Page 12 of Protecting Gina

“If it makes you feel better, you could stay here.”

Her gaze whipped to his. “What?”

“There are four bedrooms. We’re waiting to get rid of the beds and some of the nicer furniture. There’s an extra room that isn’t being used. I can’t vouch for how comfortable the bed is, but it’s here.”

Gina looked like she was actually contemplating staying with them. He pushed away the excitement at having her here and tried to look like it was no big deal to him if she stayed. After a long moment, she shook her head. “I don’t think it’s necessary. Not yet. I mean, if they find my place, maybe then.”

“If they find your place, it will be too late.”

He was right, but she didn’t want to impose. It would be weird staying here. They didn’t know her. For all he knew, she was lying about the entire experience. She wasn’t, but he didn’t know her.

“Thank you for the offer, but I think I’ll stay at my place.”

His phone buzzed, and he pulled it out, reading the text. “It’s not Cassandra, but it is the guy I sent the information to. He sent a report.”

“Oh, that’s good.”

“Let’s look at it.”

He moved to the kitchen and opened his laptop, pulling up his personal email. He saw the one from Tex and opened it immediately. He moved a chair around so she could sit beside him while he looked at the file.

“Come sit.”

Gina seemed hesitant, but after a moment, she moved to the chair and sat beside him. He didn’t want to come on too strong, so he made sure to keep everything business-like. The last thing he wanted was to offend her. He just wanted to help.

Tex had packed a lot of information into the email. Pete had a few arrests for theft and racing. The racing made sense since he was into cars. The thefts were mostly small, but there was one car theft that he’d gotten off with a slap on the wrist. Was he running a chop shop? Probably, but they had no proof.

“There aren’t any drug arrests,” Gina said.

“No, I don’t see any drugs.”

“What do you think she could have had?”

He shook his head. “No clue.”

Gina sat back, crossing her arms over her midsection. “He was so insistent I give it to him. He got angry when I said I didn’t know what he was talking about. He thinks I know her, but I don’t.”

“I wish I had answers.”

“Same. At least we have the address where he lives. And now we know the makes and models of his cars, and other property he owns.”

“What good does that do?”

Wave shook his head, his stomach tightening for her. “I’ve got to say he seems dangerous. You need to be careful.”

She nodded slowly, looking very sad. “I will. I need to move.”

“Where would you go?”

“I don’t know.”

Wave sat back, staring at the information on the screen. He didn’t know how he could help her. With this guy after her, she was in danger. Maybe he would give up, or maybe he would intensify his attack. He didn’t think any of it would work out in Gina’s favor.

Gina watched Wave’s arm as he flexed his biceps. No question, he was strong. She hadn’t had much luck in the love department. Not that any of her exes had been abusive. They just hadn’t been for her.

She needed to keep in mind that she wasn’t looking right now. Plus, Wave was leaving town. They would never see each other again. She didn’t need to get involved with anyone.

“You’re very kind. Not very many people would help like you’re helping me.”