking himself.

“They might close his tunnel down, but they won’t get Alder. He’ll just start up somewhere else. Trust me, Patsy.”

“What if you tell Alder where I am? Draw him out? Catch him that way.”

“No. Not putting you at risk.” He eyes me for a moment. “Need to be able to trust you, babe. If you’ve got any ideas about exposing yourself, making yourself bait, I’ll put a fucking prospect on you. Or,” he softens his words with a wink, “I’ll see if Kink’s got a spare set of handcuffs I can use.” His eyes land on the rail on his headboard.

Handcuffs. Why did he have to go there? Handcuffed to Lost’s bed? His being able to do whatever he wants to me? I admit to thoughts no woman of my age should have.

Lost’s eyes gleam. “You see possibilities with that, babe? Because I sure do.”

Is he able to see inside my head?

For a moment he’s silent, then his expression changes again. “Can I trust you?” He slips back into MC prez mode, leaving my lover to one side.

I open my mouth to argue, preferring to face the firing squad myself, but I know when to stop. It’s clear nothing I can say will change the course of action he’s decided on. While I hate it, all I can do is offer support.

I nod. “I’ll not do anything without speaking with you.” It’s the same promise I gave to my son. “Just be careful.”

“I will.” He again looks at me carefully with heat in his eyes. “I’ve got something to live for now.”

Preening slightly, I push for him to expand on his comment, even simpering a little as I ask impudently, “Like what?”

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