Page 52 of Crimson Love

“See you then.” I hang up, toss my cell to the messy bed, and turn to the woman who’s now sharing it with me. “We need to get ready. Looks like I’ve tracked down some information on Petrov. You’re coming with me.”

Lennon

I argued with Jett for a good ten minutes straight. First, about asking my boss to dig up information on Andrei. I’d bet my last dollar—which is precious to me at the moment—that I know more about Andrei than any intelligence organization.

And second, that I was not about to tell my boss about my past.

Jett claimed that Devon is one of the most solid men he’s met.

I said I didn’t care.

Jett argued that I trusted him enough to tell him everything, and that I should trust him in this too.

I said I didn’t need the good and wholesome people of Winslet to know my sordid background.

Jett looked at me like I was an alien again and asked if I thought Devon Donnelly was the small-town gossipy type.

He had me there. There is no scenario where I can see Devon gossiping to anyone.

Jett wore me down with so many compelling and sensible reasons why I should give in. It seems I’m in the truth-telling mode, because somewhere in the middle of me drying my hair and swiping on some mascara, I told him why there was no way I would accept help from my boss.

When it came down to it, I was embarrassed.

There.

I’m a grown woman whose father traded her off to pay a debt and lost six years of my life in a hellish luxury in captivity. I’ve been the victim for too long. Sure, I saved myself and finally got out, but I don’t want to be the woman who killed another human. It doesn’t matter if it was in self-defense. The day I escaped, I promised myself I’d never be the victim again. I don’t want anyone to feel sorry for me.

That’s when Jett wore me down. Waking up in his strong arms was everything. When he pulled me to his chest and kissed me like he needed it more than his next breath, I knew I’d give in.

And that’s where I am now.

Devon’s office looks more like we’re sitting in an English castle from centuries ago rather than a modern, fully renovated five-star resort.

I shift in my seat as my boss sits back and stares at me. Jett just told him everything, while I confirmed the story through mortified nods and shrugs. “I’m sorry,” I say.

Devon’s concerned frown deepens. “What are you sorry for?”

I wring my hands in my lap. “I’m sorry Andrei is here at the manor because of me. You were kind enough to give me a chance, and now you’ve got a money-laundering kidnapper on your doorstep looking for his gemstones. At least he’s not staying here.”

Devon shifts his gaze from me to Jett and back to me. “That’s something we’re going to rectify today.”

My eyes widen. “Not you too with the whole keep your enemies closer bit. Jett said the same thing. I don’t want to be anywhere near Andrei.”

“The breach of my security system aside, I have the capability to keep track of anyone on this property. Not in the rooms of course, but everywhere else. I can watch, listen, and surveil. We need him closer.”

Jett agrees. “I told her the same thing. It’s time to turn on her cell and reach out to him.”

I’m about to argue again, but Devon agrees. “Let’s do that right after this meeting. Give me the number he texted you from. I’ll get a tap on it right away.”

I glance at Jett before I turn back to Devon. “But isn’t that illegal?”

“You bet your arse it’s illegal, but that’s never stopped me in the past. Don’t worry. I have people who can do this.”

I slump in my seat, wondering who the heck I work for.

Jett reaches over and takes my hand in his. “I told you not to worry. This is us going on the offensive.”

Devon narrows his eyes at the move Jett just made to claim me. Now I can add one more thing to my ever-growing list to worry about.