Enticing Their Mate(36)
He had to stay focused to see this job through to the end, and that meant keeping his distance. While the women he’d dated hadn’t been his mates, they’d all walked away, claiming they didn’t like how he put his job first. Well, hell. It wasn’t something he could change.
Sarah started the car. “So what were Amy and Russ fighting about, as if I can’t guess?”
Keeping the discussion from her wouldn’t be fair. “Russ said you came onto him.”
Her brows pinched. “He’s such a dick. Just so you know, Amy threatened me before she left, telling me to keep my hands off him.”
“What did you say?”
“Nothing. She left before I could think of a good comeback. Alienating her any more wouldn’t be smart.”
“I agree.”
They drove in silence for the next few minutes as she headed into town, his mind racing. On the outskirts of Lippett Falls a rather old and small department store appeared. “You think they’ll have what you want?”
“I hope so. The clothes don’t need to be fancy. If they were, it might tip off the buyer that we’re trying to cover up defective merchandise.”
“Smart.” Riley inhaled, unable to hold back his concern any more. “I don’t want you staying at your duplex anymore.”
She tightened her fists on the wheel. “You in charge of me now? Last I heard, you’d given up that right to Jay when you walked out of my bedroom after making me a very happy woman.”
Her words were like swords slicing through his gut. Fuck. He stabbed a hand through his hair. “It’s not safe there.”
She glanced over at him. He’d expected her to be angry, but she seemed more fed up than anything. “That may be, but you asking if I’m willing to stay someplace else instead of demanding it would have gone a long way to me agreeing. I’m a believer in equality in a relationship.”
“You see? I suck at saying the right thing. How about you stay at the motel with Jay and I’ll find someplace else to crash?”
She glanced at him. “Really? That’s your solution? I know you had a rough childhood and for that I’m sorry, but I had no idea your self-esteem was so low when it came to women.”
“There’s nothing wrong with my self-esteem. So what do you say to moving?”
She pulled into a parking spot, cut the engine, and faced him. “I’ll move in on one condition.”
He could adapt. “What?”
“All three of us stay in the motel room. Together.”
He’d met stubborn women before, but Sarah was the most strong-willed of them all. It made sense, though, since she was an FBI operative.
“Deal.”
The moment that word left his mouth, he realized he might be subjecting himself to sleepless nights and emotional torture.
* * *
Fearing Nancy might need care, Sarah couldn’t afford to spend too much time shopping, but knowing that Riley was fighting to keep his distance ignited the devil in her. Teasing him would be fun. Always having to be on alert had made her grow restless, and letting down her guard for a few minutes would help.
“You ever consider leaving the Bureau?” she asked as she slipped out of the car.
“Not really.” Riley waited for her to come toward him then placed a hand on her back as he led her to the store, his gaze constantly searching the area.
“Why not?”
He glanced down at her. “What would I do? The Bureau is all I know. They’re like family to me.”
Her heart hurt for him. “You could work for the Pack.”
“The General hasn’t asked me.”
The man had a way of answering without addressing the question directly. “If you were asked, would you do it?”
He held open the door to the store. “Why do you ask? Are you thinking of joining the General’s team?”
She huffed out a laugh. “If case you forgot, I’m human,” she whispered.
“Mackenzie is only half werewolf. I bet the General would love to have a human operative. You could go places his men might not be allowed.”
She hadn’t thought of it that way. “Like the Trojan Horse?”
He smiled and her stupid body reacted. “Exactly.”
Discussing shifters and operatives was not a good idea in a store situated near Statler’s warehouse. No telling where he had ears.
“Where to?” Riley asked.
“How about grabbing us a cart?” He located one and returned, looking deliciously domestic but a bit uncomfortable. “If you want to sit in the car, I can do this myself.”
His eyes widened as if he couldn’t believe she’d read his mind. “I’m good.” It came out forced. Poor Riley.