Live Wire (Ramsey Security #2)

"Romance is tricky for everyone. Your inexperience doesn't necessarily help or hurt. No two women are the same."

"I doubt there's anyone like Saskia," I say, thinking of her elusive smile.

"I know you want to impress this woman. Just remember to show her the real you and not act a part."

Scowling, I turn away. "I really hate when you explain things like I'm a child."

"Sorry, but you had a childlike expression on your face. I also know you fall into the habit of faking things when you're uncomfortable. Remember our sessions for the first two years when you pretended to have certain phobias just to avoid talking about your real phobias?"

Despite him having a point, I really hate when he nails me so completely. He's also right about Saskia. I want her, and wanting her is pushing me to do things I'd normally bail on. In fact, I did plan to weasel out of this trip. Then Saskia shows up, and I fear showing any fear in front of her. I want to be a tough guy like Troy and Rafael even if I have to fake it.





15


Saskia

Gossip and Other Girl Activities

Brad's clean male scent lingers on my clothes and hair. I feel his lips on my cheek. No amount of walking around the perimeter, searching for trouble helps me settle down. Troy leaves after an hour, and I catch him giving me a grin. Everyone finds my crush on Brad hilarious. I only want to know how to turn it off.

"You're making me tense," Minka says, sitting on the back porch. "Shake off your bitch vibe."

"I don't know how."

"When was the last time you cried?"

I think back to when Sela died. "I was seventeen."

"You're kidding, right?" Minka cries, clearly horrified. "You've gone over a decade without crying? Don't you get your period?"

"I control my emotions."

"Too much, it seems."

"When was the last time you cried?"

"Two days ago while watching that SPCA commercial with the abused animals. Reminded me of my old dog I left behind when I ditched my family. I bet my mom put him in a shelter. Fuck, just thinking about that makes me want to cry right now."

"Please don't."

Minka leans back on the bench and crosses her arms. "There's two ways to control your emotions. Shove them down inside you and never let them out or let them roll all the time until you can bend them to your will."

"So your way is better?" I ask, completely unconvinced by her method.

"Not always. I've never let my emotions get in the way though. You are one big sneeze away from losing control."

"I just need to finish this job."

"No, you need to let loose before you can't turn off your emotions."

"How do I do that?"

"Go out and drink and relax and see what breaks loose." Before I can agree, Minka is on the phone with Rafael. "Hey, boss, are you busy tonight?" she asks, putting him on speaker.

"Depends."

"I need you to come watch the house while I take Saskia out so she can let loose."

"That sounds like a terribly risky idea."

"Don't be lazy. Just put on your pants and get over here. Please?"

"Did you call Troy first?"

"No, he just left. It would be rude to have him turn around and come back. Why would you want to be rude, big man?"

Rafael sighs. "Because he's not the boss."

"Neither are you really. I just call you that as a way to suck up. Now be here in an hour so we can party.

Rafael says nothing for nearly a minute to ensure we squirm.

"Give me two hours," he says before hanging up.

While we wait, Minka and I pack my bags for the New York City trip. Every time I hear Brad's voice echoing from somewhere in the house, my entire body tenses. I desperately want to talk to him, even if I have nothing to say. I just want to just look at him and have him look at me. Life would be simple, if not for all the prickly little details.

Rafael finally arrives. Before I can flee the house, Brad steps in my way.

"Where are you going?"

"Out with Minka."

He crosses his arms and frowns disapprovingly. "Whatcha gonna do?"

"Drink and talk about men."

"When will you be back?"

"When I feel like it."

"Keep your phone on, so I can send you pictures of the dogs."

"Why?"

"If you're thinking of them, you're thinking of me," he says, giving me a little smile.

"Then just send pictures of yourself."

"No, that would be weird."

His expression is too seductive, forcing me to smile grudgingly. Brad steps out of the way and gestures for me to leave.

"Have fun with Minka and only Minka."

"Or what?"

Brad gives me a look that I can't place. Is he threatening me? Teasing me? Will he cry soon? I have no idea what he's thinking, and maybe that's his point. Brad leaves me thinking of him and that look long after driving away with Minka.





16


Saskia

Scary Broad