“Is someone going to tell me what the hell is going on?” Deke demanded. “Y’all texted me for a reason.”
Every eye in the room turned to her. Every face held an expectant expression. Delaney sighed. They weren’t going to leave, and this was some kind of gang-up-on-the-stranger thing. Fine.
“I have a dirtbag in L.A. trying to kill me. Really, the fewer people who know this the better, but since you’re all standing here, waiting for me to spill my junk, there it is.”
Jack raised a brow, then glanced at Tyler. “Did you bring us here so she could hire us?”
Del frowned. “For what?”
“Jack and Deke are in the personal protection business, angel. And they’re the best.”
With a shrug, Jack drawled, “You’re no slouch, either. The job offer is still open.”
Deke shook his head. “He’s been too busy enjoying the . . . benefits of working for Alyssa too much for that. The scenery at a strip club is way better.”
Figures. Del shook her head. She already knew Tyler had a long string of strippers on his beck-and-booty-call list. It didn’t bother her, really. Well, not much. Besides, now that she had stretch marks and her clothes often smelled like baby vomit, there was no way she could compete, even if she wanted to.
Tyler shrugged. “I might finally take you up on that offer, Jack.”
The entire room froze. Apparently, this was big news. Whatever. She had herself and Seth to think about.
“Yeah?” Jack nodded. “When?”
“Now is good.”
Del approached Jack. “Look, if you’re in the personal protection business and done with your HR functions for the day, I might be interested in hiring you. I can’t get my hands on my money until the guy trying to kill me is behind bars, but—”
“Stop.” Jack’s voice snapped with command. Then, with a deep breath, he eased his shoulders back, expanded his chest. He seemed to grow six inches in two seconds. His demeanor completely changed. Any hint of affable was gone.
Automatically, Del obeyed, closing her mouth. Then she frowned.
“That’s not fair, my love,” Morgan murmured. “Using that voice on her . . . It’s mine.”
“And you’ll stay out of this, or you’ll hear lots of that voice later. If not, as soon as this pregnancy is over, I have a new single tail with your name on it.”
Morgan shivered and gave him a secretive smile.
Del didn’t know exactly what a single tail was, but she was getting an idea. And Morgan seemed completely happy. Who the hell were Tyler’s friends these days?
“Look, Mister . . .” What the hell was his last name?
“Cole,” he supplied.
“With all due respect, I don’t have time to stop. This man almost killed me and my son three days ago. I’m leaving him here with Tyler for safekeeping. I’d prefer to come home to Seth in one piece, and I could use your help doing it.”
Jack glanced at Deke. They both turned to Tyler, who said nothing, but she sensed lots of silent communication.
“Look, I get that you’ve got your man code or whatever, but I’d like to be a client. If you can’t take the job, please refer me to someone who can.” She heaved a frustrated sigh. “I don’t mean to be bitchy, but it’s been a terrible few days.”
“Clients by referral only. There’s no one I can credibly recommend to you in Los Angeles. With my wife pregnant, I’m not leaving town. Deke has his hands full with his family and existing caseload. However, our newest associate would be happy to help.” Jack gestured to Tyler.
Damn it! That was Tyler’s game, setting himself up to be her safety net.
Del shook her head. “He’s staying here with Seth.”
“You know, your son looks like he’s in really good hands.” Jack nodded toward Alyssa and Tara fussing over Seth. Kimber had joined in, while Kata dug through the diaper bag and picked out some of his toys, to his squealing delight.
“I’m not leaving him with strangers.” Even the thought made Del’s heart stop.