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I grin, pulling her in for a quick hug, because I feel better knowing she’s close and safe, and Audrey relaxes when she knows I’m right here with her. That means, whenever no one’s looking, I sneak in little touches. Winks and smiles meant only for her. Reminders that I have her back.

As expected, she melts into my embrace, letting out a sigh as her face presses into my chest. “Part of me was kind of hoping they’d tell you to whisk me away to a cabin somewhere so I could hide out till this is all over.”

“Me too.” That actually sounds perfect. Except for one thing. “But the more we get into this, the more I want your ex-husband to suffer. And to do that, we have to play his game.”

Audrey nods. “I know.” Her eyes lift to my face. “You think if there’s another woman she’s playing his game too?”

“I sure fucking hope so.” I release her, knowing we’ve got to get back to business as usual.

“But just to be safe, I’m gonna call Isaac when we’re done today and tell him our suspicions so Intel can start trying to figure out who it might be.

Because if someone else really is trying to take him down, she’s in just as much danger as you are. ”

Possibly more. I think Audrey’s temperament is probably part of what’s keeping her safe. Her ex abused her sweet, passive nature

If this other woman’s personality isn’t sweet and passive, and falls more in line with the women of Intel, he’s going to believe she’s the one trying to ruin his life, because he’ll know she gives zero fucks.

Following Audrey back out onto the floor, I ignore Dane. I don’t want him to think I’m worried he’s suspicious, so I don’t give him a second of my attention. I keep my focus on doing what Audrey tells me to do, and unfortunately that’s folding fucking shirts.

I don’t get anymore calls from Isaac, and that’s both a good and bad thing. Good because Audrey and I won’t suspiciously walk straight to her office again, but bad because it means Isaac and Intel haven’t found any more information.

Hopefully, my suspicions will change that.

At the end of our shift, I load everything—Audrey included—into her car. Upon pulling out of the mall lot, I immediately call Isaac, filling him in on what I think could be happening. He agrees there could be another woman involved in this and adds her to his list of items to investigate.

As we near Audrey’s apartment, I begin circling, following an indirect path different from the ones I’ve made previously.

If I have to keep her where she’s at, I’m going to do my damnedest to make sure the place is as secure as possible.

Today that means fifteen minutes of canvassing the neighborhood. Making sure nothing is out of place.

When I’m satisfied, I pull into one of the available spots along the curb and climb out, giving the area another scan as I round the front to retrieve her.

Opening her door, I continue keeping watch as she steps out, carrying our lunch pail and her purse, and lead her to the front door, keeping my hands free just in case.

We’ve only done this once before, but she’s already figured out how to make my job as easy as possible.

When we’re in a spot that could be dangerous—like we are now—she stays quiet.

Keeps herself between me and anything that could serve as cover just in case things get hairy, so my body will block hers from any attack.

We reach the stoop, and after unlocking the door to her apartment, she hangs back, following me in, but staying barely inside the door so I can make sure the place is clear.

Yesterday, this process was smooth. Today I only make it two steps in before coming to a stop, automatically sweeping one arm out to tuck Audrey behind me. It’s a reflexive move, but has the two men parked on her sofa lifting their brows at me.

I shoot each of them a glare. “You assholes didn’t think it was important to give me a heads-up that you were going to be here when we got back?”

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 Audrey is in 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.

Audrey stares after them, her brows pinched together. “Is that how everyone is gonna start coming into my apartment now?” She frowns. “Because I don’t know how I feel about that.”

Honestly, I don’t know how I feel about it either.