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“Good to know.” Nick flashed me a smile. “Have a good night.”
“You too.”
My stare stayed on his full ass as he stepped out of the car. He waved, then closed the door and headed up the walkway of his building.
“This could get messy,” Vlado said, his eyes on Nick’s retreating form.
“Maybe. Maybe not.”
He started the car. “Just be careful.”
I pulled out my phone. “I’m always careful.”
With a sigh, Vlado drove away from the curb.
I focused on the dozens of emails and messages that had come in during the drive to Nick’s building.
Vlado wasn’t wrong. This entire situation had messy and complicated written all over it. It was stupid and reckless to mix sex into a professional arrangement, but I was finding it hard to care.
What was done, was done. We couldn’t take it back, and I didn’t want to. Nick was an adult. We’d be spending a lot of time together in the coming months. Why not have some fun?
Because it always ends in disaster, the ever-present voice in my head whispered.You have rules for a reason.
Clutching my phone tighter, I shoved all thoughts of Nick and how beautiful he’d looked as he came out of my head and concentrated on the email I’d opened.
7
NICK
“Why are you lying to me?”
“Eek!” I bobbled my phone as Aiden flopped down on the couch next to me. “Dude!”
He plucked my phone out of my hands and tossed it on the coffee table. “What?” He blinked innocently.
“You scared the bejeesus out of me!”
“Not my fault you didn’t hear me come in.” His expression went serious. “You’ve been lying to me.”
“I haven’t.”
“You just did it again.” He sighed and held out his arm. “Come here.”
I nearly dove on top of him in my haste to get some bestie cuddles. I tucked my head under his chin and melted against his strong body. Aiden was only about an inch taller than my own five-foot-eleven frame, but with his broad shoulders and barrel chest, he seemed much bigger when we stood next to each other. His body type also made him as comfy as a giant teddy bear.
“I’m worried about you,” he said softly, holding me close.
“There’s nothing to be worried about,” I mumbled. “I’m fine.”
“You’re not. I can always tell when you’re lying.” He rested his cheek on the top of my head. “I’m scared you’re involved with something really bad.”
“What do you mean?”
“Paige’s work sent out this thing on how to spot people who are being forced into human trafficking, and you’re ticking off a lot of the boxes.”
“What?” I tried to pull away but he held me in place.
“Somethingis going on. I know it is. You’re never around when you’re home. You’re getting multiple deliveries of insanely expensive clothes a week, and you’re going to all these parties with people you’ve never mentioned before. That’s not normal. And you’re constantly lying to me. We’ve been best friends since we were six. I know you. This isn’t you, and I’m scared you’re caught up or involved in something that’s going to get you hurt or killed. I can’t live without my Nicky. I refuse to. Please talk to me.”
