A few minutes later, we’re running the inside track of his perimeter fence. I hadn’t noticed that there was a paved track that circles the entire property. Moon adjusts to my pace. I have shorter legs and appreciate that he has slowed down. It’s hot no matter that it’s only a little after six in the morning. The sun beats down on us, which actually feels good.
Without the slightest huffing of breath Moon tells me what’s happening, “Estephon is backing down. He says he’ll back off from his ties with the drug cartel. His compliance was too easy and I don’t believe a word of it.”
I feel the same way. This is all too easy.
“As good faith, I asked him to handle Kennedy.”
I stop running. Moon stops a few steps ahead of me and turns around so we’re facing each other.
“By handle, you mean kill?” My legs are spaced with one slightly in front of the other and my knees are bent. This is a fighting stance and I’m ready for a knock-down drag out.
I can see that my actions haven’t gone unnoticed. Moon’s expression is hard steel.
“Kennedy tried to kill you. His retribution was coming one way or another.”
“Fuck no,” I yell. “You are not telling me this. What the hell is wrong with you? Did you think because I came back after you took out Dandridge that I would be okay with killing a cop? I’m not fucking okay with killing Dandridge. I will never be okay with that. There’s a reason I went into law enforcement and that’s because I believe in the law.”
Moon, like an idiot, takes a step closer. “Your law is corrupt. This is about checks and balances. As long as Kennedy is out there, you’re unsafe.”
I lift my hand, palm out. It’s a warning. If he moves closer, I will deck the motherfucker.
“You will call Estephon and stop whatever he has planned for Kennedy. I will find something on him that I can prove and let the legal system deal with his ass. I won’t be part of another murder.”
Moon’s voice goes deathly quiet. “You still think this world is hearts and flowers, don’t you?”
“What I think is that I’ve made the worst decision in my entire life.”
We stand staring at each other, neither giving an inch while so many thoughts swirl through my mind. I’m in this—part of Moon’s world. My shoulders sag, a stupid tear rolls over my cheek. Moon takes my hand and I’m too despondent to fight him.
He kisses the tear without saying a word and then turns and pulls me forward so I’m jogging. He releases my hand when he realizes I’m willing to run beside him again. This was his plan. Work off my pent-up anger by running. It’s not a bad plan, but we’re talking about someone dying, and no amount of running will change my feelings on that.
“I’m clean.”
I have no idea what he’s talking about. “What?” I huff as I increase my stride needing the intense burn that slow jogging won’t give me.
“Sex, baby. I’m clean.”
We’ve gone from killing a cop to STDs. Only a man could take this leap. I’ll be damned if I play this game. “Call Estephon,” I say and kick my speed up another notch. “For me.” The stretch in my stride eats up the ground beneath my feet. Moon easily keeps up. “I’ll find something on Kennedy. Give me a week.”
We pound the pavement and circle the house several times. We keep running.
“He’s dangerous. Bad cops always are,” Moon finally says with the first signs of breathlessness. I agree with that statement, and I’m also relieved. There’s a change in Moon’s tone. “Estephon will think I’ve got something going with Kennedy and that’s likely to get Kennedy killed one way or another.”
That, I don’t care about. Kennedy’s dealings with Estephon are on him. “Please,” is all I say. I’m huffing loudly.
“Done,” is Moon’s answer.
It was that simple. I don’t know all it means to be part of Moon’s life. I’m learning that he will compromise, and just maybe, we can find middle ground. I’ve never killed anyone. I’ve been prepared to but never had to. Death is not a means to an end unless there is no other option and you’re faced with life or death. Moon’s world is different. A difference so large, we may not be able to overcome the obstacles.
We run.
Moon finally pulls me to a stop. “Shower and then I need to leave for my meeting.”
“Boardroom or back alley?” I ask to lighten the mood. I’m bent double and look up at him.
“I wouldn’t wear a suit if it was in a back alley.” His lips quirk, and for now it’s as close to a smile as he will give me.
I stand tall and face him. Even sweaty he’s fucking gorgeous. I doubt the same can be said for me. His eyes say differently. Maybe sweat does it for him too. We head inside and hit the shower, my sweaty hand held tightly in his.
