Page 37 of The Prey
He knew the truth—Hala wanted to check on her friend for herself. Ryan was just the distraction.
Ryan really wanted one of those puppies. Hudson hadn’t told his son yet, but as soon as the damned cast on his arm came off—and that damned boot on Ryan’s foot was gone—they were going to pick one of the puppies out to bring home. Hudson wasn’t too thrilled with the idea of a puppy and the work it would bring, but they could make it work.
Life was too short to not eventryto make things happen for him and his son. Hudson would never forget that. He’d learned that lesson too many times before.
He was just putting the other half of the pizza in the refrigerator when someone pulled into his drive. With one look out the window, he knew exactly who it was. What he didn’t know waswhy.
She’d been taking the last two days off to be with her family. He had understood. But now…she was coming up his walkway, determination in her steps. Hudson went to the front door, opened it, and justwaited.
Giavonna.
She was there.
27
Tonight,she had held his son. And explained to him that the bad guys had hurt Ayla and Gunn but they were going to be okay now. Ryan had asked her if his daddy would put the bad guys in jail forever, and if Ayla was going to have a big party wedding with lots and lots of cake.
Ayla had assured Ryan that she absolutely would. Probably chocolate cake since it was both her and Gunn’s favoritest cake ever.
Proof life went on. Gia had just held Hudson’s son and thought about what that man was wanting from her and what itmeant.If she said yes…or if she said no. She was terrified—not ofhim.At least not physically. She didn’t think she ever had been—or ever would be—afraid of him physically hurting her.
It was the fear of hope that had stopped Gia in her tracks today. She’d been afraid tohopewith Hudson. Because the last time she had been attracted to a man at all, it had nearly gotten her killed. That had stayed with her, robbing her. Now, she was ready to move on.
To reclaimhope.
“Counselor Hiller, to what do I owe this…visit?”
“I broughtGleason,1982.At least, a copy I made notes on in law school. I had cross-referenced it with a case I want you to see.” She met his eyes, straight on. If she was going to do this, she was going to do itfully.“But that’s not why I am here, Hudson Hanan.”
“Oh? Care to illuminate me? I am all ears.” He crossed those strong arms over that ridiculously broad chest. And just waited.
For his prey to come to him.
Well, she had. And it was time… “Where do you see this going?”
“Houston? Martinell? Gleason?What exactly are you asking?”
Oh, no. They weren’t going to play that game. Gia would never play games again. Not in this. It was too important.
She took a deliberate step up, onto his porch. Into his range.
His reach. The tiger’s territory.
She knew exactly what she was doing now. “I want to know what exactly you want from me, if we take the next step past…colleagues.”
“We’re not just colleagues. We never were. I’ve known you since you were Ryan’s age.” And his eyes had narrowed, his body tensed. Like he was ready to pounce, as soon as she stepped into his trap. “And…I want everything you will give me.”
“But what does that mean exactly? We didn’t even like each other until…this month or so. Maybe, I still haven’t decided iflikeis what I feel for you right now.”
She wasn’t ready to call it more than that, but…it felt like more than that. In so many ways.
But this…this was her making achoice.Taking control.
Did he realize how much that mattered?
Gia stepped closer.
Until they were almost chest to chest. His arms dropped. His good hand landed on her hip. It wasn’t an accident. They both knew it was deliberate.
