Page 59 of The Rough Ride

“Have you had any problems with it?”

“Course not. It’s—wasbrand new.”

An icy finger traced down his spine. He glanced in hismirrors again as cars whizzed by.No tail.“New cars don’t just spontaneously combust. I did some research while the medics looked you over. There’s no fucking way that should’ve happened.”

Liz hugged her middle and released a shaky breath. “Yeah. Itispretty weird.”

“Not so long ago, you were nervous about something at work. Is that still an issue?”

She heaved a deep breath. “Nick, youknowI can’t talk about my work.”

He glanced sideways. “Your car justaccidentallyblew up. You need to talk to somebody.”

“Yes, well, I signed a contract, non-disclosure agreement. Ethics, moral code of conduct.” A weak gesture of her hand indicated more reasons.

“Okay. So, answer me with a yes or no. Is your operating status covert?”

“I can’t play twenty questions with this subject.”

Stubborn woman.He gritted his teeth together. “A yes or no will suffice.”

“No.”

“Are you still nervous about something going on at work?”

“Maybe.” She looked out the window for a long moment and sighed. “Yes.”

“Do you think the work situation has anything to do with your car?”

Liz rested her head against the headrest and closed her eyes. “Maybe. But damn if I know how.”

That was all the information Nick needed. Any inkling that the two crises intersected meant she needed protection. He caressed her knee. He’d be damned before government work put her life in jeopardy again.

He turned his blinker on and moved into the right lane.

She sat bolt upright and waved him toward the left. “Nick, this isn’t my exit.”

“I’m aware of that. This ismyexit.”

She grabbed hold of his arm. “But I need to go home. Please.”

He nodded. “I understand. But we’re going to my place. It’s safe.”

“I can’t go to your place. I need to protect Ella.” The panic in her voice inched toward high and shrill. “I need to hold her and whisper love in her ears.”

His heart ached for her. “I get it, babe. Once you’re safely inside my building, I’ll go get Ella and Arlene. If your work and car situations are related, it’s not safe for you to be with Ella right now. It’d be better to shelter in place. My building is the best location for that.” He slammed on the brakes, glanced around the four-way intersection, and turned left, parking underground.

Liz startled when Nick unclipped her seat belt and slid his arms around her.

“No, no. I can walk. Let me do it myself. I need to move, everything hurts.” She grimaced.

“Okay, but I’m right here if you need help.” He grabbed her purse and torn jacket from the truck.

She limped toward the elevator he gestured to.

“My private elevator. This side opens into the dining room. That door opens to a small vestibule near the alley behind the building.” They rode in silence to the loft.

The elevator doors opened and a pair of modern jacquard draperies swept apart in front of them. Nick used a remote sitting next to a pewter bowl on his dining room table to close the drapes and hide the elevator.

---