Page 24 of Alpha
“Just because the ladies prefer my company over yours at an evening gathering does not mean I spill secrets.”
“No, you spill gossip.” Cole tossed back. “I know you can keep secrets.”
I veered away from the bickering brothers when I spotted Ivy outside.
“Beckett,” Keith stepped out from the living room, “got a moment?”
“Yeah, what’s up?”
“Besides Moore, do you have any other guys you went to combat with we can call on for support? Ones you trust?”
“I have a few I’d put my name behind.” His face slipped for moment, and I couldn’t help but feel my chest tighten in sympathy.
“How quickly can you get them here?”
“I have a few buddies who’ve taken jobs here in town as law enforcement. Frank knows them, too. Maybe mention it to him, see what he thinks.” The fact that Cole never mentioned this to me made me wonder what else Keith might be thinking. “I have a few other friends I could reach out to. A couple are from Mexico. If you want, I can get in contact with them, see if they’ve heard anything.”
“I’d appreciate that a lot.”
“You got it.” I slapped his shoulder. “We’ll do everything in our power to get her back. You have my word.”
“Thanks.” He spotted Cole and headed in that direction.
I slipped out the front door and walked up to Ivy, who held her phone to her ear. She had her back to me as I approached.
“I do appreciate you.” She paused. “Yes, I remember that.” There was a lightness to her voice, which made me curious to know who she was speaking with. “Thanks for letting me know, and when I’m back in town, I’ll give you a call.” She nodded like the person on the other end could see her. “Dinner sounds nice. All right, then. Bye.” She hung up, and her shoulders sagged as she turned around. She suddenly jumped as she spotted me. “Do you know you have a habit of doing that?”
I slowly folded my arms, and she leaned her head to the side with a frown. I loved the way she could look attractive no matter what time of day it was. I wasn’t used to being so caught up by a female. It was uncharted territory for me.
“Is there a problem?”
“Who were you talking to?” I also hated how possessive I sounded. Her mouth twisted, and she matched my stance.
“Why do you want to know?”
“You were really wound last night, and today you seem,” I thought for a moment, “better.”
“That’s not the word I’d use to describe that call.” She lifted her brows. “Did you ever consider just why I might seem a little less wound?” She dropped one eyebrow, and I felt my pants tighten below my belt. “Not that it’s any of your business, Ty,” she came closer, “but it was Bronson. He had information, and I played flirty to get it.”
I ran my tongue along my teeth while I absorbed her words. “I see.” My tone bordered on jealously, and I tried to drop it. I didn’t like it any more than she did. She rolled her eyes as she began to move past me. “When do you go to Washington next?”
“Ah,” I’d thrown her off balance at my change in subject, “I think I need to be there sometime next week.”
“Okay.”
“Why? Do you have to approve my trips now?” Her chin rose, and I stepped closer.
“No,” I shook my head, “I’m just making sure that it meets up with my plans.”
“Your plans?” Her brows pitched.
“I got the green light to investigate some leads on Hill. Cole asked me to escort you to Washington, so I’m trying to sync our trips.”
“Oh.”
“You can’t go alone, Ivy.”
“I know. I guess I just figured Doc would take me.”
