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Somehow, I knew she’d drive a stake through my heart if I dared attempt it.
“What do you think about this one?” Her eyes were full of joy as she held up the fourth collar she’d selected.
“I think royal purple is perfect for a pup named Zorro. His Majesty.” As if on cue, the puppy barked his approval.
“Well then, purple it is. You’re your daddy’s baby. Aren’t you?” she cooed and my thoughts remained filthy.
I waited as she took her time selecting a leash, noticing Brock as he entered the store. He remained near us, scanning the area. That meant something had occurred he didn’t like. I’d sent Kane on business, handling a slight situation in one of the casinos, Brock and another soldier following us while we did our shopping.
Fortunately, Maria didn’t notice he’d entered the store, or his presence no longer bothered her.
“Are you about ready?” I asked, doing my best to keep the conversation casual.
“You’re rushing me while getting your son what he needs?” Her tone was entirely different than the day before, no longer terse every other moment.
Like most men, I’d turned into a single-minded creature but it had almost never centered around pleasing a woman. What I knew would overshadow the day might be my deep need for continued revenge. I’d also sent men to the address in Cincinnati only to hear during the middle of the night that not only had the family left, there was no trace of their whereabouts.
What I found strange was that I was damn good at reading people and the enemy soldier hadn’t lied to me. That could mean Liam had been tipped off. Even stranger still was the fact the man wasn’t the kind to run or hide. Even if he was aware his soldiers were missing in action, he’d deploy four times that many men to come to his aid.
Something was off. I sensed it more now than ever.
“My son needs his nap,” I told her.
She laughed at first then narrowed her eyes. “Is something wrong?”
“I just need to handle some business today, my darling wife. That will keep our son in the fancy digs you’ve already spoiled him with.” I took her arm, unable to keep from petting the puppy, but I was determined to guide her from the store as soon as possible.
There was a significant level of danger all around us. I knew that by instinct.
As soon as we headed toward Brock, he stepped aside, letting us pass, but not before pinning me with his eyes. Brock was nothing if not the kind of man who wore his emotions on his sleeve when he was concerned about something.
But I’d also seen him in action, ready to take a bullet without hesitation. He was a man I knew would go far within my ranks.
“Business?” she asked.
I pulled out my wallet, handing her one of my credit cards. “I’ll be right there.”
“Hmmm…” She gave Brock a heated look before pushing the cart away.
“What’s the issue?”
Brock threw a look in her direction before inching closer. “I noticed a dark sedan that drove by twice. It might be nothing, but I wanted you to know.”
“And it might be something. We’re almost done here.”
“Also, Kane called me. He wanted to ensure you were on your way home after this.”
I was surprised my lieutenant hadn’t called me directly. Granted, I had told him I didn’t want to be bothered. “Did he say why he felt it necessary?”
“He was sent something you need to see. That’s all he told me.”
“Okay. We weren’t planning on going anywhere else. Stay by the door.”
“Yes, sir.”
After he walked out, I headed to the register where she was just starting the checkout process.
“Something is wrong. Isn’t it?” she asked.
