“I don’t know a Jess Callahan.”
“Well, I do. And I know someone’s been following her and trying to hurt her.”
He snorts. “So, what’s it to do with me?”
“I can help that someone get her. I can bring her to them if they wanted.”
“And why would you do that?” he sneers.
“I could do with some money. The bank’s trying to foreclose on my house. I’m in a mountain of debt. I figure if someone wants her that badly, they’ll pay.”
“How did you get my number? Who are you?”
“I’m a P.I. It’s what I do.”
“You’re the boyfriend, aren’t you? The one who keeps getting in the way.”
My grin expands. “I could get out of the way for the right sum.”
“I heard you were in debt,” he muses. I can practically hear the cogs turning. Would he really hand her over for money, he’s asking himself. “You can get her to me? To a certain place?”
“She’s putty in my hands. I can get her to do anything.” I inject a smug note into my voice.
“How much would it cost?”
“Ten thousand.”
There’s silence at his end, then a huff. “Five thousand.”
“No way. Ten or nothing.” I’m pushing but I don’t want to seem easy.
“Eight.”
“Fine, eight. Cash.”
“Only when you’ve handed her over.”
“Of course.”
“Bring her here.” He gives me the address of the studio apartment in King’s Cross I checked out the other day. “Can you bring her this evening?”
I pretend to ponder this. “Sure, I can do that. What are you planning to do with her?”
“Does it matter?”
“Guess not.”
“Good. Meet me there at six.”
Lucas hangs up and I grin to myself. It’s not ideal. I’ll be on his territory but I’ll have the slippery fucker pinned down and in a private place where I can do what I want. He won’t think about touching Jess ever again.
***
Jess
After an afternoon of food and amazing sex, I’m surprised when Hunter announces his friends will be here any moment. Thank goodness I decided to get dressed after our last passionate session. Mitch greets me with a grin and the other one, a blond haired guy with thick arms and a menacing look nods towards me as Hunter introduces him as Connor. I know a little of him from what Hunter’s told me. He trusts these guys with his life. But why are they in our hotel room?
“What’s going on?” I ask as I perch myself on the edge of the bed. Mitch helps himself to a bottle of water from the mini bar and positions himself by the window. Connor sits awkwardly in one of the lounge chairs.
Hunter wraps his hands around my arms and draws me to my feet. He presses a kiss to my nose and my heart flutters.
“Hunter?” I prompt.
“Mitch and Connor are going to watch over you for a bit. I’ve got to head to the police station.”
“You have? But it’s so late. Why?”
He shrugs. “Who knows?”
“Well, I’ll come with you.”
“No, you won’t, Jessica. I need you here.” He tone broaches no argument but his gaze remains soft on my face. “I won’t be long. I don’t want to be worrying about your safety.”
“And what about your safety?”
“Lucas is after you, not me. I’ll be fine.” He grins but it doesn’t touch his eyes.
A leaden lump of dread settles in my stomach. “Hunter, what—”
“Do you trust me?”
I scowl. “Yes, of course. With my life.”
The words are out before I’ve even thought about it. I might have admitted to loving him but I hadn’t said anything about trust. I’ve never trusted anyone before but I trust Hunter and it’s sends a rush of warmth through me, more powerful almost than love. I trust this man with my heart and my future. Whatever happens, he’ll stick by me and even if my past rears its ugly head, I understand now that Hunter won’t be scared away.
For the first time in forever, I’m willing to put my future in his hands. I wish Mitch and Connor weren’t here so I could explain my revelation fully to him but he seems to understand. Warmth lights his blue eyes.
“Do as I ask and stay here. I’ll be back within a few hours.”
I frown. When did he speak to the police? He’d been on his phone when I surprised him this morning. Perhaps that had been them. Whatever they want, it doesn’t sound good. I sigh. If Hunter wants me here, I’ll stay. There’s no point in adding to his stress.
“Fine,” I grumble.
“I love you, Jessica. Remember that, okay?”
“I love you too.”
The kiss he gives me is all too brief. It leaves me aching and confused. His gaze searches mine and with what seems to be a small nod to himself, he leaves. I slump onto the bed. An ache gnaws at my heart. What is it that feels so strange?
“Did you know what the police wanted?” I ask Mitch.
Mitch shrugs and picks at the label on the water bottle. “No idea.”