“What I wastryingto say was I’d hoped Mr. Monroe would agree to a trade of sorts. He takes my case, and in return, I work for him at Sin. Or, better yet, I could help with the P.I. side of things.” A hard swallow worked her delicate throat. “In the interest of full disclosure, I’ve never tended bar before. But I worked as a waitress all through college. I also have a criminal justice degree that might come in handy. Honestly, I’d be happy just doing the filing, answering phones…whatever you guys need. I’ll even sign a contract, if need be, so you and your boss would know I’m not just going to split town once my stalker’s been caught. I’d never do that, by the way. I just…” Another defeated sigh. “I need this man stopped, Ivan. So whatever I have to do to make that happen…”
A heaviness settled inside his chest, the desperation in her voice tearing at his heart. He understood the desire to catch the person responsible for destroying your life. He’d lived with that same thirst every day since learning of his sister’s death.
Although her ex hadn’t merely affected his life. The bastard had irreparably damaged his entire family.
Someone has to stop him.
Those had been Cera’s words to Declan when the two had been discussing her stalker. They were the same words that lived rent-free inside his head on a regular basis.
Two men walking the streets, free to cause pain and havoc on whomever they chose. Two men whose actions had horrifying consequences for those involved.
One man had proven himself untouchable. The other…
I’ll find the son of a bitch harassing you, sweetheart. If he’s out there, I will find him. And I will fucking stop him.
It was too late to save his baby sister. But Cera…Cera was still here. And he damn sure intended to keep it that way.
Staring deep into her entrancing gaze, he wasn’t sure if his own unresolved past was the driving force behind his need to help this woman, or simply his natural alpha instincts. Whatever it was, the urge to protect her was stronger than anything he’d felt in a long damn time.
A confusing development to say the least. Especially since, apart from her name and brief account of the bullshit she’d been dealing with, he knew nothing about the sexy, scared Cera Davidson.
But that was something he intended to rectify the first chance he got. For now…
“Like I said, the money part will come later. For now, the only thing I need to know is whether you feel okay to drive yourself to the resort, or if you need to ride with me. I can either follow you, or we can go together. Your choice.”
“I can drive myself.” A small jut of her delicate chin.
See? Fucking adorable.
Resisting a smirk, the corners of his lips twitched but didn’t fully curl. If what had been shared with him and Declan was true—and as of this moment, he had no evidence to the contrary—the woman had had one hell of a scare. Yet here she was, straightening her spine and maintaining eye contact like a pro instead of withering into a blubbering puddle of tears.
Thank God.
More than ready to get her away from this place, he asked, “Does your phone have access to GPS?” He pulled his own from his pocket.
“Like to get directions to the resort? Yeah.” Cera nodded. “Why?”
“What’s your number?” He tapped open his keypad, entering the digits as she recited them. Hitting the small green circle at the bottom of his screen, Ivan initiated a call and waited.
A ringing sound came from inside the colorful sling purse hanging securely over her right shoulder. Lifting the wide flap, she reached into the bag and pulled out her cell, holding the screen up for him to see.
“That’s me,” he confirmed unnecessarily. When Cera tapped her screen to stop the ringing, he told her, “Save me in your contacts. That way if we get separated or you need something after we get you checked in, you can reach me.” He waited while she followed orders, and then, “I’m texting you the hotel’s address now.”
Ivan’s fingers worked the screen to type in the address he’d previously committed to memory. After the message was sent, he then saved her as a new contact inhisphone, so he’d have a way to reach out to her, if need be.
“Thanks.” She pulled up the link showing driving directions to The Douglas.
“Anything you need from the room before we go?”
The enervated expression Cera wore as she glanced up toward the second-floor scene tugged at his heartstrings. “No.” She returned her saddened gaze to his. “There’s nothing left for me here.”
I’m here.
The what-the-fuck thought left Ivan momentarily speechless. Yes, he was here for her, but in a professional capacity only. And even the validity ofthatunspoken statement hinged on what he found out during his deep dive into her life.
Investigator. Potential Client. That was the extent of their relationship. Period.
You sure that’s all you want her to be?