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Matt nodded. “Follow me.”
He led the way to the kitchen. Nash’s footfalls were surprisingly light for such a big man, but that was part of his effectiveness. Like his older brother, the guy was great with tech. But unlike Trees, he had fucking aptitude as both a sniper and a hand-to-hand combatant. Matt pitied anyone who found themselves on Nash’s bad side in a dark alley.
After he poured his pal a mug, Matt scrubbed a palm down his face. “What I’m about to tell you cannot be repeated.”
“Sure. Lay it on me. You know I’m solid.”
“That’s why I called you.” The truth was, Ethan might be better suited for this job since the new hotshot knew a thing or two about taking down powerful crime families, but Matt was still feeling the guy out. He hadn’t proven yet that he gave a shit about anyone but himself. And rumor had it that he fucked anything in a skirt. “Madison is in my bedroom, asleep. She showed up out of the blue last night.”
“All the way from DC? No shit?” Nash gaped. “Did you two—”
“No. She fled her husband, who’s trying to kill her. And if they haven’t yet, the family will come after her, too.”
Matt gave his buddy the basics, leaving out Brent Westbrook’s murder and the intimate details of Madison’s marriage. The less sensitive information Nash had, the better for him. Guarding her the next couple of days would be dangerous enough.
“So I need you to keep Madison safe long enough for me to get a plan in motion,” he finished.
“Sure. The bosses are expecting me to hold down the fort today, so I’ll have to talk to them…”
He’d forgotten that Nash had drawn the short straw over this Fourth of July holiday. Everyone else was on vacation or in the field. “I’ll take care of it. For now, let’s strategize about a safe location.”
“Okay, but… Are you objective enough for any of this? You never got over Madison, and she’s already fucking with your head again.”
Damn Nash for being observant. “I’ll do it a lot better if I know she’s safe.”
“Sure.” But Nash clearly wasn’t convinced. “Where do you want me to take her? Normally, I’d say my brother’s place, but—”
“No. These people won’t think twice about offing everyone there and chalking up their deaths, even your nephews’, to collateral damage.”
“You’re right.”
They batted around a few more ideas, but the organization’s safe houses were full, and nothing else felt workable. Matt tried not to take his frustration out on Nash. His buddy was doing his best.
Finally, he swiped a hand down his face. “Take her back to your place for now. I’ve got an idea, but I need some time.” And his balls. This strategy hinged on approaching Jack Cole, who co-owned EM’s Security’s sister company, Oracle. He was an all-around badass and mean motherfucker. Matt didn’t know the crafty Cajun well, so asking for his help was a risk. “I’ll let you know if it pans out.”
“All right. Just make it quick. Since my apartment is close to the university, the building is great for parties…not so much for security.”
“Got it. Go take that shower. I’ll wake Madison and get her ready.”
Nash nodded as he headed for the guest bathroom. Then he turned back. “Have you asked yourself what you’re going to do about her once you’ve made her safe for good?”
“IfI can make her safe,” Matt corrected. “I’m not assuming anything.”
“All right, if. But have you considered what’s next if you’re able to ensure her future isn’t merely as target practice for a hired gun’s bullet or a tragic ‘suicide’? Will you finally make her yours?”
“I don’t see how. We ended three years ago.”
“Are you sure about that?”
Matt shot him a scowl. Just because he and Madison had feelings didn’t mean they could overcome the past enough to have a future. Hell, he wouldn’t blame her if she never wanted to tie herself down again. “Go fucking shower. We’re burning precious time.”
“All right. But if you don’t try with her, I think you’ll be making a huge mistake.” Nash disappeared into the guest bath with a shrug, like he knew he was right but wasn’t going to push the issue.
Matt marched into his bedroom, teeth gritted. The urge to hit something, preferably Nash’s face, surged.
Instead, he dropped a hand to Madison’s naked shoulder, doing his damnedest not to notice how soft she was or how hard she made him. “Hey, time to wake up.”
Her lashes fluttered open. She gasped and vaulted upright, clutching the sheet to her chest as she whirled to face him. “Is everything all right?”
