Total pages in book: 129
Estimated words: 122896 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 614(@200wpm)___ 492(@250wpm)___ 410(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 122896 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 614(@200wpm)___ 492(@250wpm)___ 410(@300wpm)
If she didn’t agree to either requests, the task force would most likely be stuck sending someone in to sit out in the stage area, as well as be forced to set up surveillance.
And nobody wanted to sit surveillance if they could avoid it.
When she turned to face him again, a sharp uptick of tension filled the air. “Will helping you put me in danger?”
“Life in general is dangerous.”
A little groan escaped her at his deflection. “Some lives are more at risk than others, especially if you willfully step into a situation as you’re proposing. What if the Demons find out I’m watching them and even giving up information? And if you try to feed me bullshit about making sure I’ll be protected… just don’t. I’ve seen that movie before. It never turns out well for the informant.”
He couldn’t argue that. Instead, he said carefully, “Since you made it clear how dedicated you were to this club and how you still want to take care of your dancers, I figured you’d want to help excise the Demons from your life.”
“Of course I would, but would there even be a guarantee of that?”
“No. I said life can be dangerous but it also has no guarantees.”
She once again groaned at his lame platitudes. “You’re asking a lot for little in return. I could end up being a target for those bikers.”
“I am and you could. I’ll be completely honest, Mel. It’ll be a crapshoot. No matter what, I do plan on looking out for you, if you agree to assist. I promise you won’t be doing it alone if you agree to both parts of this plan.” Or, hell, either option but he didn’t want to encourage her to pick one or the other.
She squeezed her forehead between her fingers and sat silently for several heartbeats. The woman definitely did not make impulsive decisions.
“Tell me something. Is your name really Danny? I didn’t look at the name on the ID you flashed, I was more focused on the organization. I guess I should have. You just… caught me off guard with this whole thing.” She flapped a hand around. “My head is still spinning.”
“I get it. It was probably the last thing you expected for me to talk about. I wasn’t lying when I told you my name is Daniel, but in reality, no one calls me Danny. Not even my mother. I was only using that version as my undercover name.”
“What do your friends normally call you?” She lifted a finger. “People you’re not trying to deceive.”
Gingerhole, Heat Miser, Pippi Longstocking, Conan O’Brien, Little Orphan Annie… The list was endless but he’d keep his answer simple. “Finn.”
“Why Finn?”
“Finnegan is my last name.”
“Daniel Finnegan.” She said his name like she was rolling a Lifesaver around in her mouth.
Crazy enough, his real name coming across her lips made his cock take notice. He’d used different versions of his name with past hook-ups. But with Mel, for some strange reason, he was relieved she now knew the truth of who he really was.
“What does your mother call you?”
“Daniel.”
“If she calls you that normally, using your whole name when you’re in trouble must not be as effective.”
“It is when it’s said in a mother’s scolding tone and accompanied by a scorching look.”
Mel’s laughter lightened the thick air in the Kia. It could be a good sign. As was the fact she hadn’t told him to fuck off or bolted from his vehicle. Yet, anyway. She remained in the passenger seat, listening and even asking questions.
Of course, he expected her to be worried about being a cooperating witness against an outlaw motorcycle club. That should be a natural reaction for any civilian. He’d be concerned if she wasn’t.
It would be smart for her to remain cautious whether she agreed to help the task force or not.
“I assume your mother’s still around?”
The personal questions could be a way for her to see if she could trust him. Normally he didn’t give out personal information to anyone he didn’t know well. But he also hoped to get to know her better, whether she became a cooperating witness or not. “She’s definitely alive and literally kicking.”
Her head tilted. “What does that mean?”
He wished he could see her captivating eyes better. “She’s a dance instructor.”
“Wow.”
“Yeah, she’s good.”
“She’s how you got your natural ability.” She let out a dry laugh. “Normally strippers show up as fake cops. You’re a real cop who showed up as a fake stripper.”
“Basically, yes.”
“The upside down,” she murmured. “Did you take lessons from her?”
He grimaced. “Not willingly.”
“You’re really damn good, Officer Finnegan.”
“Just Finn.”
“Finn,” she repeated softly.
Damn. His cock even liked her saying his nickname. But then, it liked a lot of things about her. “I need to forewarn you, if you agree, I plan on playing a very jealous, possessive boyfriend. I’ll drive you to work just about every day and take you home, too. I’ll be hanging around for hours in the club to keep an eye on you because I won’t like you being around so many horny men. I’ll act controlling as fuck, maybe even aggressive, if the situation calls for it. But by remaining close, it’ll also help me protect you from Saint and all of his asshole brothers.”