"Better than I have in months." She accepts the coffee, fingers brushing mine. Electric. "Thank you. For keeping me safe."
"Job isn't finished yet."
"Is that all this is? A job?" Her eyes hold mine, challenging.
Dangerous territory. I change direction. "Tell me about your father."
She stiffens. "What about him?"
"You mentioned he was a cop. How'd he die?"
The question hits like I intended. She sets down her coffee, walls rising.
"Ambush. Drug dealers he was investigating." Her voice goes flat. "I was fourteen. Found out from the news before anyone came to tell me."
"Fuck. I'm sorry."
"He taught me to fight before he died. Said the world was brutal to women who couldn't protect themselves." She meets my gaze. "He was right."
Something raw in her voice calls to the broken parts of me. "Afghanistan. Lost my unit in an IED attack. Sometimes the dead are the lucky ones."
Understanding passes between us. Shared trauma creates bonds stronger than attraction.
"Is that why you don't sleep?" she asks.
"Among other reasons." I drain my coffee. "I need to handle something. Two hours max. Stay here. Lock the door. Don't answer it for anyone."
"What if?—"
"No exceptions." I grab my jacket. "There's food in the fridge. Entertainment system has everything. Just stay put."
She nods, but something flickers in her expression. "Be careful."
The concern in her voice stops me cold. When I turn back, she's watching me with an intensity that has nothing to do with self-preservation.
"Always am," I lie.
The meeting with Tiernan's contact drags past three hours. Security concerns at the docks. Rival families testing boundaries. The usual territorial bullshit that keeps our world spinning.
I return to find my apartment empty.
Every muscle tenses. I draw my gun, clearing each room methodically. No signs of struggle. No blood. Her bag remains by the couch, clothes still in the bathroom.
She left voluntarily.
My phone buzzes. Text from unknown number:Had to step out. Back soon. - S
Rage builds in my chest. I gave specific orders. Stay put. Lock the door. She disobeyed, putting herself at risk and undermining my authority.
I'm pacing when she returns twenty minutes later, key turning in the lock like she has every right to come and go as she pleases.
"Where the hell were you?" I demand before she's through the door.
She jumps, hand moving toward her purse. "Jesus, you scared me."
"Answer the question."
"I needed air. Went for a walk around the block." She hangs up her coat, avoiding my eyes. "I was careful."
