Page 10 of The Prey
“Sure you are.” Hudson couldn’t help himself—he stepped closer. Until he could brush his hand down her arm. She had worn her brown business suit—she’d had a court appearance today that had run over. And a little violet silk blouse. Her jacket was missing—and her shoes. Bare little toes were right there, with bright yellow paint.
So girly, sonotthe Giavonna he thought he had known. Well, apparently he’d been wrong. In so many ways. “Thank you. For this week.”
He wasn’t stupid—her entire family had pitched in to help him, but…this woman was the one who had carried the burden most of all. She’d covered for him at the office, brought him what he’d needed from that office, and every time Ryan had needed someone and Hala hadn’t been there, Gia had. Hudson wouldn’t be forgetting that any time soon.
“We were happy to help.” The words were polite, but he wasn’t a fool—he knew she wanted him gone. Hudson made her nervous, here in her territory the way he was. Well, he liked that. Having her off-guard. “See you on Monday.”
“You are going to be seeing me a lot more.”
“What are you up to?”
“What makes you think I am up to anything?”
“Because I know you! You are always plotting something.”
His hand tightened on the silky skin of her arm when she started to pull away. He wasn’t ready to let her go. The woman…silk was an understatement. He could touch her forever.
Thatwas one fact he was going to keep to himself. For a while. Until he had a chance to really regroup, and come up with hisplan.
“I’m beginning to think we don’t know each other at all, sweetheart. I’m going to fix that.” He released her arm and stepped back. “You can count on that.”
“I think you’ve gone off the deep end, Hanan. Completely.”
“No. I just had my eyes opened recently. Apparently, that happens.” Hell, he just had to do it. He leaned down, faster than she could escape. And kissed her cheek before stepping back quickly. “See you around, Giavonna Annalise. I’m looking forward to it.”
He ignored the not-so-nice word she called him as he strolled outside.
She was going to be a challenge. But Hudson would win. It was just a matter of time.
6
Gia had been determinedto avoid Hudson Hanan for as much as she possibly could. But…well…today meant otherplans.
Somehow, she’d ended up with Hala. She hadn't intended to drive the younger woman home, but when she had gotten a text from Hala saying her car wouldn't start, it had been just a matter of minutes for her to swing over to the elementary school and get her friend—and Ryan—after Hala’s teachers’ meeting had ended and drive her to Hudson’s house on her way. It was on her way, after all. Ryan had been super excited about showing off his new goldfish to anyone who would look, so now here Gia was—in enemy territory.
Hudson’scastle.She hadn’t ever been there before. It really did feel like she’d walked into the lion’s den here.
Ryan was inside now, getting things ready for his tank. He was really proud of himself for designing the layout of his fish tank, and he wanted Gia and Hala to see it. But he had to get it ready first. So he could surprise them. He was beyond adorable, that kid.
That left Gia outside with the little boy’s diabolical, evil father. She’d thought she’d have another day or two of Hudson-free weekdays, but no. Not now. And therehewas.
Hudson sat on his porch at a small table, case files spread out in front of him.
“Gia? I wasn’t expecting you.”
“Your sister’s car wouldn’t start and I was still at the office. I’m playing taxi. What are you doing?”
“Lawrence case. I got word that the judge wants another deposition on Monday. I’m going over what I have. It’s not…much.”
That case had been one they had argued over twice the week before. She wasn’t going to touch that wasp’s nest tonight. Maybe she could just take a look at the fish tank, distract Hudson with his sister and son, and then get out of there. Skidaddle, as her daddy would say. As fast as she could.
“I was just reviewing theMartinellcase. That is applicable to this one.”
She paused at the bottom of his porch steps. “There is noMartinellcase applicable to this one.”
“Martinell v. Texas, 1946. You may want to take a look at it again.”
“I did. It doesn’t apply.” And he was going to argue and argue, but…it really didn’t apply. He was stretching just far too much.
