Total pages in book: 99
Estimated words: 100680 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 503(@200wpm)___ 403(@250wpm)___ 336(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 100680 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 503(@200wpm)___ 403(@250wpm)___ 336(@300wpm)
“Sleep.” She brushed his hair back and kissed his forehead. “I’ll watch over you.”
32
This would be easier with her laptop.
She even had some work stuff on it that might help. But for the moment, she had a pretty good list of possible worksites for Regent to investigate.
Standing, she looked over at Maxim, who was still asleep. She still couldn’t believe she’d seen him naked. Touched his cock. Sucked it. Cleaned him up with her tongue.
And she wanted to do it again.
As much and as often as possible.
But right now, he needed sleep. Poor Maxim, she’d worn him out.
Standing, she checked herself in the mirror. Urgh, she really needed to go and get her stuff. She was grateful to Gracen for lending her some things, but they weren’t hers.
The yoga pants were too short and slightly big around the waist while the T-shirt didn’t cover her bottom. Her hair was a wild mess. She attempted to tame it, but she didn’t have her brush. She pulled her hair back into a ponytail.
At least there had been a spare toothbrush in the bathroom cabinet. And she’d showered this morning.
With a sigh, she headed downstairs.
Where would she find anyone, though?
Regent’s office.
Pausing, she knocked, moving from foot to foot nervously.
“Come in.”
It was just Regent in the room, which made her more anxious. She realized that she’d gotten comfortable with Victor. Surprising, given his size. But then, he was just so cheerful it would be hard not to feel relaxed around him.
He raised his head, eyes flaring with surprise as he saw her.
“Aston? Is everything okay? Maxim?” He stood, looking like he was preparing to move past her and rush up the stairs.
“Oh no, he’s fine! He’s asleep.”
“Good. What’s wrong?”
“Oh, nothing is the matter. I’m really sorry. Perhaps I should have waited until Maxim woke up.” She felt silly now. He had to have far more important things to deal with.
“Come and sit down, Aston.” He moved from behind his desk and gestured to the sofa.
Would he get angry at her for bothering him? He didn’t seem angry. But would that change? Why hadn’t she thought of that before she’d knocked on his office door?
Idiot.
“Aston,” he gentled his voice. “I promise that you’re safe here with me. You’ll always be safe with the Malone men. Okay?”
“Okay,” she whispered.
And she sat. Mostly because she was feeling a bit woozy and out of it. He eyed her.
“When was the last time you got some decent sleep?”
“Probably 2013,” she joked.
His eyes flared. “Are you serious?”
“I don’t sleep that well.”
“Maxim will have to change that.”
She frowned at his words. “I don’t think it’s up to Maxim to deal with my sleep habits.”
“Well, it is. Now, what did you need to talk to me about?”
“Oh.” She jolted. “I’m sorry to interrupt.”
“If you’re family, you’re never interrupting.”
Wow. That was nice. All right, then. “I came up with a list of potential work sites you could investigate.”
His lips twitched at the use of the word investigate.
“I think I should go with you.”
“That’s not happening,” he said firmly but gently.
“Yeah, I guessed you were going to say that. I just thought I might help.”
“It’s likely that there are guards wherever he is holding the drugs. That could mean there will be some danger, and I can’t take you toward the danger.”
“Right. Well, what do I do about my stuff? Can I go and get some of it? I mean . . . I guess I’m staying for a while. If that’s okay?”
“You can stay here forever if you like.”
Well, that was nice. If a bit odd.
“But you’ll be staying here with Maxim for the foreseeable future. I don’t want him moving anywhere until he’s at full strength. And I’d prefer you both stay here until we figure out who attacked him.”
“All right. Then I’ll need my stuff. And I don’t know what to do about my job. I mean, there’s a chance you’re wrong, right? That he’s not involved with the drugs?”
“A very tiny chance. Do you think you can tell Leeds that you’re still ill? I’d rather keep him guessing at this point about whether you’re involved with Maxim.”
“I can do that.” It was going to be scary, looking for a new job. But she didn’t say any of this. It wasn’t his problem. She had a bit of money in savings she could use to keep herself going.
“Is there anything else I can help with?” he asked.
Shoot. She was still sitting there. She should leave now. Let him get back to more important things.
She shook her head and stood. He stood as well.
“I know it’s hard for you to give up your life for an unknown amount of time. If there’s anything I can do to help, let me know.”
That was so kind.
“Just find the guys selling this stuff.”
“That I can do.”