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“You stole food?” he finally asks, looking confused, and I nod.
“From one of their stores. I’m not sure if they actually owned the store or if the store falls under their protection or something.” I don't know how all that crap works.
“They turned you into a hooker over ten dollars’ worth of fucking food?” he booms. I jerk back in the chair. It probably would have fallen over if he didn’t still have his hand gripping the back of it. “I’m sorry, angel.” He closes his eyes, taking a deep breath. “I didn’t mean to yell at you. Don’t be scared of me. I’d never hurt you.”
“I’m not scared of you,” I whisper. Not physically, anyway. I am, however, noticing my emotions are all kinds of wrapped up in this man.
“Maybe you should be,” he says under his breath.
“Why?” He’s been one of the kindest people I’ve ever met.
Before he can answer, his phone starts to ring. He pulls it out and clears the call, but then it starts to ring again.
“I have to take this.” He slides his finger across the screen before putting it to his ear. “What’s up?” He goes quiet for a long moment. “Are you fucking kidding me? I’m coming over.” I watch as he starts to pace. “I’m coming over, and I’m not fighting with you about this on the phone.” Curt’s eyes cut back to me. “I won’t be alone,” he says into the phone before he ends the call.
“Something wrong?”
“My brother had a problem at his place last night. I need to go check on him. He’s not really been himself lately.”
“Okay.” I fidget with my fingers in my lap, unsure what I’m supposed to do.
“I had some clothes picked up for you this morning. Change and you’ll come with me.”
“You want me to come with you?” I ask in surprise.
“I’m not leaving you alone here.” I nod in understanding.
He probably thinks I’m going to steal something, and I fight back the hurt. I can’t blame the man. I’m in this whole mess because I’m a thief.
I hate that Curt knows that about me now. I enjoyed being his angel a whole lot more.
Chapter Six
CURT
When I get to Boone’s, I take Demi by the hand and help her out of the car. She’s got on an oversized sweatshirt and leggings. Thankfully I remembered to order shoes so she doesn't have to be barefoot. I ordered what she might think is an unnecessary amount of clothes, but I wanted her to have everything. And okay, maybe I’m thinking ahead.
“You want me to come with you?” She looks uncertainly up at the house.
“Of course I do. Why else did you think I asked you to come with me?” I look down at her in confusion, and she shrugs.
“Maybe you didn’t trust me alone at your house.”
“Demi.” I touch the bottom of her chin so she’ll look at me. “I didn’t trust leaving you at home because I can’t keep you safe if I’m not by your side. I’m not worried about you taking something from me.”
“But I’m in this mess because I stole from the Shapovals.”
I shake my head at her. “You stole food because you were starving, and that’s not a crime. At least not to me. There’s more at play here, but we’ll talk about it later. Right now I need to make sure my brother is okay.”
“Are you sure you want him to meet me?” She looks down at her clothes, comfortable and soft like she is.
“I would never be ashamed for anyone I know to meet you, angel.” That makes her smile, and I remind myself to say more things that give her that look.
We walk into Boone’s house, and security is right at the door. I nod to Roger, their head of security, and the other men on the way inside.
Boone and his bride Phoebe are in the family room at the back of the house, and when I walk in, I find them cuddled up on the couch together. Phoebe is in Boone’s lap, and she looks tired and there’s a bruise on her cheek, but otherwise she seems okay.
“Are you all right?” I ask, because I’m still a little shaken from the call I got from Boone earlier.
“I’m fine.” Phoebe looks at her husband. “Don’t listen to Boone. He’s being extra protective right now.”
“You were nearly killed,” I say a little too loud, and Boone nods to agree with me.
“Great, now I’ve got bossy in stereo.” She shakes her head and then finally sees Demi move out from behind me. “Oh hi, I didn’t see you there.”
“Hi,” Demi says when I pull her around.
“This is Demi, Demi, this is my brother Boone, who you might remember, and his wife Phoebe.”
Boone’s eyes widen, and he softly places Phoebe on the couch beside him as he stands up. “It’s nice to meet you.” He holds his hand out to Demi and then looks at me again. “Can I speak to you in my office, Curt?”
