Live Wire (Ramsey Security #2)

"I'd hide behind Mom and her big gun," Brad says, eliciting laughter from Ruth and Nell. Smiling at me, he adds, "After all, I'm easily frightened and need protecting by strong women."

Once again, Brad challenges me. I want to respond but can't think of a single thing to say when he's watching me with his devious gaze. Focusing on my plate, I panic a little at my new situation. While my killer instinct only cares about finishing the job, my heart craves nothing more than to stare at the handsome man making me squirm.





5


Brad

Don't Laugh at the Scary Lady

Saskia moves silently through the house, checking all of the doors before going to bed. Watching her, I remember the funny look on her beautiful face when she tried the grits. I smile at the memory, still surprised she'd never tried it before. Her expression at dinner made me think she'll never try grits again.

I'm so focused on Saskia that I don't think about the possible threats lurking in the darkness. For the first time in years, I feel truly alive and aggressively male. All because of a feisty redhead.

My earlier nerves around her were gone by dinner. No longer feeling like a loser, I teased Saskia. I wasn't sure if I pissed her off or offended her. I only knew I saw a crack in her icy exterior.

Once she closes her bedroom door, I get comfortable on the living room couch with the dogs resting on the ground next to me. I open a bag of chips and a cold beer before starting my late night of watching Paranormal Witness reruns until I'm relaxed enough to sleep.

The bad dreams never bothered me so much. I wouldn't even call them nightmares, but I can't seem to crash unless exhausted. My doctor suggested sleeping pills. After all those months in Hollywood and having met too many addicts in that time, I want to remain clearheaded. Better to sleep only a few hours a night than need a pill to function.

I'm half asleep watching TV when I sense movement from the dogs standing to walk to the door. I sit up startled and find Saskia sliding open the back door. Glancing over her shoulder, she gestures for me to stay put before she walks out onto the dark back patio.

As she disappears into the dark night, the dogs whine from wanting to follow her. I feel the same way as them. I sit on the couch and search for any sign of movement outside. Near the couch is my backpack where I keep my gun, but I feel only mildly better once I hold the heavy weapon in my hand.

Saskia is outside, hunting someone. Are they hunting her too? I consider heading out to help but know without a doubt that she'll be pissed if I do.

The dogs and I wait inside for Saskia's return. Each minute feels like an hour. Egon and Peter whine more than once, giving me the hope that she's returning. When Saskia does suddenly appear in front of the back door, the startled dogs bark.

I shush them while Saskia enters. She locks the door and stares at the dark night.

"Find anything?" I ask when I realize she's not going to say anything.

"Someone was out by the side fence. I couldn't get a safe shot."

"Safe?"

Saskia looks at me finally. "I could have shot him in the back, but I'm fairly certain the police would frown upon that."

"Probably. Did you see his face?"

"No. My movements startled the birds, and they startled him. He took off running east. I don't know if he was even a he or if he was part of the cult. He might be someone from the media or a standard issue thief. He's gone now."

"Thank you."

Saskia frowns up at me, and I realize I've stepped closer to her. Too close based on her expression.

"Don't be scared," I say unable to stop myself.

Her eyes narrowing, she unleashes a truly scary bitch face. Fatigue and two beers likely explain why I laugh rather than run away.

"Sorry," I mumble when she frowns at my laughter.

"Are you intoxicated?"

"A little. You really do look funny when you make that face though."

Her eyes narrowing again, Saskia prepares to unleash another nasty expression. She stops when realizing she's making me laugh harder.

"Goodnight," she says through clenched teeth.

Saskia spins on her heel, and I should fear her anger. Instead, I keep laughing.

Feeling like an idiot for laughing so hard, I mumble, "Don't be mad."

Saskia flips her hair dismissively before disappearing around the corner toward her bedroom. I lean against the couch and study the dogs.

"I fucked that up."

Peter and Egon don't care about my emotional crap. Their gazes focus on the dark night. Rather than tense, they seem disappointed to miss out on the hunt with Saskia. I don't blame them. I want to follow her around too.





6


Saskia

Mean Girl Seeking Weird Guy