“Oh,” she said.
“We have reason to believe that he became aware of these accusations and fled the country. Did you know or have you ever known of anything like this?”
“He gave me the creeps. I always tried to stay away from him.”
“It’s probably for the best. If you do hear of anything, please do not hesitate to call us. We’d be happy to hear of any updates or anything that you recall.”
She took their card and saw them out of the office. Marie was waiting for her.
“How did it go?”
“I have no idea what just happened.”
“I never liked Richard. When I started working for him he kept touching me, saying nasty comments. I got my husband to have a word with him, and nothing else came of it. To think of the things he could have done to others. You think it’s true?”
“I think it’s safe to say we don’t really know a person, not really.”
She noticed when Pie entered the building. He stood out like a sore thumb, with all of his sexy leather and his ink peeking out of his shirt on his neck.
Just seeing him put her at ease.
“Please tell me you’re dating him. I don’t think my lady parts can handle the injustice of you two not being together.”
She walked up to Pie and threw her arms around him, kissing him on the lips. Pie grabbed her ass, lifting her up, and she wrapped her legs around him.
Marie let out a whistle.
“I take it that’s a yes. Sexy and fucking hot. Go and take your lunch break. Try not to burn each other with all that chemistry.” Marie gave her a thumbs-up before leaving them in private.
“We need to talk,” Lindsey said, taking his hand.
Leaving the building, they found a small coffee shop and sat in the back. She told him about the visit from the detectives, that they were looking into Richard’s past, talking to people who knew him.
“What did you say?”
“I didn’t say anything. I don’t want to bring suspicion onto the club, onto you.” She took his hand, pressing a kiss to his knuckles. “I love you. The last thing I want to do is for any of this to get out.”
This time he kissed her hands. “Baby, I want you to understand me. Nothing, and I mean nothing, will ever get out. I’ve got this shit covered. This isn’t my first rodeo, and I know how to cover myself.”
“You’re sure?”
“I would never put you in danger.”
“What about you?” The thought of losing him because he saved her made her sick to her stomach. She’d only just gotten him and had finally given in to her feelings. There’s no way she wanted him to go. Not now. She had so many plans. Lots of them. It involved sex, dirty sex, sweaty sex. The kind of sex that made lots of babies and scared grandmas.
“I love you. There’s nowhere else I’d rather be than with you. That means we’re safe. The only way I can protect you is to make sure I’m here at all times, loving you.”
She moved so that she could hug him. “I was so scared when I saw them today. I thought I’d lost you forever.”
“You’re not getting rid of me that easy.”
“I don’t want you to go. Ever.”
He pushed some hair off her face and smiled. “Good, because you’re not getting rid of me. Being my old lady makes you mine for life. You think you can handle that?”
“I can handle whatever you throw at me.” She cupped his face and kissed him hard. “Just watch me.”
Chapter Twelve
The party was in full swing. It seemed that all the club brothers had opted to get a babysitter as they brought their women to the club. It had been a long time since the Trojans had a Friday night party that was filled with booze, sex, and laughter. Duke was on a high because Matthew had been able to hold his own in several of the fights.
Holly didn’t look too happy about it, but overall the fights had gone well. Pie wasn’t letting Lindsey out of his sight. Everything was on course for tonight, but she looked nervous. Sipping at his beer, he noticed she was still holding the first bottle he’d given her.
“Are you nervous?” he asked.
“Please, you already know the answer to that.”
“Why? This is going to be fucking hot. In front of the eyes of the club you’ll become my old lady. No more messing around. Not more hunting for another woman or man. Just you and me, facing the world.” His cupped the back of her hand and kissed her lips.
“I like that.”
“Which part?”
“You and me facing the world.”
“Through thick and thin.”
“You’re sure you want to go through with that?” she asked.
He glanced around the yard where there was a small fire in an incinerator, the music, the club, his family, his home. “I’ve never been more sure of anything than that I want you as my old lady. That I want you as my woman in front of all of these people. I’m done waiting. I’m done playing nice.”