Oh hell, he thinks it’s something to do with the case.
“Everything is fine,” I reassured. “There’s been nothing to suggest this was anything more than a coincidence. I’m betting I’ll be pulled soon.”
It was honestly surprising I hadn’t already. There were far better uses of my time and department resources.
His eyes narrowed. “Do you suspect me of something?”
Of being a jerk, yes.
“No,” I said instead. “I obviously had to look into the possibility, but no one works this hard and cares this much about their successful business just to risk it.”
“Then I don’t give a fuck about the case. I wanna know why the fuck you’re so locked down now.”
I didn’t feel like getting into a pointless discussion about things that didn’t matter. I wanted to get back out there and do my jobs.
“I’m not,” I lied.
“Bullshit.”
“I’m just working.”
“Bullshit,” he repeated, harsher that time. “You give that smile to everyone else. You laugh with them. Chat with them. I barely get three words. The only smiles I get are forced. And you bolt every time I get near. What’d I do to piss you off so bad?”
I’d always prided myself on my ability to keep my cool, but at his nerve, I came close to snapping.
Actually, I came close to throwing something at his head and storming out.
That wasn’t an option. But I could make the best of the awkward situation so the few days I likely had left undercover weren’t akin to Hell.
“You ignore me just as much,” I pointed out. “I know this whole thing has been a waste of our time, but it’s almost done. You’ll be rid of your shadow soon. Just don’t touch my damn thighs anymore. That’s all I’m asking.”
“No.”
I reared back at the firm word that sounded more like its own demand. “What?”
“No.”
“I didn’t ask a question.”
“Sayin’ no anyway.”
Deep breaths.
Calm.
“Okay, you do that, Sir,” I said with a petty jab that probably hurt me more than it annoyed him. “I’m going back to work.”
Disgust twisted his features—and, God, that definitely hurt far worse. “Don’t do that shit.”
I gave him a taste of his own bitter medicine and doubled down with a touch of dramatics. “Whatever you say,Sir.”
Calm down. You vented enough pressure to stop from completely exploding. Now go, dummy.
I turned to leave, but his hand encircled my wrist, and he spun me back.
“Let me go,” I said.
“Not till you talk to me.”