Page 63 of Betrayal

“I told you I saw her.”

“How does she feel about Niall?Does she know her demands for him to restore furniture have stuffed his chances of an exhibition?Does she care about his craft, or only her blessed antiques?”She growled in frustration.

“It was a private conversation.”

“Not when we’re trying to prevent two people from stuffing up their lives.”She leaned back, no longer touching him.“That’s when you pool information.”

“Are you jealous?”Stupid question, Hunter.

“I don’t do jealousy.You’re either with me or you’re not.”She waved a hand.“And I’m not asking whether you screwed Lucy.”

“Did you screw Niall?”He was digging himself into a deeper hole.

“Whoa.This is getting way off track.”She stood and walked over to the internal windows, then turned to face him.“We’ve had this conversation about sex and intimacy.I need you to share your thoughts as much as you share your body.”

“I’m not sure I can always do that,” Hunter said.

Nick’s cologne lingered, a reminder of his legacy in Hunter’s life.

Why the fuck am I goading Anna?Do I want her to tell me to take a flying leap?

“Niall and I have always been friends.Never lovers.”She was more generous than him, offering reassurance when he was being less than open.

“I’m sorry.I shouldn’t have asked.”What Hunter shouldn’t have done was start a relationship with Anna when Nick Richardson was circling closer than he had in years.“I’ll talk to a few people, see what we can do.”

“Thanks.Maybe you don’t want me to stay tonight?”

She didn’t play games.“You’re either with me or you’re not,” making her the bravest woman Hunter knew.She didn’t side-step tough issues.And he loved her for that.

Holy hell.

When had that happened?And what the fuck was he going to do about it?

“I want you to stay.”He pushed a hand through his hair.“I’m sorry for being an arse.I’ll make a few phone calls now.Are you okay on your own for thirty minutes?An hour?”

He needed to get his shit together, so he didn’t spoil what time he had with Anna.

“Come and get me when you’re ready.”She walked back until she was standing in front of him, then dropped her forehead to his chest.“I want to stay too.”

He kissed the crown of her head, then forced himself to return to the other office.He wanted to hold her in his arms and promise he’d always keep her safe.Except, knowing Nick’s history of undermining the people Hunter loved, Hunter couldn’t guarantee Nick wouldn’t attack her.