“Fine.” I rinsed and stepped out of the shower. “But if we do this, you’ll have to wear a wire.”
“No. No wires. If he starts getting handsy, he’ll find it.”
“Fine.” I dragged my hand through my hair, hating the idea of him touching her again. “Lemme give Derek a call. We’ll bug the house. But I’m AirTagging your ass. That way if anything goes sideways and he takes you somewhere… I’ll find you.”
“Okay. Good,” she said, like the plan was foolproof.
“You might want to lower that confidence in your voice, cupcake. You’re not gonna like where the AirTag is going.”
Maggie looked at me, brows raised and a devious smirk curling at the corner of her mouth.
“What, like I’ve never stuck an electrical device up my pussy before?”
“It’s not going there.”
chapter 25
…LUB DUB…
Maggie
Graham hadDerek meet him a couple blocks away from the manor. I drove the Gremlin and parked it in its normal spot. Nothing suspicious. Nothing new. Just like Graham said. Familiarity.
If Hunter obeyed my request to be alone, he should stay away until I texted him otherwise. I went inside and unlocked the back door and got to work preparing a meal. Maybe his favorite. Something to say‘sorry’for kicking him out.
Beef Wellington, roasted Brussels sprouts, creamed root vegetables, and glazed carrots should do.
Half an hour had passed, and while the meal was fully on its way to perfection… Graham and Derek were finishing up in the study. A bug for each room. Two in the kitchen and dining room since we most likely would be there the longest.
“All set,” Derek said, holding his duffle over his shoulder. “Kitchen and dining room are rigged with two. I’m not going to disclose exact locations for… reasons.”
“Thanks, Derek.”
“Max, I’ll be right outside in the woods. If anything happens, scream as loud as you can. You got it?”
I nodded. “I’ll be fine, now get outta here. You’ll make me burn it,” I said dryly.
Graham pulled me in, his arm slipping behind my back. Worry etched into his eyes behind the darkness, behind the rage. “I’d rather you poisoned it.”
“Graham…” I ran the back of my fingers down his cheek. “I’ll be fine.”
He didn’t say anything, just pulled me in even harder—his hand gripping at my back so hard a small pang of pain bloomed under his touch. He closed the distance, kissing me hard, like it might be the last time he saw me.
My heart beat forcefully under my ribcage, pounding against his chest, until he pulled back, breaking our connection.
I waited until I heard the back door open, then close, before texting Hunter.
Sweat beaded on my brow as I thumbed out a message.
Hey baby, I’m sorry about earlier. Why don’t you come home? I’ve made your favorite.
I opened the oven door and pulled out the Wellington, snapping a quick photo and sending it.
A moment later, my phone dinged.
Hunter:
On my way.
