Page 100 of Family Jewels

Raddy didn’t answer, instead scrambling to get into his car. The moment the engine sputtered to life, he made a tight U-turn and drove toward the road.

James stood in place, wearing his poker face. I couldn’t tell if he was angry with me or if he was pissed at Raddy. Most likely both.

“James,” I said softly. “Thank you.”

He looked like he wanted to cuss me out, but then he stooped and picked up his gun and Raddy’s. Stalked over to his still-running car and opened the door. “Let’s go.”

“What are you talkin’ about? My truck’s right over there.” I thrust my hand in that direction.

“I just let Dyer drive away. Rose, that fool has the ability to spread the word to half of Henryetta that you have me on speed dial. I’m not letting you out of my sight until I know it’s safe.”

“You just offered him protection. Surely he knows that will negate your offer.”

“I’m not taking any chances. For all I know, he’s running off to Wagner and seeing if he can get a better deal. Until I can figure out the fallout, you’re staying with me.”

“At a safe house?” I cringed. I’d stayed in several, and their accommodations were lucky to rate two stars.

“No, my place. Now get in.”

“Yourplace?” I asked in disbelief.

“You say that like I just announced I was bringin’ you to the county dump.”

“I’m just surprised.” In the entire time I’d known him, I’d never been to his house. I didn’t even know where he lived. My stomach fluttered with excitement at the thought of seeing his personal space. Whenever I thought about Skeeter’s home, I envisioned the pool hall, although I knew that didn’t make much sense. Still, I had to wonder what I’d find.

Had he left a woman in his bed?

“You know,” I said, my stomach churning. “On second thought, I think I’ll just go home and sleep in my own bed.”

His jaw tensed. “That’s not an option.”

I blinked and glared at him. “Excuse me?”

“I let you have your way with Dyer. I followed your rules, and now you’re going to follow mine.”

It wasn’t that I disagreed with his request—given the circumstances, it wasn’t a bad idea to stay with someone who could protect me. But staying with James . . . at his house? I suddenly appreciated his reluctance to come to my own home. It was just so personal, so intimate. After everything that had happened between us these last few days, I wasn’t sure I could handle it.

“Maybe I could just stay with Jed.”

His eyes narrowed. “Jed’s busy doing something else.”

“At three in the morning?”

“He’s digging into what happened at the Trading Post.”

“Merv?” While Jed was James’ right-hand man, Merv was a close second. But Jed actually liked me. At best, Merv tolerated me, and he liked me even less after he’d gotten shot helping me back in February.

James’ face hardened and he pointed to the open door. “Get in the damn car.”

Part of me rebelled at the command, but he was right. He’d played by my rules with Raddy; it was time for me to bend to his. “I have to get my purse out of the truck.”

Looking leery of my sudden agreeableness, he said, “Get in. I’ll get it.”

I squatted and picked up my cell phone, then pulled the gun out of the back of my jeans and got in the car. James was back in a matter of moments, handing me the purse as he climbed behind the wheel.

“I hid your keys. I’ll have one of my guys pick up your truck tomorrow.” He shifted into drive, pulled a U-turn, and headed toward the road.

“Just how long do you expect me to stay with you?” I asked with a bit of attitude as I stuffed my gun in my purse and set it on the floor in front of me.