Chapter 15
Sean
As I navigate south, I search for a way to convince her to wear my ring. Is it any wonder I prefer numbers? They either add up or they don’t.
Eyes closed, Lillian slides the ice pack to her forehead. “Are you mad at me?”
“No. I’m angry at myself!”
Hating how she cringes, I let out my breath and count to ten. “I should never have put you in danger.”
Before she can fire off a comeback, my index finger shoots to her lips. “I know what you’re going to say. You’re a capable woman, yada yada yada… but words don’t change what happened. I love you, don’t want to lose you, and don’t want fucking Pearson kissing you on the lips.”
Pouting, she stares at the barges on the Hudson River. “Do you know how Neanderthal you sound right now?”
“So?” Might as well own it. When the black sedan in front of us exits onto West 125th, I press on the gas.
“You should be happy he saved my life.” Her statement is so ludicrous, my temper snaps.
“That piece of shit blew you up so he could play hero.”
“No, he didn’t.” Looking as childish as she sounds, she juts out her chin.
I swerve down the next ramp, park, then bang my fist on the flasher button. “Tell me honestly. Are you attracted to him?”
“What?” she screeches. “Ew. No. And don’t tell me you’ve never flirted while working undercover.”
“I haven’t wanted another woman since we met.” A hormonal teen. That’s what I’ve been reduced to.
“For goodness sakes, Sean.” With vehicles rumbling overhead, her soft palm cups my cheek, waiting for my eyes to lift to hers. “FYI. I did not kiss him. He kissed me.”
My whole being wants to trust her, but the evidence Pearson texted is damning. “He told me you were too scared to tell me that you and him are having an affair. Is it true?”
Her rising voice cracks. “You’d believe him over me?”
My heart aches as I open the sex video and drop my phone into her lap.
“Oh my God. It’s fake.” Mouth pursed, brows furrowed, she watches it play out. “AI. Has to be. Cutting edge… But why? Why go to all this trouble to make you jealous?”
Is it possible I’ve been duped? Flipping on my blinker, I follow the signs for the West Side Highway. Back in traffic, pieces click into place.
“Pearson,” I say. “He must suspect we’re investigating him. That’s it. Desk duty from here on out.”
“Excuse me?” Again with the screeching, but it’s not going to work. Logical minds, like mine, will prevail.
One eye on the road, I glance over the center console. “He could’ve flown you far from the city. Made you disappear. This isn’t a game, babe.”
“Jesus, Sean, I know that better than anyone. This isn’t just about Parkhaven, it’s about human trafficking, drugs, buying off judges. I need to be out there, with you, following the money. Partners, yeah?”
There’s no winning. Refuse, and she leaves. Agree, and she might die.
“Please, tell me you understand.” Her argument continues all the way to Queens, through finding a parking place, then up the stairs to our apartment, but I’m not budging.
Ab-so-fucking-lutely not.
Patting Buddy, I nod. “Tell you what. How about we ask Dante? Get his opinion?”
In the bedroom, while I swap scrubs for clean sweats, my phone rings.
“There he is now…” With a fast swipe across the screen, I answer, “Wassup?”
“How is she?” Out of character, the normally chill Dante snaps at me.
I hold the phone between us as Lillian snips off her hospital wristband.
“Mild concussion,” she says, flicking the plastic into the bin. “Some smoke inhalation. No big deal except for the red Louboutins.”
The asshole could’ve killed her—dumped her in the ocean. That is a fucking huge deal.
“Meow?” My furry friend circles my ankles.
“Sorry, pal. Dinner’s late.” Glad for an excuse to remove myself from the discussion, I trot into the kitchen and pour him some kibble. “Can you talk some sense into her? I’ve tried. She needs to stay away from Pearson.”
Walking down the hall, pulling a T-shirt over her head, my partner bristles. “Hey, she is right here. It wasn’t my fault he—”
“Stop.” My boss clears his throat. After a short silence, his voice turns icy. “Until I say so, you’re not to go anywhere near Pearson. Later.”
When I hang up, she scowls, fists clenched. “Dammit, I hate it when you do that.”
My patience snaps. “Do what? Try to keep you alive? Fuck. For once in your life. Think.”