It’s the first time I go down on Moon. The taste of his cock in my mouth is everything I imagined. I haven’t had enough practice to deep throat successfully but I give it everything I have. Moon’s expression shows I’m doing something right. Giving this to him makes me feel powerful. He returns the oral favor after he comes over my breasts, and my release is blissful and sweet.
I’m dressed in his bathrobe when I walk downstairs with Moon. There are slices of fruit waiting on the center island in the kitchen. We stand at the counter and eat a few slices. Moon’s goodbye kiss is sweet and fruity. A delicious combination. I head upstairs, take off the bathrobe, and put one of Moon’s dress shirts on. I fall into bed and I’m asleep within minutes.
I wake up a few hours later feeling better. Five hours of sleep will keep me going throughout the day and I have a list of things I need to do. Terry is at the top of that list. The asshole will explain why he pulled the case from me, and if I don’t like the explanation, I’ll deck him. The violence associated with Moon is rubbing off on me.
There’s a note from Gabriella in the kitchen. It tells me there’s a large platter with bacon, muffins, and fruit in the refrigerator just for me. The note also explains she won’t be here today. I had planned to ask her about a vehicle because I don’t have transportation so now I need to consider other arrangements. I eat all the food Gabriella made for me without bothering to warm it. I’m that hungry.
I walk to the security room to check on my second option concerning transportation. Philip stands when I enter. Cal barely gives me a glance and continues watching the monitors.
“I need a car. I don’t suppose you know where my rental is, do you?”
Philip gives me a look that says I’m one bullet shy of an empty magazine. “Moon would rather you remain here.”
“Try again,” I tell him.
He rolls his eyes. “The Cadillac is at your disposal as long as I’m driving it. I’m your security detail for the day.”
Should I be disgruntled or seriously pissed off? I don’t need a babysitter. “What if I tell you to go to hell and shove the Caddy up your ass?” My voice is sugary sweet.
Philip’s eyes flash with challenge. “Moon said to lock you down if you wouldn’t cooperate. He also said to remind you that he doesn’t trust Estephon.”
Neither do I. “Who runs the controls while you’re tagging along with me?”
Philip’s shoulders relax and I fight a smile. I guess he wasn’t looking forward to this confrontation, and I don’t blame him. “Cal can handle it. We have additional men on perimeter.”
I noticed two men this morning during my jog with Moon. “I’m ready whenever you are.”
Philip doesn’t bother saying goodbye to Cal. He walks me out and we head to the garage.
“Where are we going first?” he asks as soon as he backs out of the garage.
“Sunnyslope. I need to speak with an attorney there.”
“Moon won’t be pleased,” he says.
I sharpen my voice so it has an “I don’t give a fuck” inflection. “I’m armed and willing to carjack this vehicle if my driver doesn’t cooperate. I didn’t get much sleep and Moon does not pay my bills. I do. If you’re not off
ering to pay my bills, please shut the fuck up and drive.”
Philip gives a Neanderthal grunt and drives.
Chapter Thirty-Six
I TAKE MY PERSONAL phone from my pants pocket to check e-mail. I’m dressed in my normal BDUs with another loose T-shirt to cover my gun. The e-mails waiting are mostly junk with the exception of a possible client. The woman’s name is Shirley and she references one of my first clients. I shoot back an answer asking when and where we can meet.
The car approaches the Sunnyslope area, and I give Philip Terry’s address. I also decide being driven around isn’t all bad. I’m in the middle of a hot game of Tower Defense on my cell when a message slides across the top of the screen that I have incoming e-mail. It’s my prospective client, and I reply that four o’clock works perfectly in my schedule today. We pull into Terry’s parking lot, and I open my door as soon as Philip parks the car. He takes his chauffeuring services seriously because he hustles around and gives me a glare after he lifts his dark shades.
I shrug and walk to the door, which Philip beats me to and opens before I can. “You are waiting in the car, correct?” My voice makes it clear this is not an actual question.
