Ramsey Security (Ramsey Security #1-3)(25)

Laughing, I finally meet his gaze. "You push me too hard."

"I need you to get healthy."

"What if I never do?"

"I don't believe in failure."

Removing my fingers from his arm, I set my hands on my lap. "I was never a strong person."

"I doubt you knew one way or another how strong you were. Most people live comfy lives where they're never tested. You've been tested and survived. Don't let Locke's bullshit distract you from the reality of what happened. He needed a staff of monsters to keep you caged, yet you freed yourself. You're stronger than he is, and you'll outlive him."

Time stops. Locke's voice disappears, and Troy's take its place. Locke's face fades, leaving only the handsome man inches from me. The past has no power, and the future is meaningless. I only know this moment with this man.

Troy wants to kiss me. I feel him closing the distance between us, yet he never moves. Our gazes locked together erase all the worries. No one can touch us right now.

The ringing of his phone startles me, but Troy ignores it at first. He doesn't want to let go of this moment. Yet I feel my confidence fading already. We're back in this apartment. The TV still replays the deadly highway scene from earlier. I remain Locke's captive, unable to leave my home without worry.

However, for a short refuge of time, Troy and I were free.





20


~~~

Darla

There's No Saying No

Troy says Minka is on her way upstairs. We stand near the door, waiting silently. After such a strange, yet exciting day, I don't know what to say. Our goodbye feels momentous, even though I'll see him in the morning.

"I'm glad you didn't take the pill today," Troy says, studying my face.

"I can't promise I won't take it tonight or tomorrow or any other day."

"I don't need a promise," he says, taking my hand. "I'm focused on today, not what happens next."

I smile until his thumb caresses the top of my hand. The heat from his touch infects me, awakening parts of my body that were numb until now. Before I can tug away my hand, Troy kisses the scar.

"Be good for Minka. She's jealous of how much more you like me than her."

Shivering, I step back when Minka knocks. Troy sighs, sounding tired. His gaze though isn't a bit sleepy. He looks ready to pounce, and I can barely keep myself from running to my room.

Minka enters the apartment, looks us over, and frowns.

"See you in the morning," Troy says to us, but his gaze remains on me.

"So long, Troy," Minka mutters, nearly shoving him out of the door. Once he's gone, she smiles at me. "I have fun news."

Wary after a long day, I say nothing. Minka walks into the security room, and I follow because I don't know what else to do.

"You saw the chase today," she murmurs while checking over all the camera angles. "Locke probably figures you'll hide away out of fear, so I talked with Shelley. We thought it would be a good time to take you out shopping. She knows a boutique where you can find better fitting clothes."

"Is it safe?" I ask, nervous suddenly.

"We'll sneak you out. Saskia is coming too. Just a bunch of girls out shopping. Two of us will be heavily armed girls but whatever."

I want to say no. Today was too stressful, and I only want to curl up on the couch and watch comedy reruns. Yet Minka proves a difficult woman to tell no.

"Look at it this way," she says, leaning against the counter, "even if tonight is awful and you hate every minute you're shopping, it's only one evening out of your life. I bet in a year or two, you won't even remember going."

I refuse to answer, hoping Minka will take the hint. Of course, my tactic doesn't work.

"Did you fix your hair?" she asks, tugging gently at the ends. "Looks nice. It's good for you to try new things."

Turning around, Minka walks into the living room and picks up an empty water bottle Troy left.

"Back when I was an independent contractor, I had short hair. A sharp little bob made it easier to wear wigs. Now that I'm doing less undercover work, I let my hair grow out. I like changing things up."

My silence again does nothing to dampen Minka's excitement. She only smiles at me until I look away.

Shelley texts me ten minutes later to say she's happy I want to go shopping. I consider texting back to say I really don't want to go, I had a hard day, and I want to sulk the rest of the evening. Sensing Minka will get me to go anyway; I only text back a smiling face to my happy sister.

Until the time comes to sneak downstairs, I listen to Daniela Andrade singing Smells like Teen Spirit on repeat. I wonder what Troy would think about the song. What kind of music does he enjoy?

My mind wandering, I find myself curious about what a date with Troy might be like. Where does he take his dates? What does he talk about? Does he kiss on the first date? Does he expect sex? I bet many women are willing to enjoy his hard body after a single date. Yeah, I'm fairly certain the old Darla would have put out too if given the chance. I wasn't easy, though, and I expected a few solid weeks of dating before I shared my body. With Troy, I'd likely make an exception.

The old Darla is thinking about his bicep when the new Darla follows Minka down to the garage. She's already checked out the area, deemed it clear, and is speaking to Saskia on her phone. All I need to do is avoid complaining.