Page 60 of When He Defends

Not really, no. He scraped a hand over his jaw.

“Oh, what? Come on, I knew that detail about your partner even before meeting her in person. Word travels in my circles. She likes to go into prisons. Interview killers. The more dangerous, the better.”

“She’s a psychiatrist. That’s her job—interviewing killers. Understanding them. Trying to figure out how to stop them.”

“Her current job is helping you, right?Partner?”

Yes, that was Emerson’s current job.

“I just want to make sure none of her exes are out there, causing trouble. Getting possessive and deciding they don’t want to share her with you. Becausemaybethat guy who was sneaking up on you in the dark is one of the monsters who took a liking to her.”

“Emerson isn’t what you think.”And I’m the monster who will fight to the death for her.

“Do tell.”

He did not, in fact, tell.Because this is Emerson, and she is mine.

After silence that stretched too long, Cass nodded. “Understood.”

“There is oneexI wouldn’t mind you and your guys keeping an eye on. Acoverteye.” Because Gray had his own suspicions about the things happening around Emerson.

Cass sent him a slow grin. “You know covert is my middle name.”

No, it wasn’t.

“Spill it,” Cass added. “Tell me who I’m hunting.”

“Dr. Nathaniel Hadaway,” Gray said. “Her ex appeared in town right around the same time our mystery mugger did.AndNathaniel was close when her apartment had that unwelcome visitor who decided to smash up all her mirrors.”

Cass nodded. “I can put a ghost on him.”

A ghost. The term Cass used for an MC member who would not be seen or heard but would follow his prey to the ends of the earth. “Thanks. Report anything suspicious, would you?”

“And you’ll report when you find my killer?”

No, he would not. Because Cass might eliminate the guy before Gray could get him locked away. “I’ll take care of the situation. Justice will be served.”

“Don’t go getting your uptight ass killed,” Cass warned. “The world is a bit more fun with you in it.” He turned away. Seemed to immediately blend with the shadows near him.

Yeah, man, thanks. Love you, too.“Same,” Gray tossed out. He waited, making sure Cass was gone, then Gray entered his house. He’d owned the home for years, and, no, he did not make a habit of bringing casual lovers to his place.

He shut the door. Locked it. Set the alarm.

Emerson wasn’t in the den. He frowned. The gun was gone, too. Not on the table where she’d placed it. “Emerson?” Gray sprinted forward.

“In the bedroom.”

He kept right on sprinting. Entered the bedroom. Froze just beyond the doorway.

Emerson was in bed. The covers were pulled up to her chin.

She looked incredibly good in his bed.

“Is he gone?” she asked.

Gray nodded. Her shoulders were bare. Did that mean the rest of her was, too?Oh, yes, please, let the rest of her be bare.

“Do you have any other secret family members who will be making an appearance tonight?” she inquired politely.