Page 74 of Destroyer
Her rueful smile sliced through him.
Caroline put her arm around her sister. “I’m gonna take a few minutes helping Sydney get situated. After that, I’ll put her in the office next to yours, Tank.”
He acknowledged her with a nod.
“Is it me or is this place creepy?” Sydney asked.
“Creepy,” Teddy said. “No worries. I’m staying here with you.” He’d blurted the words before he could check himself. But he didn’t regret them. If he were being honest, he was slightly motivated by personal reasons.
“We got this,” he added.
“Because we’ll be weaponed-up to the effin’ max,” Sydney ground out, then her sad eyes softened, and she caressed his arm. “Thank you.”
Another zing of electricity thundered through him. You’d think she just offered him the world. That’s how much he liked her.
Easy, bud. You gotta go slow.
Fuck that.
He liked her. He wanted to make sure she stayed safe. He wanted to get to know her. He wanted to help her because, in the process, there was a good chance he’d be helping himself.
Maybe he was a selfish bastard like Gabriel, or a power-hungry maniac like Luciano, or an over-the-top achiever like Greystone.
Or maybe she needs me in her life as much as I need her in mine.
SYDNEY
Sydney stoodwith hands on hips in the rec room, nestled in the residential wing of the Black Site. Caroline had already left, so Sydney hurried out in pursuit of her sister, finding her in one of the bedroom suites.
Caroline set the duffle on the upholstered chair in the corner, Sydney rolled in the suitcase. “It’s bleak, I know, but you’ll be safe here.” Then, she bit back a smile. “You’ll never get any sleep, but you’ll be safe.”
“I won’t sleep because I don’t have my pillows,” Sydney murmured.
“Right,” Caroline smirked before she opened the suitcase, pulled one out. “I brought the one you actually sleep on.”
Sydney smiled. “Best sis ever.”
“When I said you wouldn’t be getting any sleep, it’s not because the Black Site—also known as our safe house—isn’t secure. It’s because Mr. Muscles will be staying here with you.” She rested her arms over Sydney’s shoulders, peered into her eyes. “I know last night feels like forever ago, but did you have fun with him?”
“Oh Car, he’s so sexy,” Sydney whispered. “I’ve never been with a man, you know, an actual man. Up ‘til him, it’s just been boys.”
Caroline offered an adorable smile. “I’m happy you two finally got to spend time together. I adore him. He’s awesome.” Then, she sat on the bed. “What happened with Naomi?”
After easing down next to her, Sydney told her.
“I’m so sorry,” Caroline said.
“I’m barely keeping it together,” Sydney said, “and I’m filled with so much rage.”
“Who’ll go after King A now that you’re on lockdown?” Caroline asked.
“Me,” Sydney replied. “I’ve got my laptop. Did you bring my weapons?”
Caroline opened the larger duffle, pulled out a portable safe. “Here’re your babies.”
Sydney punched in the code, the lock clicked open, and she lifted the lid. Inside sat her SIG Sauer and her Walther, both 9mm. While she owned several more weapons, those were locked in her free-standing safe in their condo.
“I have a feeling that when it’s time for me to weapon-up, I’ll have plenty-o-guns to choose from here,” Sydney said.
