Page 108

Inez smirked. “Ask her.”

He straightened, and Inez waved Imogene over. She rushed down the hall, shifting her eyes over him and Inez. She stopped a few feet away and glanced to the right. She lifted her hand in a short wave, and he jerked his glare to Inez’s head of security. She had close to fifty men who guarded the apartments, but Darren was usually in charge of them. He ignored Imogene and didn’t respond. Though he did flatten his lips in a tight line and glance up at the ceiling.

“You know my boys?” Inez asked.

Imogene widened her eyes, and her mouth fell open. She jerked her eyes to Jekyll and moved an inch closer. He sucked in a breath, knowing Inez was watching her every move. And mine.

“Oh, you’ve got to be fucking kidding me,” Inez sneered, pinning her glare on Jekyll.

“Inez.” He growled.

She poked her finger at his chest. “A whole world of goddamn women, and you pick this one?”

He clenched his jaw, fisting his hands. It was the only way to keep him from pulling her close. That claim in front of Inez wouldn’t go over well. But he wouldn’t stay silent.

“Yeah.”

And he wasn’t letting her go.

Inez threw her hands in the air, shaking her head. “Does anyone listen to a fucking word I say?”

Gent chuckled and lifted his finger. “I’m still single, Inez.”

“Shut your mouth!”

Jekyll didn’t have experience with an overbearing mother. Until Inez.

“I’m sorry, I…” Imogene stared up at him, nervous and unsure. Clearly, she had no idea what was happening.

“What are you doing here?” Jekyll asked.

“I live here.”

Fuck me.

“That’s right, Jekyll. She. Lives. Here.” Inez’s tone was controlled, but he’d known her long enough to read past it.

Jekyll lifted his chin toward the hallway. “Go back to your place. I’ll come see you when I’m done.”

She darted her eyes between him and Inez. “Okay.”

He watched her walk down the hall and glance over her shoulder before slipping inside her apartment.

“Get your asses inside now.”

Jekyll drew in a breath, prepping for Inez’s wrath. But another thing was on his mind. Once in the living room, he turned back to Darren, who was standing near the edge of the kitchen, waiting to be dismissed.

“Hey,” Jekyll snapped, and Darren looked over. “Stay the fuck away from her.”

“With pleasure.” Darren drew in a breath. “I find her incredibly annoying.”

“Somebody explain to me why any of you know” —her arm shot out pointing toward the wall— “that girl.”

Hyde sidled up next to him. “Imogene was a volunteer at the prison. Librarian, and taught some classes.”

Inez furrowed her brows. “Why is she here?”

Hyde glanced up at Jekyll. It was his turn to take the lead.