“I’ll remain here at the door,” he returns in a voice that says, “Don’t argue.”
He’s in a dress shirt and tie minus a suit jacket. I don’t need him melting into the pavement. “Oh, for God’s sake, wait in the lobby,” I grumble before stomping inside. The fun of having a chauffeur has morphed into the complexities of having a bodyguard.
Two feet in the door and I come to a halt. There are now two desks in the lobby. A woman who I don’t recognize is sitting behind Brenda’s desk and the new desk is empty.
“Good afternoon. Welcome to the Law Offices of Lewis and Lewis. How may I assist you?”
Lewis and Lewis is my first thought. Next, I take in the woman behind the desk. She must be taller than Moon. Her hands are definitely larger. I’m trying to formulate a sentence, when Brenda walks from the hallway. Her smile is light and cheerful, so whatever’s going on, it’s not causing her concern.
“Hi, Mak. I see you’ve met Terry’s bride, Mrs. Lewis.” She turns to the bride. “Mak is one of our private investigators.”
Mrs. Lewis stands—all six plus feet of her—and walks around the desk while placing her hand out. “Please call me Sheila. We’ve only been married two days, and Brenda enjoys teasing me. It’s wonderful to meet you.” Her voice is manly low. She’s wearing tight black jeans and a gauzy gray blouse unbuttoned to show off a tremendous amount of cleavage. A silver linked belt hangs low on her hips, and she’s wearing flat sling back shoes. Her makeup is over the top, and I’m seriously considering the possibility that she is or was a he. No judgment, it just surprises me.
I can’t help following the movement of her hand as it envelopes mine completely. Oh, God, she has hairy knuckles with long fingernails covered by gray polish. Thankfully, her grip isn’t too tight and she releases my hand quickly. This is Sheila. The Sheila. As in the one who was suing Terry for dropping her during wall sex. I’ve now had my share of wall sex, and I’m less inclined to think dropping someone is funny. So why the fuck am I holding back laughter? It must be the thought that Terry had the Herculean strength to lift her in the first place.
“Is someone helping you?” Brenda asks while straining her neck to look behind me. With the two desks, the new… umm… face, and the fact that Terry is now married, I forgot about Philip.
“He’s with me. Kind of with me.” How do I explain this? “My car is in the shop and he’s driving me around today. Meet Philip.”
Brenda takes a step to the side so she can check him out from head to toe. “Any chance there could be more nuptials in the near future?” she asks with an appreciative purr that belies her age, which is most likely twice that of Philip’s. She actually thinks I’m with him, as in with him with him.
This doesn’t bother Philip in the slightest. “No ma’am, I’m just doing as my boss requests.”
Shit. We can’t go there. “I’m sorry, Brenda, but I have another appointment shortly and really need to speak with Terry if he’s available.”
“Sure, follow me back.” Now her eyes are inquisitive as she glances between me and my bodyguard.
I turn to Philip. “I need you to wait out here. That’s an order from your boss.” I emphasize boss and hope he gets the hint. The asshole winks at me, which I know everyone sees. Growling will only make this worse, so I hold it back. I follow Brenda to Terry’s office and avoid the inquisitive looks she gives me.
“You got some splainin’ to do, girl. Over margaritas preferably. You can bring Philip if you like.”
“Dirty old woman,” I mutter with a smile before we walk in Terry’s office. He stands and holy fuck the man’s in an orange suit. Orange as in pumpkin orange. Even in the fall, it would bring on seizures or have small children running in terror. The new Mrs. Lewis needs to have a talk with her man about style.
Terry looks surprised to see me and slightly uncomfortable. I turn back to Brenda. “If you don’t mind, please close the door on your way out. I don’t want my yelling to upset Terry’s new wife.”
“Margaritas, lady, and I’m serious.”
“You’re on if you can wait until next week.” There is no way I’m bringing Philip or God forbid Moon. I need things to quiet down on the Estephon front so a bodyguard isn’t included in my day.
Brenda gives me a wink bigger than Philip’s. I turn around and square off with Terry as soon as the door clicks shut.
