High Voltage (Ramsey Security #3)

Ruby looks at Minka, who shrugs. “He isn’t wrong, but I would have said it in a less dickish way.”


“His way saves time,” Ruby says, gripping the keys. “Thanks and good luck to you too.”

Minka smiles at the happy thoughts that come from doing nice things for strangers. Even thinking she’s nuts for caring, I love her smile. I also love the way she struts when she’s happy and the way she scowls when she’s pissed. I love the way she stands up to me and every other person who gets in her way. I love how she cares about people she doesn’t need to care about.

I love every damn thing about this woman.





28


Minka

So Long, Asshole

Hayes’s new receptionist waves us back without asking our names. She’s clearly a keeper, and I give her until the end of the day to quit. Hayes is bitching at someone on the phone when we enter his office. He glares at Dino and flips him off. I only smile and take a seat.

Rafael called on the way over. He said Black contacted Cooper, who made the sheriff’s choices clear. He retires his position and leaves Common Bend, or he dies. Black played tough and mentioned how his death would draw too much attention from the state law. Cooper explained that, at this point, he was losing Common Bend to the Serrated Brotherhood. If he had to walk away from the territory, he planned to make a mess of it for the other club.

“The asshole quit,” Hayes says as soon as he hangs up.

“We heard he was getting skittish.”

Narrowing his dark eyes, he studies us. “Those two deputies were your handiwork, right?”

“Nope. We were in a waiting pattern until the Arizona Moving Company sent their representative.”

Hayes leans back and grins. “That’s your story, and you’re sticking to it, huh?”

“We only came by to say thanks for saving our asses that time and being such a wonderful host.”

“Fuck this guy,” Dino growls.

Hayes frowns at Dino and then looks at me. “You like pussy-whipped men?”

“Not really, but he’s also hung like a horse, so the pros and cons even out.”

Hayes’s laughter pisses off Dino even though I suspect he likes the big dick compliment.

“So, if Black is gone, things will settle down for you,” I say, changing the subject. “Everyone will go back to their corners and behave.”

“Sure. Assuming Johansson puts in a solid team this time around. I think the kid might lack the balls.”

“You wouldn’t be saying that now if you knew how willing he was to kill everyone in Common Bend. He was also pretty okay with killing you.”

“Of course he was.”

“We wouldn’t do it, though,” I say, smiling sweetly. “We owe you and all.”

“Yeah, we’re fucking besties now.”

“We're done,” Dino says, standing up and grabbing for me.

Hayes shakes his head. “No man should be so deeply entrenched in a woman’s pussy.”

“We’ll agree to disagree,” I say, standing next to Dino, who tries to block my view of Hayes. “Good luck finding a secretary who tolerates your personality.”

Hayes waves off my comment while Dino nudges me out of the office. I struggle to return, only to piss off Dino. He nearly wrestles with me until we’re outside.

“I won,” he says, grinning.

“Won what?”

“You.”

“I don’t think anyone else was challenging you, Dino.”

“Everyone is always challenging me. That’s why I remain on guard.”

“Your insanity is so sexy.”

“And I’m hung like a horse.”

“Well not really,” I say, climbing into the car.

Joining me in the SUV, Dino glares. “Not cool.”

“Hey, a horse’s dick is frigging scary. I’d close my shop permanently rather than let something that gross anywhere near me. On the other hand, I’m a big fan of giant man-dick, and that’s why I’m keeping you.”

Dino smiles and leans over to give me a kiss. I spread my lips to deepen the kiss since his possessive crap both annoys and arouses me.

“We ought to stay in town a few more days.”

“What in the fuck for?” he murmurs against my neck.

“A little vacation. We could check into a new hotel and start fresh.”

“Or we could head to your hometown and deal with your mom.”

“That sounds like a bummer.”

Dino takes my hand and kisses the palm before pressing it against his chest.

“I’m sick of this place.”

“Then let’s go back to Houston.”

“Let’s yank off the Band-Aid. You’ll worry until it’s done, so let’s get it done.”

“That’s easy for you to say.”

“Not really. I hate seeing you unhappy.”

Smiling, I believe his words. He’s a bull-shitter, but not with me when it comes to us.

“She might not even be around right now. I should organize a visit.”

“Where is she going to go? You made her sound like an old lady who spends all her time at her house.”

“She might be visiting my sister.”

“Then we’ll wait for her in Salem until she comes back. You can show me where you went to school.”