Page 39 of Danger Close

She was my age, or so I thought. Her style was far more relaxed and casual than mine. I wondered, for a moment, if we could have been friends. If life had been kinder, would I have been more like her?

Without fully turning to me, she said, “Well, you’re in Trinity’s life–”

“I will not stay past the wedding,” I interrupted her. “That’s what’s best for everyone.”

To stay where you are not welcome is not only depressing, but embarrassing.

I also refused to bring danger to my child or her friends. I was a lightning rod for such things. I would not bring unhappiness to something as tranquil as this life she’d built for herself.

“That’s a shame.” Charlotte almost sounded like she meant it.

She stepped through the threshold and shut the door, leaving me alone in a strange room, in a strange house, surrounded by strangers. I sat in tranquil silence, the only sound was the couple outside the door, and the comforting crack of the log fireplace.

It was only a few minutes before something crashed on the other side of the shut door.

I jumped to my feet, my heart rate skyrocketing, my feet ready to flee. If I had to jump out the window, I would.

Charlotte yelled, “Nuh-uh! Get the fuck out!”

“Ihaveto see her.” It was Cobra.

The cold fear beneath my skin warmed, and my heart rate soothed. I couldn’t explain it. I should be petrified of such a violent man, but I wasn’t.

“Charlotte, I just need a minute.” His voice sent a delicious shiver down my spine.

“No, I told you—” Charlotte’s clear voice was interrupted.

“Five minutes!” Cobra yelled as my door swung open. “I’ll keep the damn door open, you meddling asshole.”

“You kidnapping prick!” she said back, but their insults had an air of fondness.

Charlotte stood just behind Cobra, her hands on her hips. “I don’t want to get physical with you Joaquin Guerro, but I will.”

“Trust me,she,” he nodded towards me, “doesn’t need you to defend her. She’s got a solid enough punch.”

“Do you want him gone?” Charlotte looked at me. She was deadly serious when she said, “Because I will carry his tall ass out of here, and wallop him with the fire poker. Just give me an excuse, and I’ll do it.”

“Seriously?” Cobra looked at her in insulted disbelief. “That seems uncalled for.”

“Just say the word, Teri,” Charlotte said when I didn’t answer right away.

I looked at Cobra andreallythought about it. I tried to see him, and not Ray.

Was I frightened of him? Yes. He had a lethality and temper that told me he could hurt someone. I just didn’t think he could hurt me. But wasn’t that what got me in trouble in the first place? Thinking that it wouldn’t happen to me? How many battered women had thought that exact thing?

But my head could not overrule my desires. I wanted Cobra here.

“He can talk to me if he likes,” I finally said.

Charlotte shot him one last withering glance, and shook her head before she turned around, her boots stomping towards the kitchen. “The door stays open!”

She stomped off, and I heard the sound of running water, and pots clanging in a sink.

Cobra threw his middle finger in the air, pointed out the door to Charlotte. But all the while, he had a smile on his face.

“Princess.” Cobra leaned against the far wall, placing his hands behind his back, leaving space between us. “I’ve been undercover for almost thirty years. That does something to a person. I don’tthinklike most people.”

I snuck a glance at him, taking in his square jaw, and his beautiful eyes before averting my gaze back to the fire, worried what he’d see if he looked in my eyes.