Left for Wild - Harloe Rae Page 0,58
off just fine.”
“Would you still be working for them?” She doesn’t have to specify. We’re well aware by this point who they are.
“I’d like to say no, but that’s bullshit. They were legit enough on a surface level that I wouldn’t have suspected any foul play unless something tipped me off. That’s the hard truth. The best criminals never get caught.”
“I guess that’s what made you an easy target, or a really crappy crook.”
A familiar weight drops in my gut. “Yeah, I’m a damn sucker. They probably chose to hire me for that purpose. Planned to hook me from the start as a smokescreen. I bet they have several fools lined up in their organization to take the fall.”
She curls her upper lip. “That’s so messed up. It’s because you’re a good person. One thing evil cannot beat is a genuine soul. Mean-spirited people won’t ever have true happiness, and they’re jealous of those that do. They won’t stop ripping and shredding others down until a thread comes loose or something gives. It’s also very difficult for them to see logic past their own agenda.”
“Sounds to me you have some experience on the subject.”
“Those personality traits and character types are unavoidable in my field. They keep me employed, to be honest.”
“How pleasant,” I mutter.
Blakely exhales, her shoulders slumping with the deflating breath. “Comes with the territory. I’ve gotten used to them, for the most part. Getting thicker skin is still a work in progress.”
“I was housed with many of them at Streebston. You never get used to their kind of shit being spewed your way. And you shouldn’t have to.” Just thinking about those predators near her has my hands forming into fists. The rough wood beneath my palms digs into my skin from the force.
“Everyone deserves another shot at redemption, right? Or someone who will listen to their side, at least.”
No, definitely not. But I won’t be the one to completely tarnish her faith in humanity. “I’ll say it again—you’re a saint.”
A dimple pops in her smooth cheek. “Not sure about that, but thanks.”
I return her grin. “How about you, Blakely? What would you change from the past few years?”
She taps her chin. “Oh, where do I even begin? Well, for starters, I like to imagine we meet somewhere other than a prison. Or the Canadian wilderness.”
That’s a damn fine fantasy I can get behind. “Such as?”
“Offering to buy me a drink at some local bar is cliché.” Blakely lifts a hand to her forehead as a shield from a strip of blinding sun. Her eyes crinkle at the corners with a harsh squint. “Maybe online? That’s kinda your thing, huh?”
“Never met a girl that way,” I admit.
She wrinkles her nose. “How about at a sporting event?”
That gets a nod from me. “I like hockey.”
“Would you buy me a foam finger?”
This girl could get anything she wanted out of me. “Of course, sweetheart. A signed jersey, too.”
Blakely whistles. “Big spender.”
“In this alternative universe, I’d spoil my woman rotten.”
Her mouth pops open with a gasp. “Oh! There’s always a dog park. Maybe our Goldendoodles get their leashes intertwined.”
I shoot her a blank look at my thoughts spin. “Do you have a dog?”
“Well, no. But I could. This is all hypothetical.”
With a thick exhale, I force my heart to slow its pace. “All right, sure. Or we could both volunteer at an animal shelter.”
“Wow, that would be so cute. We’re freaking adorable with all the flirting. I could follow you into a storage closet for supplies during a late shift.” A twinkle sparkles in her gaze.
I can picture that scene unfolding with ease. “You’re so fucking sexy, chasing after me.”
She nibbles on her bottom lip. “I know, right? When did I become so forward?”
“I bring out a bold and naughty side in you.”
“That’s true in our actual situation.” Her sigh is all breathy desire swirling in the frosty air between us. “We’re dating in slow motion on a fast track. It’s only been three days, but I feel like you already know me better than anyone. Does that make sense?”
“Yeah, it does.” More than I’m willing to confess. Even to her. “I haven’t talked this much since college. And most of that was out of obligation.”
“Where did you attend?”
“University of Minnesota. Go Gophers!” I raise an arm and pump my fist.
“Ah, a fellow Goldie. Guess we could’ve met on campus.”
A grunt from me follows her assumption. “I probably graduated before you enrolled.”
Blakely giggles. “I forgot you’re old.”
“It’s not polite to tease