“What the fuck did you mean I’m off the case and that I could keep the fucking money? If you’re on their payroll now, I swear you’re going down too.” Terry’s trying to talk, but I bulldoze right over him. “I might have tits and a vagina, but I can take care of myself. You’ve never had a problem when I interview men who enjoy beating their wives. Or have you forgotten that clusterfuck job you gave me with the guy that put his wife in the hospital with two broken legs?”
My tirade ends when Mrs. Lewis walks in. She gives me a rather nasty, scary look and walks to her new husband. She lifts her hand, and, I kid you not, she puts it on top of Terry’s head, her hand encompassing most of his scalp, and turns his face so he’s looking at her.
“There there, sweetums. She’s having a bad day.” Sheila looks at me and glares. “We do not share our bad days and put them on others.”
I don’t know whether to laugh, cry, or apologize. The look on Terry’s face is pure lust. I need to put vomit on my list of immediate responses. Instead, I turn and walk out. I can hear Sheila’s lovey dovey talk all the way back to the lobby. Philip is standing by the front door with his legs slightly spread and a shit-eating grin on his face. I can’t help lifting my hand and giving him the finger.
“Given the chance, I would have warned you,” Brenda sing songs.
“Next week,” I tell her. I walk to the door and Philip pushes it open for me. I slip beneath his arm and march out to the car.
“Where to now, boss?” he asks when he’s in the driver’s seat. “Just drive,” I order him. A mile away from Terry’s office, I tell him to pull into Manabertos.
“That’s a joke, right?”
“No. It’s not a fucking joke. I can’t think of any better way to get food poisoning and ruin a perfectly bad day than to have a mega-burrito from Manabertos.” I swear if Philip doesn’t pull in, I’m jumping out.
He swings the car into the parking lot and I tell him to go around to the drive-thru.
“I heard a rumor that all the cats go missing in this neighborhood.”
“I heard the same rumor about dogs,” I deadpan back.
He pulls up to the window. “And you’re still eating one of those things?”
“You plan on stopping me?”
He orders a mega-burrito and two large sodas. “Be sure to get lots of napkins,” I tell him because the burritos leak out a gallon of runny fat and God knows what else.
Phil
ip thrums his fingers on the steering wheel. “We’re not eating in the car. We can go to the park or something. I’ll never get the smell out if you open the bag in here.”
“Do I need to remind you that it’s over one ten out there?”
He turns, lifts his sunglasses, and gives me the look.
“Do I need to remind you that I need this job? I was told to keep you safe. Eating a mega-burrito from Manabertos is doing just the opposite.” He thinks he’s so funny.
“I ate them all the time when I worked night shifts in this area.”
I’m rewarded with a large grin. “I ate them all the time when I worked nights in Maryvale.”
“Yea, nights as a cop,” I joke.
“Damn straight as a cop.”
I lean forward. “You’re shittin’ me?”
“Twelve years—six years in sex crimes.”
He isn’t fucking shittin’ me. “You went from cop to working for the biggest crime boss in Arizona?”
His grin disappears. “I saw child molesters walk away with a slap on the hand. I saw murderers with good attorneys take three years after charges were reduced to manslaughter while a druggy selling a dime bag went down for fifteen. Fuck yes, I’m working for the biggest crime boss in Arizona. He’s fair. He’s as honest as he can be and he takes care of the people that the justice system doesn’t. I’ll take that justice over the other any day.”
He stops talking when the drive-thru window opens and he pays for my lunch and our drinks. “Where’s the closest park?” he asks as he turns back onto the street.
“Around the corner. Park on the south side. There’s a rotunda that should have some shade.” I’m trying to absorb what he’s just told me. He was a cop. Moon takes care of people the justice system doesn’t. I’m not sure what to think.
Philip follows my directions, and then we get out of the car and walk to a covered bench. I’m holding my soda and he has his along with my bagged burrito. He tosses it on the table and opens it to pull out two straws. He hands one over and then pushes the bag my way with a look of distaste.
Heat: An Alpha Male Criminal Romance (A Hotter Than Hell Novel Book 1) Page 22
