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I close the door and flip the deadbolt, continuing to keep Audrey behind me. Not because I think she’s in danger, but because I don’t like the casual interest currently directed her way.
Luca shrugs. “Didn’t think we needed to. Thought it was pretty obvious we’d be here since Isaac sent us over as backup.”
“Backup means you’re nearby in case I need you, not that you’re going to be sitting on the couch eating leftovers and watching TV when I walk in.”
I should be relieved they’re here. I wanted this. I requested their fucking presence. But ever since Zeke and Savanah got together, something’s changed with the men of Shadow. Priorities have shifted. The thoughts and expectations for the futures we would all have are morphing into something way more domestic than any of us ever imagined.
So maybe Audreyisin danger after all. Just not the bodily harm kind.
“We always do this shit.” Owen shovels in a mouthful of reheated goulash. “Did you make this, man? Because this shit is fire.”
Audrey peeks around me, her blonde hair swinging with the motion. It might as well be a red fucking flag waved in front of a couple of bulls.
Luca flashes her a smile. He’s not an ugly guy, and his dimpled smile and olive skin have caught the interest of more than a few women over the years. “You must be Audrey.” Standing up, he straightens to his full six feet five inches. “I’m Luca.” He holds out a hand, and my first instinct is to punch him in the fucking face.
My second instinct is to punch him in the throat.
Unfortunately, that would likely make him less capable of helping me protect Audrey, and it would go against my primary motive, which is to keep her safe at any cost.
So I step aside, turning my attention to her. “Luca and Owen work with me at Alaskan Security. They’re part of the same team I’m on, and they’re here in case shit hits the fan.”
Audrey eyes Luca, her gaze dropping to his offered hand. She steps closer to me, practically tucking into my side before she finally reaches out to greet him.
“Thank you for being here.” She quickly pulls her hand from his. “Hopefully coming here will be a waste of your time.”
Luca’s smile holds, his voice smooth as silk when he says, “Coming here would never be a waste of my time.”
Audrey inches even closer to me, and this time her hand comes to rest at the center of my chest.
Luca’s eyes narrow, moving from me to Audrey then back to me again. Since his focus is directed my way, I can see when Audrey’s preference for my presence registers. I also see the disappointment he tries to mask.
Continuing to smile, he tips his head toward the man who stopped a few feet away, figuring the whole situation out faster than Luca did. “This is Owen. He’s a pain in the ass.”
Owen rolls his eyes, unbothered by Luca’s jab. “He only says that because I kicked his ass last time we sparred.” Owen reaches out to shake Audrey’s hand. “It’s nice to meet you.” When he turns to me, the same hint of disappointment is in his gaze. “You got lucky when Maddox was assigned your case. He’s good at what he does.” He reaches out to slap me on the shoulder. “One of the best we’ve got.”
I’ve always felt closer to my teammates than I was with my family. Never felt excluded or like they thought there was something wrong with me—which definitely happened with my parents and siblings. But I didn’t realize how much they genuinely cared about me until I got shot. Now I get to hear how much they like me and are glad I’m around on a regular basis.
Was it worth taking a bullet for? Probably not. But I’ll take all the silver linings I can get.
And hopefully one of the silver linings is they leave Audrey alone. She and I have built a level of trust that will make my task easier and will keep her safer. She doesn’t have that with them, so they just need to be waiting in the wings on the off-chance things get bad.
“We’ve got a room at a hotel a couple blocks away, but thought it would be a good idea to come touch base and meet in person, just in case something happens and one of us gets to her first.” Luca runs down a perfectly reasonable plan, but the last bit chaps my ass.
“That’s not something she has to worry about, because I’m not leaving her fucking side.” I’m sticking to Audrey like glue until I’m convinced she’s safe.
Luca’s brows lift, but I swear I can see a hint of a smile working onto Owen’s lips.
I’m being aggressive with them, which is not normal for me, so I try to smooth things over. “I’m just saying, for the time being, I go where Audrey goes. No exceptions.”
And that’s how it will stay.
Luca shrugs, grinning at my suddenly territorial behavior. “Understood.” He shifts his attention to Audrey. “It was nice to meet you. I’m sure we’ll be seeing you around.” He turns to Owen. “Let’s let them enjoy their evening.”
Owen glances back to the dirty dishes on the coffee table. “But what about?—”
“I’ve got it.” I collect the bowls and spoons. “I’ll call you if I need anything.”
Owen gives Audrey a little wave as he follows Luca down the hall to her bedroom and the window they also identified as the best access point.