And what the hell did I do with that information? Michael might be playing pretend, but the truth was that it didn’t matter. Not unless he knew where Shay was. “How do you feel about stepping things up?”

“In a way that might be slightly less than legal?” Dante asked, a grin in his tone.

“I need to know if he has any idea where Shay is.”

“I should be able to get to his computer while he’s at work. He doesn’t take it with him. Might be able to break into his phone search history as well if it’s linked to his laptop.”

It was exactly what I needed to breathe easier. “Am I gonna owe you hazard pay for this?”

Dante chuckled. “You’re paying me enough already. And something about this guy sets my teeth on edge. I want to make sure your girl’s safe.”

He’d called Shay my girl the first time we’d spoken, and I hadn’t corrected him. Because I’d wanted her to be. From the first moment I’d laid eyes on Shay’s gold-flecked ones, there’d been a pull. And it had only grown stronger. Now, I knew I had zero chance of breaking free. I was done for, and that was fine with me.

28

Shay

Phoenix26: What does one wear to a BBQ?

I drummed my fingers against the desk as I waited for E to answer. How had I gotten myself into this mess? A sexual haze, I realized. All Brody had to do was put his mouth on me, and I went stupid. And now, a bunch of virtual strangers were headed to Harbor for a barbeque.

Evergreen13: Hold the phone. Are you going to be social?

I scowled at the screen as if E could see me through it.

Phoenix26: Don’t be a smartass.

Evergreen13: But it’s my native language.

Phoenix26: Are you going to help me or not?

I didn’t have long to get ready, and as usual, my options were limited. The weather had turned, spring starting to work its way through the islands. But when you lived on the water, that didn’t exactly mean shorts and tank tops. I crossed to the dresser and pulled out my nicest pair of jeans. They’d have to do the trick. My computer dinged, and I looked back at the screen.

Evergreen13: Jeans and a shirt that shows some boob. Give that man a peek at what he might get if he makes a move.

I let out a snort of laughter and then grimaced at the chat box. I hadn’t shared the latest update with E. With anyone. I felt like if I just kept it to myself, then I could keep him safe. If no one knew that I’d fallen in love with Brody, there was less chance harm would come to him.