Page 124 of Bulletproof

“Countless times, yeah.”

“Well, c’mere,” he said, gesturing at me. “And I’ll kiss it and make it better.”

“Why don’t you get off the hammock that craves human blood and we’ll talk?”

He chuckled as his phone rang. It was sitting in front of me on the table, and when I read the display, I saw Z. Calhoun.

“Sam, I think it’s your new best friend,” I said as I tossed it to him.

He answered, and over the course of the next few seconds, his face fell. When he was done and clicked the phone off, he turned to me.

“What’s wrong?”

“Apparently, the case against Cristo Liron has fallen apart.”

“I don’t understand.”

He got up, and the sexy man with the hooded eyes that I had seen minutes before was replaced by an all-business Chicago police detective.

“There’s missing evidence, missing witnesses … and worst of all, he’s free on bond.”

“A judge let him out?”

“After the judge heard the case was weak, he put out a number, and Cristo paid it.”

“So, he could be anywhere.”

“Yes, he could.”

I looked at the wide, muscular back of the man I loved. “I’m not important enough for him to care about, Sam. Think big picture. He doesn’t give a shit.”

“I think he cares more than you think.”

“Look at me.”

He turned around to face me.

“Maybe we should go home, huh? At least you could protect me better there since you know everybody.”

He looked relieved. “Would that be okay with you?”

“Of course.” I smiled at him. “Just lemme call Mr. Awana and pick up the things for Moses.”

“I’m sorry, what?”

“When I got saved the other day, I promised to carry things back.”

“Saved?”

I nodded.

“Carry what?”

“Just food, not guns and drugs.”

“Oh, I’m so relieved.”

I waggled my eyebrows at him. “It’s fun, living with me, right?”