Total pages in book: 62
Estimated words: 58962 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 295(@200wpm)___ 236(@250wpm)___ 197(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 58962 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 295(@200wpm)___ 236(@250wpm)___ 197(@300wpm)
That meant he might be investigating my murderous behavior on behalf of the Shifter Council, as well. And if they found me guilty of leaving a string of dead bodies across Denver, two of which were shared in the media, he’d be the guy with a silver bullet in his gun meant to end me.
Well, that was fine. I had nothing to hide. No regrets.
“Wait here,” I told him.
He nodded, and I went into the bedroom to grab my jeans off the floor. I tugged them on, watching him through the open doorway. I didn’t give a shit if he saw my balls. Shifters weren’t modest.
When I was doing up the zipper, Brooke came out of the bathroom in black leggings and a Broncos hoodie. She eyed me cautiously, her gaze flicking out into the main room.
“There’s a DEA guy here who wants to talk to us about what’s happening.”
Her eyes widened, and she looked worried, her shoulders curling in. I held out my hand, so she knew it was safe, and she came to me. Took it.
Fuck, that was a little bit of trust that meant so much.
17
BROOKE
* * *
“Hey. Mark Ruhl.” The stranger stuck his hand out, and I shook it. He was in his forties. Fit. Attractive but not as much as Roy.
“Hi,” I replied, offering him a small smile.
“I’m with the DEA.” He showed me a badge.
I frowned, not sure what this had to do with me. I glanced up at Roy, and he gave my hand a reassuring squeeze.
“What does the DEA want with me?” I wondered.
“Can we sit?” Mark asked, glancing around the big room.
Roy led me to the couch and settled me right beside him, so our sides touched. His arm went around my shoulder.
Mark settled across from us in a club chair. He was propped forward with his elbows on his splayed knees.
“We’ve been investigating Sam Lazano for over two years.”
I sucked in a breath, recognizing the name. Tom Burke had said it when he apologized to Mr. Expensive Suit the day before.
“You recognize the name,” Mark said, but it wasn’t a question.
I nodded. “Yes. I think he was the man at a meeting I attended yesterday in the suite down the hall. The name was mentioned.”
Mark’s face lit up like a kid given a toy. “Can you describe him?”
I thought about the face I’d never forget. “Maybe six feet, heavy set but not from exercise. Dark hair, receding hairline. Jowly neck.” I raised my hand and touched my own. “His eyes were dark, and I had the impression that he was a mobster or something.”
Mark nodded. “Your impression was right. Sam Lazano is the head of a drug ring. How often did you meet with him?”
“Drug ring?” I whispered.
“Watch it,” Roy snapped at Mark, pulling me onto his lap.
Mark held up a placating hand. “It’s all right. We don’t think you’re involved.”
Roy growled–literally growled–at the guy.
“Roy!” I gasped, trying to wiggle out of his hold, but it wasn’t working.
Why he wanted me on his lap now was confusing. And embarrassing.
Mark’s nostrils flared like he was sniffing the air, and he studied us, eyes narrowed.
“Hey, I get it,” he said, lifting one of his hands. “I understand and appreciate a protective mate–er, partner. We know Brooke’s not involved. We’d just like to find out what happened at yesterday’s meeting.”
I relaxed and gave up the fight of sitting on my own. Roy’s hold was possessive, like a lock around me. He was solid, sturdy, and warm. He was also fiercely protective of me, which I liked. I shouldn’t like it too much though because I didn’t want to rely on him. Except for the situation I was in, with a DEA guy interrogating me, I really liked that he was here with me.
“How long have you known Sam Lazano?” he asked.
“I met him for the first time yesterday,” I replied, clenching my hands together in my lap.
“Why?”
“Because my boss, Eugene, was injured and in the hospital. He called and asked me to fill in. Said it was an important client, and the meeting couldn’t be cancelled.”
Mark leaned forward and rested his elbows on his thighs. “Okay. Go over the whole meeting with me.”
I nibbled my lower lip and took a breath.
“I normally handle bookkeeping and during tax season simple filings that Eugene approves. When he called, I freaked because I knew nothing about the client and was supposed to fill in on something I knew nothing about. I don’t like not being prepared,” I admitted. “Eugene told me where to grab the papers I’d need on his desk, and I took his laptop then came here. He shared the location and room number. Someone was waiting for me downstairs because you can’t get up to the penthouse level in the elevator without a keycard.”