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“I like her. Anyone who can make the films she makes is good in my book. But she’s more than just her talent. She cares.”
“I agree. You think she’s trustworthy?”
“Yes.”
“You don’t think it was too soon to tell her of our suspicions about Medford?”
“No. She’s strong. Strong women don’t want to be protected from the truth. She deserves to know everything.”
“She’s had quite a few shocks in the last couple of days.”
“True, but she’ll deal.”
“Agreed.” Wrapping his arms around her, he asked, “When’s the last time I told you I love you?”
She snuggled into his arms. “Oh, I think it was about six fifteen this morning, right after my morning hurling session.”
He kissed her forehead. “How are you feeling now?”
“Famished, of course.”
“Then why don’t we go grab an early dinner?”
“You don’t want to be here when Aubrey gets the tour?”
“Serena and Jazz have this. She’ll feel more comfortable with them anyway.”
“You don’t usually invite strangers here.”
“I never invite strangers here.”
“Then why Aubrey
Starr? Most secret organizations like OZ would see what she does for a living as a threat to their anonymity. You don’t. Why?”
“Couple of reasons. Kate vetted her, and as we both know, Kate doesn’t vet many.”
“No argument there. What else?”
“She’s gone through something, some kind of trauma. My gut’s telling me she has personal experience with human trafficking.”
“Why do you think that?”
He told her about the scars that both Serena and Jazz had spotted when Aubrey’s towel had slipped after they’d arrived at her home. “Jazz said she saw a half dozen or more. She might have secrets but I don’t think they’re a threat to OZ.”
“You think Medford’s death and the bugs in her house could be related to what she went through?”
“Maybe. Who knows? She needs help, and that’s what she’s going to get.”
Jules smiled up at him. “Now it’s my turn to ask when’s the last time I told you I love you?”
He chuckled. “From what I recall, it wasn’t at six fifteen this morning.”
She grimaced. “Yeah, probably not. Sorry. I think I might’ve called you a few bad names.”
“You’re entitled.”
“Well, now that I’m not wanting to throw you off a bridge, let me tell you that I adore you, Asher Drake. You’re everything I’ve ever wanted.”