“I believe you,” she said, glancing over her shoulder. “You said it yourself,” Nina said, pulling Harlon into a little alcove and out of earshot from people coming and going from the restaurant. “The drugs weren’t normal. Who better to try and throw your family under the bus? First Manny is mauled by someone he knew who made that tape. They knew the right words to set the dogs off. Then Suzie vanishes and leaves you a clue. Harlon.” She met his gaze. “It has to be someone in your inner circle. Someone who could get close enough to pull this off, whether that means friends or enemies.”
Harlon shook his head. Anger coiled like a snake in his stomach. “No one has more of a reason to hurt my family than that bastard and his dad.”
“I know,” Nina said. “That’s why I wanted to make sure I got a good look at his face. You know, in case he ends up in a sketch.”
Harlon dropped his gaze to hers. “You did that so you’d know for sure.”
“Of course,” she said as her lips tilted up in a smile. “Why else would I even bother? Although your future clients were watching with interest.”
Harlon rested his palm on Nina’s neck and slowly lowered his head as he pulled her near. Every minute spent with this woman was changing him. Making him need her. Crave her.
He kissed her long and hard, not caring who saw. He pulled back. “I’m starving. Are you ready to go?”
“Your food is probably cold.”
His lips twisted into a grin. “It’s not food that I’m hungry for.”
“I just need to grab my sketchpad. All of my bags are already in the car.”
Harlon slipped his fingers through hers and led her back inside to the table. “Nina and I are leaving. Quinton, please give Ruby a ride,” Harlon announced, meeting Ruby’s gaze. “I’ll have your bags delivered to your house.”
“But we weren’t done shopping,” Ruby said. “There were five more places I wanted to take her and then to the spa.”
“A spa—” Nina said.
“Will have to wait,” Harlon announced. “She has another engagement.”
“Right,” Nina said and rounded the table. She picked up her pencil case and sketchpad. “Thanks, Ruby. Maybe if I ever visit, we can do it again some time.”
“Of course,” Ruby said as Harlon slipped his fingers through Nina’s and guided her through the restaurant.
He waited until they were in the back of the Town Car before he spoke. “Ruby likes you.”
“Really, how can you tell?”
“I can read her mind, and hers was stuck on seeing you in the new lingerie. Shereallylikes you.”
Nina’s eyes widened, and her cheeks pinkened. “I had no idea.”
“She doesn’t advertise it. No one knows. Hell I wouldn’t if it weren’t for me being able to read her mind,” Harlon said just as he pulled Nina close and kissed her like he hadn’t seen her for days.
“While you were shopping, did she buy you a gun?”
“What? No,” Nina said.
“That’s just as well,” Harlon said and pulled the blue Tiffany bag off the floorboard. “I did.”
“I don’t need a gun,” Nina said, shoving the bag back in his direction.
“Everyone needs a gun,” Harlon said, pushing it back.
“I don’t want a gun,” Nina said.
“You need protection,” he demanded.
“I have protection,” she said, leaning into him and claiming his lips again.
She was right, and something told him this wouldn’t be the last time she was right. Still, once she was his wife, he’d train her how to fight, how to shoot, and everything else he could to keep her safe. Hell, he’d even pick her out the perfect dog to keep her and Peanut safe.
“You’re thinking too much,” she whispered against his lips.
