Chapter 48 You Look Familiar
FORTY-EIGHT
You look familiar
REED
At least, they’re punctual. Hope that’s a good sign.
“She’s coming up the elevator,” I holler as I unlock my gun safe to finish gearing up.
Lila peeks her head into my home office, expression teeming with surprise. “They sent a female bodyguard?”
She’s bright-eyed and bushy-tailed despite the lack of sleep. Not to mention all the hours we spent unearthing the darkest parts of her past. And some of mine.
Either she got a second wind, or our heart-to-heart helped free her spirit.
Maybe both.
“Yep. I’m told she’s a top-tier guard. Highly trained.
Lots of experience.” Grabbing my phone, I scan the email they sent a half hour ago with her details.
“Her name is Kristin. She’s former military.
Army. Bio looks good. And Agent Andrews vouches for her.
Says he’d trust this company with the lives of his wife and kids. ”
That’s far more reassuring than Warren’s original plan of the bureau sending someone to guard the door.
A week ago, I would have assumed that was a safe proposition.
Now? No fucking way. After one of our own let Riddick get the drop on him, I lost faith in the type of agents who get tapped for jobs like these.
I refuse to take a chance when Lila’s life is on the line. Especially since the death toll has increased by two as of this morning.
As I ease out of the room, Lila backs into the hallway. Still giddy with news of her bodyguard being a female, she smiles at me—the real one, not her mask. It’s vibrant and more golden than the rising sun.
She bobs on her toes, literally brimming with glee. “I can’t wait to meet her.”
Knowing my time with my cookie is about to end—strike that, it’s about to pause—I slip my arm around her waist and back her against the wall. “You seem a little too happy to be getting rid of me. Dial it back for the sake of my fragile ego.”
Soaking up what’s left of our night together, she skims her palms up my chest and locks them at my nape. “You need to leave regardless. I’m simply making the best of it.”
She rises to her tiptoes, offering me her mouth. I indulge in her sweet kiss for as long as I can. The thirty seconds I get isn’t near enough, but it’ll have to do for now.
When I reluctantly break the kiss, she licks her lips and flutters her eyelashes open. She’s so fucking beautiful it hurts.
I etch this view of her into my mind so I can take it with me across the state this morning.
She rests her cheek on my chest, encircling me in an unhurried embrace. “My new gal pal and I will be perfectly safe here. You just take care of yourself. Be safe.”
Closing my eyes, I inhale deeply, wishing I could pull Lila into my lungs. “Sorry for leaving this way.”
She pops her head off my chest, the shimmer of her eyes tinged with offense. “No need to apologize. Hopefully, you’ll learn enough while you’re gone to solve this whole thing.”
“It still sucks.”
“So do vacuums, but they don’t apologize for doing their job.”
I’d laugh at that if I weren’t still pouting about leaving her.
Her tone slides from playful to earnest in her next breath. “Jokes aside. You don’t need to apologize to me for doing your job. What you do out there matters. I’ll never hold it against you. Plus, we talked the night away. It was almost time for you to get ready for work anyhow.”
I pulse my hands around her soft waist in silent response.
Taking on a coy smirk, she cants her head to the side, raising the shoulder on that side to meet it. “We’ll finish our conversation and my lesson later. A little incentive to return safe and sound.”
“Lesson?” My furrowed brow melts as realization dawns. “Oh. Thaaat lesson.”
How could I forget?
I sneak in one last kiss before a knock at the door drags me away. Lila trails me into the living room and peeks around me as I open the front door.
“Morning,” I offer in greeting to the petite but formidable woman standing in the doorway.
She reacts as expected, jaw gaping and eyes turning to saucers. “Holy sh—” Cutting herself off, she snaps her lips closed, pressing them into a thin line.
“I take it they didn’t tell you about this.” I gesture at my face.
The one that’s nearly identical to one of her fellow bodyguard’s. Because he’s my biological brother.
“Sorry for my reaction. Mia said you were—” Like before, she stops herself mid-sentence. “Never mind. None of my business. I’m here to do a job, and I’ll do it well.”
Confidently, she thrusts her hand forward. “I’m Kri Dayton-Collins with Redleg Security.”
“Nice to meet you. I’m Special Agent Reed Hayes.” I shake her hand, objectively impressed by her firm grip. She isn’t trying to wrestle me into submission with a death squeeze, nor is her hand a limp noodle. “Thanks for coming so quickly.”
As soon as I usher her inside, Lila’s there with bells on. Metaphorically. “Hi, I’m Lila. I’m thrilled to meet you. Seriously, I’m tickled about this.”
“Well, that’s a nice change of pace. Not sure anyone’s ever been tickled to see me.” Kri offers her hand to Lila, smile affable and eyes assessing. “Most people find the idea of a bodyguard hanging around a bit uncomfortable.”
Lila takes Kri’s hand eagerly, clasping it between both of hers and bobbing it wildly as if it’s on a trampoline.
Kri’s returning smile isn’t as bright as Lila’s. I’d be concerned if it was, though. Lila’s expression is bordering on manic at this point. And she seems unwilling to let the guard’s hand go, even when it gets awkward.
Which happened about five long seconds ago.
I guide Lila away from Kri with a graze of my hand on her forearm.
My cookie turns her gorgeous brown eyes on me, her cheeks flashing crimson. “I guess I’m a tad nervous after all.”
Cringing, she whips her focus to the newcomer and rambles. “Sorry. I’ve never had a bodyguard. Let alone a tough-looking female one. I’m impressed, that's all.” She pumps her fist in the air awkwardly. “Girl power. And I promise I’m not normally this weird.”
