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“Sure, big man.” His deep voice chuckled, and I scowled, not liking he thought he knew me.
“My shifts just happen to be the same nights. Lucky coincidence.”
“Sure, sure.” He raised his eyebrow at me, waiting for me to reply.
Blowing out a breath, I gritted my teeth. I didn’t need the third degree from him. I was already getting suspicious looks from Loren and the Suit. Neither had said anything yet, but it was only a matter of time before they asked why I always insisted on things that involved Nat.
“Okay, well, I can see I’ve hit a sore spot, so I’ll say my peace and go. Nat, she’s a lioness who hasn’t figured out she can roar. There’s something she’s running from, and until she deals with that, she’s not going to be free to see the things in front of her. She’s too busy looking behind herself, watching her shadow.”
“Sounds like you’re waiting for her to realize you’re in front of her.”
“I am.”
Growling, I didn’t miss his smirk. “Not on my watch.” Tossing a few bills down, I stood, backing away from the bar. I didn’t want to think about him taking Nat away. If I did, I was liable to hit him, which wouldn’t look good to the other guys. I couldn’t afford to lose control or put a strain on Mas’ reputation. So, I reined it in, stalking out of the club for now.
When I got to the front, I pulled my keys out, cursing the rain coming down. Lifting the collar of my jacket, I pulled the door open just as it was slammed shut. Following the trail of the arm bracing it closed, I snarled as I found Byron there.
“I’d move if I were you. I walked away for a reason.”
“You don’t scare me, mafia man.”
My chest rumbled at his words, and I narrowed my eyes, gritting my teeth. “Move. Your. Arm.”
He backed up, lifting it. “Just one thing.” He handed me a card, and I flipped it over. When I saw the name, I looked up, surprise on my face.
“I don’t understand.”
“Someone dropped it earlier. Thought your boss might want the info. I hear things, you know. Something big is coming. I’d like to pick my side now. I’m with your family.”
“Why?”
He shrugged, backing away. “Things are different, and it’s nice.” He maneuvered around a couple who were making out against a wall, his tall frame hard to miss as he made his way down the hallway. Something niggled in the back of my mind, and I couldn’t find it in me to be angry at him.
“Thanks,” I shouted, feeling I owed him at least that after being an asshole.
He stopped, nodded, and saluted me, a smile on his face. “I never said I’d be the only one. Broaden your horizons, big man.” With that, he turned, no longer in my view. I stood, the sound of the rain pelting outside, but all I could hear was my heart in my ears. Was that what he meant? Nat just needed to know she wouldn’t have to choose? Could I? I didn’t know if I could.
Someone pushed me to get out, jolting me, and I remembered where I was. Tucking the card into my pocket, I pushed my shoulders back and sucked in a breath, ready to face the outdoors.
* * *
Knocking on the door,I waited to be called to enter. “Come in.”
Turning the handle, I stepped into Mas’ office, the familiar sight feeling more and more homey the longer Loren was around. A small smile threatened to tilt at the corner of my lip, but I pushed it away, knowing the boss wouldn’t like me smiling at his softness.
“What’s the urgency?” Mas asked, looking up from his computer.
“Two things, sir. The first is that the occupants of the Tacoma place are doing well. Little Red is recovering, and the other three seem more settled now that she’s there. Do you still want around-the-clock surveillance?”
“Yes. Until we have Darren apprehended, I think it’s best. I promised them both I’d keep them safe, and I plan to keep it. Are you able to make the schedule and send it to Sax?”
“Of course.”
“Excellent. Thank you. What’s the second thing? I’m assuming it’s why you’re here. You could’ve told me that on the phone.”
“You are correct.” I pulled out the card, handing it to him, a smile on my face.
His lit up when he saw whose symbol was on it. “Looks like our friend is back in town.”
