Total pages in book: 105
Estimated words: 99132 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 496(@200wpm)___ 397(@250wpm)___ 330(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 99132 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 496(@200wpm)___ 397(@250wpm)___ 330(@300wpm)
They’d been driving in silence for miles. Wayne’s fingers drummed on the steering wheel—offbeat and restless. Abigail watched tension climb up his spine, the way his shoulders locked and his throat moved like he was choking on words. Any minute now. She could feel it. He’d grow a fucking pair and spit it out.
Finally, he cleared his throat. “Abby, don’t get mad at me, but I think you should stay away from your sister for a while.”
There it was. Exactly what she’d been expecting. Abigail opened her eyes wide, feigning surprise. “Wayne, how can I do that? She’s my sister. Someone’s trying to kill her. I can’t leave her alone. She’s my younger sister.” Her voice cracked perfectly with just the right blend of anguish and conviction. She enjoyed baiting him, enjoyed watching him try to console her with all the finesse of a lumbering bear. He could be so damn predictable.
“I know, honey.” His voice was rough, strained. “But she’s in danger, and it would just kill me if anything happened to you.”
She’d expected him to call her sweetheart, not honey. The mistake pricked at her like a splinter beneath the skin. Was she losing her edge? That wouldn’t do. She forced a tremor into her voice. “I appreciate your concern, but family is what matters, right?”
He flushed under the pale light from the dashboard, the ruddy color creeping up his neck. He made the turn toward her gated community, tires splashing through fresh puddles. “Yes, I know. I’m sorry.” His voice dropped lower, thick with guilt. “I didn’t catch the guy tonight, but I will. I promise you. I’m not going to let anything happen to your sister. Or to you.”
She bit back a smile. Laurel could take care of herself. Abigail had no doubt about that, and she’d never forget the way Laurel tackled her to protect her. She did feel sisterly toward Abigail but just couldn’t admit it. But Wayne was so determined to prove his worth, so desperate to be the one who saved the day. She could almost taste his insecurity, sweet and sharp on the back of her tongue.
Every once in a while, Norrs became so predictable that Abigail thought about slitting his throat as he slept, just to relieve the tedium. But he still had his uses. So, for now, he lived. She reached over and took his hand, sliding her fingers over his calloused palm. “I always feel safe with you.”
He coughed, the sound awkward and embarrassed, then nodded, his hand warm and solid around hers. “You should. I’ll keep you safe, Abby. Always.”
His confidence was misplaced, but she let him have it. It was amazing how easy he was to manipulate. He flicked a glance her way, eyes full of that raw sincerity he wore like armor. It almost made her feel something. Almost. Then he leaned forward and cranked the wipers up as the rain went feral, pounding the truck hard enough to make the frame complain.
“You’re not in trouble, are you?” Abigail kept her voice soft. “Since we’re, you know . . . engaged. I have been charged with murder.”
Wayne shrugged one broad shoulder. “I had a discussion with my boss. Told him it was self-defense. And if it comes down to you or the job? I choose you every time.”
She almost fluttered her eyelashes but chose to smile instead, letting him see just enough warmth to keep him hooked. “You are the sweetest.” The words were easy, automatic. Inside, she was already calculating the consequences if he truly did leave his job for her. If he did, he was of no use to her. But as long as he remained useful, she’d play the role he wanted. “But you really must keep working for the FBI.” She patted his hand, her touch light and reassuring. “We need you keeping us safe.”
“I know, baby.” He patted her thigh.
Baby. She should stab him for that alone. She cleared her throat. “You really do have an important job, and you can’t be protecting me all the time. My house has an excellent security system. I think you should go back to the city tonight and keep trying to find the person targeting Laurel. I would never want to interfere with your work.”
“Oh, hell no.” His response was immediate, forceful. “I’m staying with you tonight, Abby. There’s no way I’d leave you alone.”
Damn it. That didn’t fit in with her plans at all. She couldn’t tell him he was smothering her because then he’d want to know why, and that just wouldn’t do. “All right,” she said softly, her fingers trailing over his knuckles. “But you have to promise me, tomorrow, if I stay home and secure, and away from Laurel, that you’ll go do your job. It’s imperative you find this maniac. I can’t lose my sister, Wayne. I just can’t.”