Part 21 (1/2)

When we finally returned, Tye and Forde went over our selections. My team had a very clear vision of how the grieving widow should dress. The pieces coordinated with one another”plenty of navy and black skirts in conservative cuts and a new pair of black pumps with a lower heel. I hated those shoes.

As tired as I was, the last two nights Id had nightmares. I know Forde was concerned, and I was too. I had been short with him earlier over something stupid. I guess all this talk about Brian and our marriage was making me wonder what would happen with Forde, once all of this was over.

He grabbed his phone. Forde.

He always sounded aware when he answered the phone, like he hadnt been asleep a few seconds earlier.

Say that again.

I leaned over and turned on the new lamp on my nightstand. There was something about his tone that rattled me.

When? he barked and ran his hand through his hair. Then he looked at me, and I felt a chill run through my body.

My heart started to pound, and I pulled the covers up high to my shoulders.

Keep me updated. He ended the call and exhaled.

I braced because I knew whatever he was about to say was going to be bad. Forde? I whispered.

He was still holding his phone. He looked down at his hand, and then took a deep breath. That was a guy I know who works at county.

I didnt know what that meant. County?

He wrapped his arm around me and pulled me close. Lock up, the jail. Juan Moreno was found dead in his cell about two hours ago.

Dead? How? I couldnt seem to make my mouth and brain connect.

Dont know, and I really dont care. My guy said it wasnt natural, so I imagine that it was a hit.

I started shaking, and he pulled me against his chest. I started to cry. I dont know why. I just felt the tears start to fall.

When I calmed down, I asked, Did you”

He cut me off immediately. No, dammit, I didnt order the hit. G.o.d, Lay, what kind of man do you think I am?

I stared at him for a second, because he was that powerful, and people all over the city owed him favors. I shook my head to clear out that thought. Um, that wasnt what I was going to ask.

Thats good, he grunted.

I felt my temper spark. Hed been the one whod jumped to that conclusion, and now he was mad? I cleared my throat and s.h.i.+fted away from him a little. I wanted to know if you had any idea that this could happen?

His brow furrowed. Theres always a chance of something like this happening when youre locked up. Juan wasnt smart, and he might have said something to the wrong person, or another gang might have settled a score. Then again, it could be Vador taking care of a problem and using this. .h.i.t as an example for the rest.

So, I guess this means that the trial is off? The first thing I was going to do was return those ugly shoes.

Yeah, so thats good, right? His phone vibrated with an incoming text. He glanced at the screen.

Right, its really good. I tried to pump enthusiasm into my answer. I felt like something was off-kilter.

Ricks got news; hes going to be here in ten. Forde threw back the covers and climbed out of bed.

I scrambled to my feet. Ill make coffee. I moved to the dresser to grab something to put on.

Thanks, thatd be good. Forde pulled up his jeans. He checked his screen again. Make enough for Osi, too.

I quickly racked my brain for a recipe to make a quick coffee cake. Since it looked like there was a great deal to discuss, I didnt want the guys to go hungry.

I say we give it a day or two, and then make contact with the Cancerberos to reiterate our stance on Layla. Rick nodded at me as I held the coffee pot.

Id said little as the men gathered around the dining room table. Theyd consumed the coffee cake in what seemed like seconds, along with the fresh fruit I had cut up and served with an endless pot of coffee. Word had spread about Juans death. All the guys were getting reports, so the meeting had to pause for incoming calls and texts.

After I completed a pa.s.s refilling cups, and was walking back to the table, Forde scooted his chair back and pulled me onto his lap. I smiled up at him. I needed to feel our connection after the rocky start to the morning. We keep up the escorts and safety protocols for a few more days. Understood? He looked around the table.

It hasnt been that bad. I mean she only got away once. Osi flashed a grin in my direction. Found a hole and wiggled through it.

Forde ran his hand up and down my arm. Just a few more days. I want to make sure things have died down, and I want to talk to Eames about the other cases.

I shrugged. You guys know whats best.

Forde gave me a squeeze.

Youre still going to work at Limited, right? Rick asked casually.

That was another thing Forde and I needed to discuss. The deal had been that Id work through the trial, and then wed see. I like it. So, if the boss says that I can, then yeah, Id like to stay on. I felt Forde chuckle against my side.

Rick and Osi both smiled.

Lay, you should have waited a little, Forde said, giving me a squeeze, and made me offer you a raise.

I figure if I want a raise, Ill get creative and convince you. I winked at him.

When the s.e.xy talk starts, its time to go. Osi pushed back from the table.

Yeah, I dont want to be here for the convincin part, Rick said, using his hand to s.h.i.+eld his eyes.

Especially the creative ways. Osi teased. Who knew he could?

I hopped off of Fordes lap and put my hands on my hips. Guys, I didnt mean that Id do it right now.

Too bad for you boss, Rick said, as he made his way to the door. Since were leaving and youre awake, seemed like a good time to start. He wiggled his eyebrows suggestively.

All three men looked back at me and continued chuckling.

I sent them a scowl but spoiled it by giggling. It hit me I was having fun. I was comfortable with these people. This life made me happy, and Forde had given me that. My gaze swung to him. He was throwing the deadbolt. When he turned, our eyes met.

It was like a bolt of lightning hit me, I got it. I loved him. I was madly, deeply in love with Lucien Forde. My body froze as I scrambled to think of what I wanted to say. How to say it? This was really important. I think I made a sound deep in my throat, because I was straining to find the right words. I could feel my chest rising and falling like I had just run a race. I kept staring at my man, hoping that he could see it in my eyes or use his superpowers to read my thoughts and what was in my heart.