Page 31 of Rebel Protector

Nothing good. And she was back to using first names.

Fuck. Why did this have to happen now, right before he had to leave? Now he couldn’t be around to protect her.

“Listen, Becca,” he said, his tone urgent. “Ramirez is a dangerous man, so is Markov. I agree, your friend’s death sounds shady as hell, but don’t go asking any more questions about it.”

She blinked back tears. “I just want to know the truth.”

“I know you do. But if what you’re saying is true, Ramirez will go to great lengths to keep it buried.”

She inhaled sharply, and Ghost knew his words had hit home. “You mean I could be in danger?”

“You already know too much. Promise me you won’t dig any deeper.”

“Okay, I promise.”

He could see the fear etched into her face. “And don’t tell anyone you spoke to Chrissy last night.”

She gave a small nod, her hair falling forward, partially obscuring her face. Ghost moved closer, brushing the strands back gently. Her pupils were wide, dark, locked on his.

“I know he killed her, Dom. The bastard murdered his wife so he could shack up with the nanny and keep his kids.”

Ghost shook his head. That kind of thinking could get her killed. “I’m sorry for your loss, Becca, but you have to leave it alone. For now.”

At her questioning look, he added, “I’m leaving. I’ll be gone for a few days. That’s what I came here to tell you.”

Amongst other things.

“I didn’t want to leave without saying goodbye.”

Fear flashed in her eyes again, and his chest tightened. “Oh. When do you leave?”

“Tomorrow.” He took her hand, her slender fingers fitting into his large, warm palm. “I wish I didn’t have to go, but duty calls. The Colombians want their merchandise.”

His words seemed to snap her out of her grief. She swiped at her eyes and sat up straighter. “I’ll be fine,” she assured him. “You don’t have to worry about me.”

But he did. More than he should.

The tightness in his chest turned into a dull ache. She was the one person in this godforsaken mess that he cared about. The thought of something happening to her…he couldn’t even go there. But he didn’t say any of that. He couldn’t.

“I know. Just take care of yourself while I’m gone.”

She sniffed. “You mean because I won’t have you on speed dial?”

His gaze narrowed. “I mean it, Becca. These men are dangerous. I don’t like the idea of leaving you here alone.”

“I can take care of myself. I’ve been doing it for a long time.” He heard the underlying weariness in her voice.

“I know you have, but these guys? They’re different. They’re ruthless killers, Becca. Your boss is wanted for attempted murder in the United States, Carlos started his career as a guerrilla fighter for the FARC rebel group, and God only knows what Ramirez is capable of. And you’re caught right in the middle. You really think Markov’s just going to let you walk away one day? With everything you know?” He shook his head. “You might not think you’re involved, but you are.”

Her face paled, and Ghost immediately regretted his words. He didn’t mean to come on so strong, to scare her—or maybe he did. He just wanted her to understand just how deep she was in. Because he cared, dammit.

She was in way over her head. If only he could get her out of this cesspit, away from all the corruption. But he couldn’t. Not yet. He needed her here. And he hated himself for it.

“You think they’d try to stop me from leaving?”

“One day, yes.”

She gnawed on her lower lip. “I never considered that before.”