“How do you know?” she whispered, her mouth a breath away from mine. “It’s like you can see inside my brain.”

My mouth curved the barest amount. “Because I’ve felt the same. And every time I wanted to let my art go, you were right there, forcing me to keep going.”

Shay’s eyes glistened. “I sound like a bit of a bossy bitch.”

I chuckled and pressed my mouth to hers. “It just so happens that’s exactly what I needed.”

She ran her hands through my hair, her nails grazing my scalp. “Does that mean you’re going to be putting your studio to good use?”

“You wouldn’t have it any other way.”

“No. I wouldn’t. What you do is too important.”

A pleasant burn swept through my chest. If I never sold another painting, it wouldn’t matter. I’d paint for Shay alone. The way she saw my art, how she understood without words what I was trying to say, it was priceless. “I’ll get in there tomorrow.”

She smiled. “I’ll make sure you have a beautifully decorated office for whenever you need it.”

I groaned. “No more shopping.”

“I promise I’m done… For now.”

I let my hands trail down Shay’s neck to her shoulders and then her arms, tugging her closer to me. “Are you going to fight?”

“I’m going to fight.” She pressed her lips together. “I just wish I could know for sure what Michael is up to. I think it would help.”

I was quiet for a moment, trying to decide the best way to confess what I needed to share. “I might be able to help with that.”

She blinked up at me. “How?”

“I talked to Dante.”

She tensed. “What did he say?”

I rubbed a hand up and down her back. “That Michael’s playing by every rule exactly.”

Her gaze traveled over my face, searching. “Why do I get the feeling you think there’s more to the story?”

“Both Dante and I feel it’s too perfect. Michael never takes one step out of line. Not that we’ve been able to see.”

Shay traced a finger in circles on my shoulder. “He’s incredibly good at mimicking whatever behavior he believes will get him what he wants. He always has been.”

“Dante’s been keeping a close eye, but he can’t watch him twenty-four-seven. And he has to leave Seattle for other jobs occasionally.”

“So, who knows what he’s been up to in the times Dante doesn’t have eyes on him.”

I hated that I couldn’t give her more reassurance. That I couldn’t take away every ounce of anxiety and fear that lived inside Shay, tearing her apart, piece by piece. “I can see about getting another guy on the job. Maybe between the two of them, they’ll catch something.”

She shook her head. “No.”

“Why?”