cock. “Can’t argue with that,” he says, and I pretend to be annoyed even as I’m giving a silent hurrah that he has a sense of humor about it.
“I see how strong you are,” I continue. “How much you can shoulder. And I see how much you deserve to be recognized. For this,” I add, pressing my hand to his heart. “Because you’re a good man with a good heart.”
I start to take my hand away, but he puts his over mine, trapping me in place. “Thank you,” he says, the words softer than a whisper, but they reverberate all through me.
“You should have fought,” I say. “That award should be yours.”
“No. That would have seemed like a tantrum. But I’ll have my say later.” The corner of his mouth curves up, the expression a little bit smug. “It’s a dance, El, and it’s one I’ve been learning the steps to for years.”
“What is?”
“Living life in public.”
I frown. “I’m not sure that’s a cotillion I’d willingly sign up for.”
He cocks his head, studying me. “Wouldn’t you?”
I lick my lips, suddenly understanding what he’s asking. “All things being equal, no. But you tip the scales, Mr. Saint.”
His eyes lock on mine. “Do I? How so?”
“Don’t pretend to not understand me. You know damn well I’d walk through hellfire for you. And in case you’re unclear, being in the public eye pretty much qualifies as hell.” I move my shoulder in what could be considered a shrug. “What can I say? You make even hell feel like heaven to me.”
“I like hearing that. Even if it is completely corny.”
We both laugh, and it’s a nice reprieve before he gets serious again. “The truth is, I’ve always known it could come to this. I’d expected it would be a few more years down the road, though,”
“Is that why Ronan was here? Looking for leaks?”
Devlin nods, then summarizes their conversation for me.
I frown, taking it all in. “So he’s hoping that even though the leak was from an untraceable gmail, one of the reporters will have a clue who sent it?”
“Pretty much. He’s playing detective for the next few days. And setting me up with a security detail.”
“I think the quest to find the leak is a wild goose chase, though I hope I’m wrong. I think security is a great idea, and I’m positive I’m right.”
“I agree on all counts. And I’m sorry.”
I frown. “For what?”
“The spotlight will shine on you, too. Unless you leave me. And I won’t let you leave me.”
“No? Well, then I guess it’s a good thing I don’t plan on going.” I sigh. “Like I said, you tip the scales, Saint. For me, you always have.
Chapter Ten
I’m grateful to Roger for stocking the kitchen, but not grateful enough to call him back when my phone vibrates with an incoming call while I’m waiting for my coffee to brew after a quick shower with Devlin. Had he called yesterday before the fiasco, I would have answered eagerly. Now, I’m not prepared to deal with the inevitable questions about Devlin’s true identity.
He’ll assume—rightly—that I’ve known about The Wolf for awhile. He’ll be concerned about me as a friend. He’s even savvy enough to worry about my safety in light of the enemies that will undoubtedly start to creep out of the woodwork.
But concern will only be part of the reason for his call. The rest will be work. I was writing a profile on Saint and his foundation, after all. And this little tidbit is about as newsworthy as it gets. Leaving it out shows my bias, and that’s not something Roger is going to look kindly toward. His boss, publisher Franklin Coates, is going to be even less happy with me.
So, yeah. I’m dodging the call. Sue me.
I let the call roll to voicemail as I reach for my coffee, and when it does, I notice two other missed calls—Brandy and Lamar.
Both have known the truth about Devlin’s father for a while, and both left messages. Brandy’s is short and sweet. “Just wanted to give you a virtual hug. Call me if you need to. And hug Devlin for me, too.”
Lamar’s message is similar, and I smile when he adds that Devlin didn’t deserve to get outed that way. He’s dating Tracy Wheeler, Devlin’s intern, who’s fast becoming one of my favorite people, and she got on the line for a second to add that the Council was stupid, and Devlin deserved the award even more because he’d overcome