“Why keep it so secure?”
“To diminish his customer’s concerns. If they trust their information is confidential and has maximum security protecting it, they can set up times and coordinate which club to meet at without worrying about someone finding out.”
She steps back with wide eyes. “Just how involved do you have to be with this project?”
“About as involved as I had to be with gambling. I need to know the parameters of what he wants and then build it out.”
I reach out and wrap my hands around her thighs to guide her back to me. “Don’t worry. I don’t have to go to the clubs to do my job.”
She squeezes between my legs and places her arms around my neck. “Why are his customers worried about other people finding out?”
“Because Mateo’s clients are high profile people.”
“Like who?”
“Think of the top one percent, and that’s who has memberships at his clubs. They’re wealthy and powerful. Some are well-known, so it could destroy them if word got out that they were into something others might find disturbing.”
“So, this is another huge contract?”
“It is.”
“And before you got shot, you said you would stay here for me if I told you there was a chance for us.” She gazes into my eyes, seeming to have an agenda.
“I said that, and I would’ve.” My stomach clenches. “Why do I get the feeling you’re trying to ask me to stay here?”
“It’s not that.” Worry grows across her face. “What if I can’t find a job there and I get reinstated here?”
That’s a loaded fucking question.
“Dori, I told you I’d fight for you and that you’re my priority. If you can’t find a job there and you get reinstated here, we’d have to have a serious discussion, but I’m not willing to lose you.”
“Are you saying you would stay here for me?”
I consider it for a moment. Every part of my body and soul instantly shut down.
I peer into her eyes. “Honestly, I hate it here. There aren’t many good memories, and I don’t want more obstacles. We still have to deal with Aiden and build trust with one another, so now that you can leave, I want to go. I want us to have a fresh start.”
She nods and steps away. “Let me put this stuff away and help you into bed.”
I place my hand over the supplies. “That can wait for a minute. First, I need to know why you’re having doubts.”
She sits beside me. “What makes you think I’m having second thoughts?”
“We saw Jonah and Hunter tonight. You told me you’re sad that you’re no longer working with them. You know Hunter’s working to get your job back. It doesn’t take a genius to figure out what you’re thinking.”
She fiddles with the edge of her T-shirt. “I’m scared. My life is up in the air, and I don’t feel very stable right now. I know it’s wrong, but I feel like running away and hiding until I figure everything out.”
“What can I do to help make you feel better?” I take her chin in my hand and turn her to face me. “Talk to me.”
She hesitates for a moment. Her expectant gaze darts around my face. “I just need to know we have choices.”
And with those words, I can tell we’re going to have problems.
CHAPTER 23
HUNTER
The distancebetween Dorothy and me grows each day that passes, making me hollow inside.
