Page 97 of The Reluctant Siren
Had he used the second bathroom so he wouldn’t wake them up?
“I’ll talk to my parents today. I’m sure they would ratherhave me under Big Tag’s security system than out here, and it’s morepractical.” But she would miss this place. She would miss walking by the riverand watching the horses and cows. She would miss sitting with her guys aroundthe firepit.
“Awesome. I’m glad you agree and hope you don’t freak outwhen I tell you there’s a helicopter on the way,” she explained.
Harlow went still with shock. “What? Where the hell… Did youask Julian to borrow his chopper?”
“No,” Ruby replied. “I went someplace closer to you.Remember when I told you I’m friends with a movie star?”
“Vanessa Malone. Yes. She was your neighbor when you were akid. Didn’t she marry a guy from McKay-Taggart? He was her bodyguard, right?”Sometimes it was hard to keep up with all the clients who married bodyguards.It was like a perk. They should partner with a wedding planner. Get abodyguard, start planning the wedding.
“Nope. She was assigned him as a Dom during her trainingperiod at The Club, but he was a spy for Julian. It’s a whole big story, butthe long and short of it is, they’re married and Michael’s brother runs abig-ass ranch fairly close to where you are. He’s sending their helicopter tobring you to Dallas. I thought it would be fitting to make your dad driveNiall’s Jeep back.”
It sounded like a lot. “You’re sure this is necessary?”
After a moment, Ruby responded. “I have a weird feeling.”
She’d learned to trust her partner’s instincts. “They canland in the field north of the house. Any kind of ETA?”
Niall walked back in, a frown on his face. He immediatelyturned and went to the closet, opening it and disappearing inside.
He looked super serious.
“It should be any time now.” Harlow could practically seeRuby wincing as she said the words. “I’m sorry. I kind of wanted you to not beable to say no.”
“Because you have a feeling.” Harlow felt a chill go downher spine. “We’ll be packed up and ready. Can you call my folks and tell themwhat’s happening? If I get on the line, they’ll want me to wait.”
Adrenaline started to pulse through her. Ruby had a sixthsense about when things were about to go wrong. The last time she’d told Rubyto ignore that sense, they’d hired Daisy O’Donnell and gotten themselves intothis mess. She was going to listen to her bestie on how to get out of it.
What was going on with Niall? And where the hell was Jensen?Probably taking a walk or something, but he should leave a damn note. It wasn’tlike they were on vacation.
“Will do.” Ruby paused for a moment. “I’ll have the choppertake you right to the MT building, and Big Tag can move you from there toSanctum. I kind of won’t breathe until I know you’re there. I’m sorry. I’m nottrying to be your dad.”
“It’s okay. I’m not even mad at my dad anymore. Tell themeverything and have them meet us at Sanctum tonight. Tell Dad I’ll order hisfavorite burger from Top and convince Mom it’s the veggie burger.” She wasn’tgoing to be angry anymore. Her family loved her, and they would work this allout. Being at Sanctum meant she could have her family and friends over andstill be safe. It was a good thing. Niall walked out of the closet, and therewas a grim look to his eyes. Her stomach sank. “I’ll see you soon.”
“See you soon.” Ruby hung up.
“What is it?” She asked the question, but she was afraid shealready knew the answer. He wouldn’t, though. He wouldn’t do this to her twice.He wouldn’t do this to her after last night. He just…wouldn’t.
“He either left on foot or he went with Jack,” Niall said,his voice tight.
She wanted to throw up. He left her. Again. He made thechoice for her without discussing or talking about it. Something cold hit her.She put the phone down and went over the last twelve hours in her brain, andnow she could see what he’d been doing.
One last night. One long good-bye.
He wasn’t leaving because he didn’t love her. He did loveher in as much as he could love anyone. But there was something deeply brokenin Jensen. He was being a martyr, but that didn’t excuse the fact that shewasn’t worth talking to. Wasn’t worth letting in on the plots and plans.
Niall was ranting, but then he hadn’t been in this placebefore. Oh, she knew Jensen had pulled some shit on him over the years, but ithit different after spending days in bed with someone. Even if they didn’t havesex together, their relationship had hit an intimacy plateau.
Would Niall want her if Jensen wasn’t involved? Would theyeven work? Or would they always miss the part of them that walked away?
She stood there listening to Niall’s anger, and all shecould feel was sorrow.
And a little panic. Ruby had a feeling that she needed to bein Dallas. Did she need to be in Dallas because someone was coming for them? Orbecause Jensen was making a mistake. One that could cost him his life.
Ruby said something had changed. That the hit was going downtoday. Would they take Jensen out if they didn’t know where he’d hidden theinformation? “What would happen if Jensen went with Jack?”
Niall stopped, and his face flushed. “What? I mean I’massuming he went with Jack and everything he said last night about listening tothe lawyer this morning was complete bullshit.”
