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“That’s not happening,” Raid told her.
“That’s all right. I’m happy to move,” Tanner said, looking amused.
“You really don’t have to. Raid is just being, well . . .”
“Rude? Abrupt? Grouchy?” Tanner said.
“He hasn’t eaten all day,” she blurted out.
Tanner’s eyes widened. “Jesus, it’s a wonder he’s still standing. I haven’t seen him go more than three hours at a time without eating before.” He peered at his brother closer. “Pretty sure you’re fading away.”
“Fuck off.”
“Raid! What is wrong with you?” she asked, bewildered.
“Tanner. Leave. I need to find something for Hannah to eat and then we’re talking to Alec before she naps.”
She was blushing by the end of his explanation. Jeez, did he have to tell Tanner that she was going to need a nap?
But Tanner just nodded and went into what she assumed was his room while Raid started moving around the kitchen.
“Raid, you don’t need to kick Tanner out,” she said.
“Baby, I do not want my brother listening to those sexy noises you make.”
Yikes.
She guessed she didn’t, either.
He eyed her worriedly, then ran a finger under her eyes. “You’re tired. Sit down. I’ll make you a sandwich and then you can rest while I talk to Alec.”
“I think I need to be there, too.” She had the feeling that if she wasn’t, they might make decisions on their own that affected her.
She waited for Raid to argue, however he didn’t say anything.
Stranger and stranger.
33
Alec Malone was an intimidating man.
Handsome. Intense. Dominant.
The only thing that made him more relatable was the baby mat on the floor with toys strewn around it.
Alec was also a family man who clearly adored his wife and child. He’d come to every check-up that Seb had at the clinic. Always doting on Mia and their son.
Which is how she could sit across from him and tell him what a fool she’d been.
When she’d finished going through it all, Raid took over and explained about this morning.
Alec sat back and looked thoughtful, tapping his fingers on his desk. “The fact that he’s in a federal prison makes things more difficult.”
What did that mean?
She looked from him to Raid who was sitting beside her. “Makes what more difficult?”
“Getting to him for a chat,” Alec explained, his gaze cold.
“You want to talk to him?” she asked.
“Yeah. There are a few things we need to know. Like who he really is and how he got his last victim to recant. Although, hopefully, when you talk to her, she’ll tell you so we can help her. I’ll make some phone calls, see what I can do. The sooner we find out more information, the better we can protect you.”
“This isn’t . . . this isn’t your problem, though.”
Alec raised his eyebrows. “I thought you were with Raid.”
“I . . . I am. But still . . . I don’t want to cause issues.”
“Raid wouldn’t bring you here if he wasn’t serious about you. You’re his. That means you’re ours. And I always look after family.”
Shoot. She was going to cry.
“Raid, I don’t want her alone at any time. Even on the ranch. If you’re not with her, she’s here at the house. And you make sure either I’m here, or Tanner is.”
Raid nodded. “Agreed.”
“Are you sure this isn’t too much?” She wrung her hands together, and Raid reached over to grab her hands, drawing them apart before he squeezed one.
“Baby, we’ve talked about this. You’re not a burden. Or a hassle. Understand?”
“Raid is right, Hannah,” Alec said firmly.
She nodded, feeling shaky and tired.
“Hannah, can you do me a favor? Mia is in the kitchen; can you ask her to make a fresh pot of coffee?” Alec asked.
Hannah nodded. “Sure. I can do that.” She’d do anything for these guys. Plus, she really wanted out of there. She jumped to her feet, but Raid tugged on her hand.
She stilled and looked down at him.
“Give me a kiss when you leave the room.”
With hot cheeks, she glanced at Alec, but he was doing something on his phone. So she leaned down to kiss Raid.
“So bossy.”
“You love it when I’m bossy.”
She did. She was used to bossy Raid. Understood him. It was when he was holding back that she got nervous.
Raid told her where to go, and she barely stopped herself from running out of the room.
Alec waited until the door shut behind her before turning to Raid. “I’m going to call Regent and see if he can help get someone to this guy.”
Raid nodded. “Yeah, he owes me.”
“But federal prison is more difficult and we don’t want to do anything to alert him that Hannah is talking to the Feds.”
“How are things between the two of you?” Alec asked.
“I’m taking it slow. I mean . . . we haven’t been together that long.” Christ, had it only been a week since she’d fainted at the clinic?
