Total pages in book: 141
Estimated words: 141428 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 707(@200wpm)___ 566(@250wpm)___ 471(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 141428 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 707(@200wpm)___ 566(@250wpm)___ 471(@300wpm)
“Call me D-Devi,” she whispered.
Shit. Fuck.
Stupid stutter.
He sighed. “Devi. Tell me what happened.”
It wasn’t a question but a demand. And she couldn’t help but glance over at the door, wishing that Hayes would walk back through.
“It was a dick from out of town,” Silla blurted out.
“Yep. It was. Uh-huh,” One-tooth said, patting her hand.
Jerry glanced over at Mac. “Got somewhere private we can go?”
Mac gave her a concerned glance. “Yeah. Use my office. Why don’t you all back off and give Devi some space?”
One-Tooth backed off and Silla squeezed her hand before heading off. Mac then helped her stand and they moved to his office.
“I’ve g-got this,” she said, grimacing as she stuttered again.
No wonder Mac didn’t look convinced as he helped her sit on the old chesterfield sofa in his office. It had seen better days, the leather was cracked and worn and it sort of sagged in the middle. But it was comfortable and she was worn out.
“Sure you have.”
“Where is H-Hayes?” she asked.
“I’m sure he’s fine,” Mac told her.
“Hayes?” Jerry asked, making her jump.
Heck. How had she forgotten that he was there?
Idiot.
“He’s one of the guys that ran after that asshole,” Mac said. “He’s new here. We think he’s a bodyguard for the Steins.”
Jerry’s gaze narrowed but he didn’t say anything. She got the idea that he already knew something about Hayes. Jerry took a seat across from her. She attempted to quell her shaking. It never paid to show weakness.
“Let’s get on with this, shall we?” Jerry said briskly.
Devi winced. No doubt he had something else he’d rather be doing. He’d probably been at home with that lovely family of his. He was dressed in a pair of jeans and a flannel shirt.
“Sorry you g-got called out,” she said.
Shit. This stutter was killing her.
“It’s my job.”
Right. He didn’t want to come and help her. It was just his job.
“Jerry,” Mac said in a low voice. “She’s been attacked. Traumatized. You could be a bit nicer.”
Jerry shot Mac a look. “How about you give us some space? Maybe go and make her a hot drink.”
Mac turned to look at Devi. She knew that he’d stay if she asked him to. But there was no point in him being in here when he had a bar to run.
She’d already caused enough disruption.
Devi just hoped she still had a job after all of this. Mac looked reluctant as he left. And she wanted to call him back. She didn’t want to be alone in here with Jerry and his thick disapproval.
“Right. Tell me what happened.”
7
Devi took a deep breath and attempted to talk without stuttering. Unfortunately, she wasn’t very successful. She had to pause several times, wishing she had a glass of water.
“So you thought it was a smart idea to go outside, on your own, after you’d just had a run-in with these guys?” Jerry asked incredulously.
Great.
Just what she needed. Someone to point out what an idiot she’d been. As if she hadn’t known.
His walkie-talkie made a noise and he stepped out for a moment. She stared down at her hands. They were still shaking.
Shit.
Get yourself together, Devi.
Things could be worse.
But she still didn’t know if Hayes was all right. What if he’d caught that guy? Killed him?
No. He wouldn’t do that.
Would he?
Jerry walked back in and gave her a look. What? Did he really expect a reply?
“I . . . I . . . I . . .” The door suddenly opened and she let out a small cry.
Hayes paused and the fury on his face faded away slowly until he was staring down at her emotionlessly. She wasn’t sure if he thought that was better than the anger.
It was not.
She’d rather have the real emotion. Although she guessed he was doing it for her.
“What are you doing? Who are you?” Jerry demanded.
“I’m Hayes,” was all he said before running his gaze over her. “You okay? Injured?”
“I’m f-fine.”
His eyes narrowed. “Clearly you’re not that. You’re shaking and pale. Has anyone checked you over? Offered you a fucking glass of water?”
Her shaking increased. He sounded really mad.
“We’re actually in the middle of something,” Jerry said. “If you wait outside, I’ll talk to you after.”
“You can interview us both at the same time.” Hayes strode over and sat next to her.
His warmth seeped into her cold skin and her shaking decreased. It was strange but she chose not to think about it too hard.
“Where were you up to?” Hayes asked as he settled back. His thigh was touching hers.
Oh my God.
Her insides were practically dancing with joy. What was wrong with her? It wasn’t like he’d kissed her. Or, heck, even held her hand.
“This won’t take long,” Jerry said. “It would be better if you waited outside.”
“Yeah? You ask Devi if she wanted support while you questioned her?”
Jerry stared at the other man. “She didn’t ask for support.”