Page 38 of Silent Comrade
“It’s the only answer I can give.”
“That’s not good enough.”
“I know.” No apology. Britt’s survivaldepended on her knowing the least amount of information aboutMorpheus Squad. However, Britt had been attacked and she deservedto understand the basics of the situation. “Here’s the deal: ifKiera comes forward to the police, she runs the risk that Lequirewill use his father’s connections in law enforcement to gain accessto her.”
“Lequire’s that rotten?”
“You’ve never seen anything so slick andpolished, yet decayed to the core.”
A nice, neat conclusion to the story wouldwork well here. He let out a big breath and puffed out his chest.“Therefore, after tonight, you can see why it’s recommended for youto go into hiding and defer your schooling.”
“Not happening.” She raised her hand at hisopened mouth, and he clamped his jaw shut. “Look, I’m not stupid.This isn’t a rash decision. I get the risks. But I’m not torpedoingeverything I’ve worked so hard to accomplish because I’m scared ofthis jerk-face.”
He almost choked on spit. “Pretty stronglanguage.”
“I know worse.” She tapped her chin again,the motion making him a little irrational, because he wanted thatfinger tapping his skin. Pausing, she looked at the ceiling andmuttered to herself, “Mom.” A deep sigh. “I promised. But it’s mylife versus mylife.” Her lips pressed together and hismouth went dry. Britt looked up at him. “You said another teammatewas heading this way. And you said you have the apartmentwired.”
“Coffee shop and classrooms in school, too.”He ducked when she flung a decorative pillow at him.
“That’s an invasion of privacy.”
“It was necessary.” He shifted, wincing atthe residual ache from the belly wound. “If it makes you feel anybetter, I’m sorry.”
“I’d also like to not be dead. But finishingschool is nonnegotiable.” Her eyes shimmered. “I made apromise.”
“It’s not safe.”
“I’m all too aware of that.” She tucked astrand of hair behind an ear and he stared at her skin, wanting ataste.
His job had gotten exponentially harder.Instead of her hiding for several weeks, the bait would dangle outin the open. He still needed to keep his own existence and theteam’s existence secret. An impossible task. He hauled in more airthrough his nose and out his mouth, raising his hands. “Look, Iunderstand where you’re coming from...”
“First of all, you don’t know where I’mcoming from.” Her blue eyes narrowed. “Also, you’re like apeacemaker, aren’t you?”
“I try to find common ground.”
Rubbing the bridge of her nose, she mumbled,“My life versus my life.” A heave of her ribs. “This is for Mom andfor me. Oh, man.” She leaned toward him, resting her hand on hisarm draped on back of the couch. The warmth of that light touchheated his entire frame. “Can you keep me safe until my collectionis done next week?”
“The show?” Damn it. No. He couldn’tguarantee safety in an unsecured situation. He studied her sweet,pleading face. Something flopped over in his chest. “I’ll find away.” Hunt was going to have Red’s head on a platter. Hopefully,Rodeo could support in this mess.
“That means a lot,” she said on a deepsigh.
God help him, but the trust she placed inhim made him feel ten times bigger and ten times more powerful thanwhen the virus took over. He needed to succeed.
Not only because he wanted her to survive.He wanted to do for Britt what he couldn’t do for his fostersiblings years ago.
Damn it, he was in trouble.
She sniffed. “Sounds like a plan.”Uncrossing her legs, she stood up, and he mirrored her movement.“Well, good night. You can crash on Tachi’s bed. It’s a disaster inthere, so be careful of the rabid dust bunnies.”
Oh, he knew all about that mini-hoarderspace. He had more pressing matters to address, like his virallydriven need to be close to her at all times. “I’m not sleepingthere. I’m staying with you.”
The sight of her jaw dropping satisfied himalmost as much as yesterday’s kiss.
Chapter Seventeen
No way would the walls of Britt’s bedroomcontain a woman, a huge man, and a duffel bag full of what shepresumed to be a small arsenal.
He was right out there, in the living room.Waiting to come in here and occupy the same space as Britt.