I fucking love this hot mess.
Lila takes two large steps backward, figuratively exiting the interaction. Under her breath, she mumbles, “Be cool. Be cool.”
The professional facade of Kri the bodyguard cracks slightly, and she gives Lila a reassuring grin to hide her chuckle. “You’re in good hands, Lila. No need to be nervous. I do this every day. Even when I’m not working.”
Although I’m curious about what Kri means by that, there isn’t time for chitchat. Andrews has been downstairs for about fifteen minutes, patiently waiting. We’re riding together to Cocoa for our Groundhog Day moment.
“I need to go,” I announce. “Kri, I’m sure Lila can show you around and make you comfortable. I assume my instructions were passed on to you. Did you have any questions?”
“Yes, I received your instructions. We’ll stay here unless we get compromised.
I’ve got my sidearm, and I assure you I know how to use it.
The security personnel in the building already know I’m on the premises.
I gave the guard downstairs my direct number, and I have yours as well.
My partner’s name is Aaron, and he’s already patrolling the lobby and will rotate through the parking garage.
Security is aware of his presence and cell number as well.
As of now, we’re officially on lockdown.
Rest assured, your witness is safe with us. ”
“So cool,” Lila whispers from somewhere behind me.
I swipe my keys and trudge toward the door like I’m wearing concrete boots. Before I can make myself grab the doorknob, I glance at Lila. “You good?”
“I’m better than good.” Her sugary smile could give me a toothache. “Weren’t you listening? She does this every day. I’m probably safer with her than I am with you. No offense.”
“None taken,” I lie, one brow arched in harmless accusation.
With an adorable roll of her eyes, Lila humors me with a bullshit apology. No vocal inflection. “Sorry. You’re the greatest protector of all time. How dare I suggest otherwise?” She gives me a nervous half-arm wave. “See ya later. Be careful. Love you. Bye.”
Even if I was actually irritated, I couldn’t stay mad at her. “Love you too.”
From the corner of my eye, I catch Kri’s head kick back. I wasn’t planning on lying about my relationship with Lila. It just didn’t seem relevant to correct Kri’s assumption about Lila being a witness in need of protection. For all intents and purposes, that’s exactly what Lila is.
She’s also much more than that.
Since the cat’s out of the bag, I stride over to my girl and give her one more kiss before heading out.
I pause in the open doorway, motioning for Kri to follow me. With Lila’s safety in mind, I only lead Kri three steps into the hallway before planting my feet. “Okay, so here’s the thing.”
Before I start, she holds up her palm. “If this is where you tell me she’s the most important thing in your life, we can skip it. I’m well aware, and I promise to protect her with my life.”
Normally, that type of dismissive comment would piss me off. But coming from her, it’s oddly reassuring.
I study the blond spitfire before responding, sizing her up in much the same way she’s done to me since her arrival. Kri’s obviously strong and confident. Yet it doesn’t come off cocky. And she doesn’t back down from my blatant appraisal either. Another point in her favor.
“You know what? I like you, Kri. I think you’ll take good care of her.”
She nods, keeping her face neutral. “Thank you. I will.” No smugness or self-righteousness in her tone.
Yeah. She’ll do.
I peer toward my condo before returning my attention to Kri. “One last thing. About my brother. So here’s the deal.”
My words dry up. I don’t know how I can say this without sounding like an asshole. No clue why I suddenly give a fuck about that.
But I do.
“Yes?” Kri prods in response to me suddenly turning mute.
Fuck it.
“To my knowledge, he doesn’t know anything about me. I’d like to keep it that way.”
For the first time, her expression struggles to conceal her reaction.
“What?” I snap. “Do you have a problem with that?”
For some sick reason, I almost want her to call me out on it. I’ll need to unpack that another time.
In a steely tone, she replies matter-of-factly. “Nothing that will interfere with my ability to do my job or honor your request.”
Translation: Yes, I have a problem with it. But I’ll do it anyway.
“Good.” I drift toward the elevator. “I’ll see you when I get back.”
I sense the weight of her stare on my back as I tear off. It’s heavy with curiosity and judgment.
I’m sure I deserve the latter.
If Andrews’ impression of my brother was anything to go by, he’s the best thing since indoor plumbing. More lovable than Tom Hanks. I bet Kri is wondering why I wouldn’t trip over myself to meet him.
If I had time to continue the conversation with Lila in bed this morning, she’d have probably asked the same thing.
I’d love to explain, but I don’t have time for that right now. I’ll put a pin in it. No big deal.
Once in the elevator, I mash the button and realize I’m not alone.
Did you miss me, Reed?
Son of a bitch. Not this fucker again.
Morgan Freeman slipped in at the last moment, narrowly dodging the closing elevator doors.
Did you think I was gonna let that last thought slide? The one about how you’d love to explain why you’re hiding from your brother? Who do you think you’re fooling?
Mentally, I flip him off.
“I meant it. I’ll happily tell Lila another time. I’m not hiding from anything,” I whisper, wondering why I’m defending myself to myself.
Out loud.
Jesus fuck. I need sleep.
Well, friends. Our valiant hero is back at his old tricks, lying to himself and trying to get you to fall for his shit.
Such a shame. He’s made impressive progress, thus far.
But healing takes time. One can only hope he figures it out before the end of his story, for I fear, the clock is ticking.
Even the great Reed Hayes can’t hide from himself forever.