Ramsey Security (Ramsey Security #1-3)(87)

"We're lovers, not confidants," I mutter. "There's no need to share anything with him."

"True, as long as it's only sex, he doesn't need to know your secrets. Now if you get too tied up with him, then things might get iffy."

"Are you trying to make me tense?"

"No, just talking. I don't know how to be supportive. Maybe I'd do better if you cried or looked at all sympathetic."

Rolling my eyes, I sit on the bed. "He makes me feel strange. Weak, I guess."

"Fucked you sideways, huh?"

"You're not helping."

A grinning Minka pokes me in the back. "I don't see the problem. You're healthy young people with mutual attraction. You want some space, and I've told you how to get it. So what's the problem?"

"I don't like this feeling," I say, scratching at my chest. "I feel broken since last night, and save the humor. I'm serious."

"Maybe you actually like this guy. Have you ever liked a guy before?"

"Sure."

"Really liked a guy?"

"No, but I enjoyed sex before."

"I've enjoyed sex before too," Minka says, sitting up next to me, "but it's different when you care about the person. I cared about Troy, and everything felt different. I didn't even love him, but the sex was different. So maybe you care about Brad more than you have for any of the other guys lucky enough to get into your panties."

"I might be compromised."

"Do you want to quit this job?"

"No, but I might need to."

"Do you think you can put aside your attraction to shoot a target?"

"I can't imagine anything capable of distracting me enough not to shoot someone."

"No, I can't either, but I figured I'd ask."

Scratching my chest again, I admit, "I worry I might miss something because I'm focused on him."

"These cult people are middle aged douches. I can't imagine they'll be so sly that we need to play this job like we're hunting the Da Vinci Code."

"And if I f*ck up, and he dies?"

"You'll feel guilty. I'm sure it won't be the first time that's happened. We all have regrets."

"I don't."

"You're a little bit of a sociopath, aren't you?"

I glare at her. "I wasn't raised to regret anything."

"And you just did everything your mother told you?"

"Yes."

"I rebelled," Minka says in a cocky tone.

"Your mother is a lying thieving bitch, but I doubt she'd sell you into slavery or hack off your limbs to make a point."

"No, probably not. How'd you know that about my mom?"

"Everywhere you go, you talk and talk. Did you not realize people you weren't talking to could also hear you?"

Minka frowns. "No, I guess it didn't."

We study one another. I'm ready to leave when Minka suddenly smiles.

"Your mom sounds like a monster."

"You seem surprised. I assumed she was a notorious monster."

"Yes, but many professionals are monsters with their work but decent with their families."

"Name one."

"Dolores Manny. She was an ice cold contractor who doted on her two kids."

Sighing, I stand up. "Yes, but she originally had three children."

"Oh," Minka mutters. "I always knew there was something off about that bitch."

"I'm done bonding."

"For forever or just for today?"

"For today."

"Yes, friendship with women is exhausting." Minka stands up and pats me on the head. "We did good with the bonding, though."

Slapping away her hand, I step back. "Thank you for talking with me. I've never had a friend to gossip with. I appreciate your help."

"Was this gossiping?"

"I don't know but don't touch my head again."

Spinning around, I walk out of the room with Minka stomping behind me. She keeps reaching for my head, and I keep dodging her attempts. We join Troy outside as he installs cameras to search the sky for the possible drones. Doing my job can't keep my mind off Brad, and I even feel him thinking about me. I suspect he feels me thinking about him too.





13


Brad

Twisting in the Wind

Saskia is playing games though her hot and cold routine doesn't surprise me. The night before in bed, she tried squirming away. Every time she attempted to escape, I wrapped her in my arms and forced her to stay where she really wanted to be. In bed, I was in charge.

Now the sun is up, and she's playing the dominant role again. Saskia's escape with Minka makes me smile. I'm under her skin. I feel just as intoxicated by her, leaving me fearless. Meanwhile, she hides away and gossips.

"Are you packed?" Mom asks, handing me a glass of orange juice.

Nodding, I say nothing. She senses something is different and wants to know what. As much as I love my mom, no way in hell do I plan to tell her about last night. She'll crap all over my good mood.

"I'll double check," I say, leaving the kitchen before Mom begins asking more questions.