Hunter takes a slow breath, studying the screen as if something would jump out. “You checked deleted things?”
“Yes. I checked the trash folders, the logs, anything not deleted from the hard drive. I don’t think he has a motive either. We pay him well, really well. How could he benefit by going to the police?”
“Logic goes out the window when morals are involved.”
Hunter relaxes back into his seat. “If you consider him clear, I’m going to say he’s good and report this accordingly, including your involvement. Prepare for some trouble in the next few days, but I’ll wait until after we meet with Stefan to say anything to father.”
“Okay.” I shrug. “Or you could let me do it. I don’t give a shit if the man likes me.”
Hunter shakes his head. “This is my job. Get some sleep.”
“You should probably check on Lief,” I murmur while getting out of Mr. Smith’s computer. “It takes a lot to piss him off and you did a royally good job of that.”
Hunter tells me not to worry about it and I head to bed. I should be exhausted, but instead, my mind is on Valerie. If this shit with Stefan doesn’t work, she’s going to get dragged into all this. We’ll have to protect her and our reputations, and hide our secrets.
Which is a losing battle. But … but I’d love to see her all the same. It’s nearly eight in the morning, so I send her a text, reminding her she has an invitation to a date night with me. I roll over, not expecting an answer.
When I get up around two in the afternoon, I see a response.
VALERIE: Maybe next weekend. I’m busy all week with work.
A maybe is better than no. And a time frame.
CHASE: Don’t be a stranger until then. I like your messages.
VALERIE: You like a whole lot more than my messages.
I smirk, then chuckle. She’s not wrong about that. Valerie has plenty of assets. Her hot body, that sass, how quick witted she is, she’s fucking fearless, and damn does she leave fantastic memories.
CHASE: All the more reason to take you out next weekend. You know how much I like to please.
VALERIE: Keep sweetening the pot and I won’t have a way to say no.
CHASE: You need more tempting?
She doesn’t answer, so I shrug and pocket my phone. I have plenty to do today to keep me busy. Like inviting Stefan to the strip club – which he happily accepts as long as I pay, then let Hunter know that it’s set, and getting ready for the meeting.
I notice Lief is M.I.A. but Hunter’s not concerned. He paces across the floor. “I feel like we need some kind of upper hand when it comes to Stefan. I’ve tried studying some psychology shit, but I think we should give our friend a call.”
“We agreed-”
“Just a phone call, Chase. I don’t need her showing up to the strip club in disguise trying to fish for information while getting dollars tucked into her thong.” But his eyes darken at the idea and I’m sure he’d love for Valerie to give him a private dance.
“Just a phone call.”
“And Lief?”
“Has earned himself some personal time,” Hunter grumbles. He dials his phone and when the ringing stops, he gives a wolfish smile. “Still answering for me, sweetheart?”
“What do you want?” Valerie grumbles.
“Advice.”
“Look, if you need help figuring out how to charm a woman, there are plenty of resources online.” She teases.
“Awe, we both know I’ve taken care of that with you or you wouldn’t be so sweet to me.” He flirts until I arch an eyebrow. “You’re on speaker by the way. Me and Chase.”
“Hi, Chase. Also, no to your earlier question.”