“You have nice feet.” Her fingers pressed into the sole, as if debating on whether or not a massage was in order.

Hell no, a massage was definitely not in order. Wheeler straightened his leg. “Can’t a man sleep in peace?”

Naya appeared in front of him, squatting on the floor. “Has anyone ever told you that you are an antisocial, introverted asshole? I’m trying to be nice and you’re…”

He moved his head more to the side to look at her. “I’m what?”

She craned her neck forward and furrowed her dark eyebrows. “Mr. Grumpy.”

“Pleasure to meet you, Miss Diva.”

Her tongue swept across her lips and the direction of her gaze altered, looking up at his head. It made him self-conscious, but it wasn’t as if he could go anywhere. “I’m going to strip out of these clothes, lather my body with soapy suds, and take a long, hot shower. Why don’t you do me a favor and look for my pussycat?”

“Sure thing.”

Naya stood up, and he listened to her bare feet tread across the plush carpet out of sight. The door squeaked as it moved, but before it closed, she said, “I just had that couch steam cleaned, so I better not find one stain on it.”

When the door shut, Wheeler felt his cheeks heat. Was she making the comment because of his shoes, or did she know?

He glanced over his shoulder and everything looked okay from the back. Damn women—always making elusive remarks that left a man paranoid.

Wheeler flipped over and quickly fixed his pants, feeling like a stupid young wolf before hitting his prime. His phone rang and he pulled it from his back pocket. “Yeah?”

“It’s Austin. How’s it going?”

“Swell.”

“By the sarcasm in your voice, I’m going to assume the opposite. Look, you were the only one available I could trust with this job. I know you don’t like her, so just be thankful I didn’t ask you to stay by her side. Just sit tight in your car and follow close behind. I know it’s boring, but just make sure you let me know if you see anyone acting suspiciously. Especially if you sense a Mage.”

“A Mage, huh?” Wheeler washed his hands in the kitchen and then leaned against the counter, drying them with a dish towel. “Want to tell me what all this is about?”

“Did I just hear water running?”

“Car wash,” Wheeler quickly said.

“Right. Well, Naya’s a friend of the family, and she asked for my help. It’s not my business to discuss the details surrounding her request. This is serious, brother. Keep a close eye on anyone around her who looks suspect.”

“She works in a strip club. Everyone surrounding her looks suspect.”

Austin sighed. “Then pay attention to the men who don’t have bulges in their pants. This shouldn’t be for much longer. She should be okay inside her apartment at night, but just stay on her as much as you can.”