Ramsey Security (Ramsey Security #1-3)(42)

Laughing, I kick off my jeans and pull back the top blanket. "You like a lot of covers on you, huh?"

"I get cold."

"From the meds?"

"Maybe."

"I could keep you warm."

"No touching. I'm not kidding, Troy. I don't like being touched when I'm sleeping. If you break that rule, I can't promise I won't rip your balls off in a panicked fit."

Resting on my side, I smile. "You're so beautiful when you threaten me. Do it again."

Darla mutters something under her breath and plops her head on the pillow.

"Leave me alone so that I can sleep," she says. "No touching."

"Can I still stare at you like a creepy stalker?"

"Have at it. Just don't touch me."

"You can stop saying that now."

Darla frowns hard at me, and I know she's assuming I'll touch her the moment she's asleep. I only grin at her while she dozes off. As much as I want to touch her warm skin, I keep my hands to myself.

Darla doesn't though.

Ten minutes after she's asleep, the sexy blonde with touching issues rolls over and clings to me like we're attached by super glue. I wait for her to wake up and scold me, but she never does. Sound asleep, she never moves again.

This need is what Minka and I lacked. I'm only truly relaxed when Darla is nearby. I crave her smiles. I even enjoy her frowns. I need her to react to things rather than simply exist. The more Darla fights her way out of the darkness, the sooner she'll be in my arms for good.





31


~~~

Darla

Don't Do Him Wrong

I can't help smiling when I wake up next to Troy. Shirtless and wearing only boxers, he's an Adonis stretched out in bed. I admire all his hard flesh, fighting the urge to touch what is displayed before me. I wipe the morning gunk from my eyes and slide out of bed to use the bathroom. Troy is still sleeping when I return.

I dress in black slacks, a matching black shirt, and red socks. Looking ready for a day out with the girls, I shuffle into the kitchen where Minka stretches.

"Did you sleep well?" she asks.

"Yes."

"Did Troy hog the bed?"

Studying her, I shake my head. Minka looks lean and deadly even after a long night of staring at cameras.

"I'm thinking about working out before I head home. Want to join me?"

"Do I have to exercise?"

"No," she says, gesturing for me to follow her.

I slide my sandals over my socks and walk out into the hallway. Even at eight in the morning when the building is quiet, Minka remains on alert. Her right hand lingers near her gun while her left presses the elevator button. We ride down in silence and without incident.

"Do you really think they'll attack us in the building?" I ask once we're in the gym, and Minka shoves a chair against the door.

"It's what I'd do at this point. If I wanted a target to come out in the open, I'd start a fire." Minka says, walking on the treadmill. "I might even set off the alarm then wait for my targets to emerge for their safe place. Of course, they don't want to kill you. Much trickier but the idea is the same. They need to get you out of the apartment."

"The guy from yesterday is dead."

"Yes. Locke is working with someone who's a front for Saskia. We're getting bank info so that Troy can pull his move."

"What move?"

Minka increases her speed, running now. "He hasn't said. I assume he knows someone who can find out where the money is coming from. Those banks won't share with the authorities, but they'll share with scary people. Just depends on how scary Troy can be."

"So do you think anyone is in Houston now?"

"Locke thinks Saskia's guy is doing the job, so he'll likely wait. We can't be sure, though. I wouldn't be surprised if he has people in Houston, keeping an eye out and feeding him info."

"Should I worry?"

"No. That's my job. You just get stronger."

Nodding, I take a five-pound weight and lift it slowly. "I hate working out."

"I know, but it doesn't have to be boring. I can teach you to throw a punch and protect yourself. Nothing fancy, just the basics."

Smiling at Minka, I switch hands. "Thank you."

"I gotta have the talk with you. It's not personal. You seem very nice, and I like you, but it's my job."

"What talk?" I ask, nervous now.

"Troy is my friend. He and I are tight like I've never been tight with anyone else. I have his back, and I know he has mine. That's why I need you to promise not to break his heart. You need to be straight with him and treat him right. If things don't work out, that's life. Just don't do him wrong on purpose."

"I won't hurt Troy."

"He's falling for you. I've never seen him do that before, and I'm scared for him. He keeps people at a distance, so they can't hurt him. Even his family is only blood. He just doesn't connect with anyone, but he's connecting with you. If you hurt him, you'll hurt him bad."

"I've never connected with a man before, so I can't promise I won't make mistakes. I can promise I won't hurt Troy on purpose."