She’s a person of interest.
I’m responsible for her safety.
She’s too young for me.
I’m a heartless fucking robot.
She works for my aunt.
She deserves so much more than I can give her.
With Nina safely inside, Madi and I left. Matt met us at the driveway and after a quick chat, we parted ways.
Before starting the car, I texted Gibson.
It’s time to call your contact.
Chapter 35
Nina
Ithought I was dreaming when Austin lifted me out of the car, and I let myself lean into the fantasy.
He smelled so good, and I felt so safe in his powerful arms.
Only it wasn’t a dream, and I’d never felt so embarrassed or desperate to disappear in my life.
Having fantasies about Mary’s nephew was a bad idea.
Having fantasies about an older, heartless man with gorgeous steel-blue eyes was just plain stupid.
He’s not really heartless. It was easy to believe he could be when he focused on his job, but I saw glimpses of the human behind the suit of armor.
Austin behaving like a decent, caring human was dangerous to my heart.
His smile never failed to earn mine in response.
His warm, firm hand on my back sent shivers up my spine and made me feel special.
And his laugh, deep and throaty, reminded me that I was a woman.
Thinking of Austin as a romance hero was setting myself up for heartbreak.
He wasn’t boyfriend material, and I’d do well to remember that.
Forget about him. I repeated the order as I tiptoed through the dark house. Because Nana Sue didn’t sleep well, I was careful to avoid the creaking board in the hall.
Behind the closed bathroom door, I washed my face using only the nightlight. It provided just enough light for me to see the bags under my eyes.
And the tears flowing down my face.
Chapter 36
Austin
When I asked, John didn’t hesitate to agree to meet me at the SSI office early the next morning, despite it being Saturday. I texted Gibson, telling him I’d pick him up early.
Was I surprised to find the entire SSI crew, sans Matt, when we arrived? No.
