Page 5 of Secret (Chicago Underground 6)
I shrugged sheepishly. “It was just a thought.”
“Come on, guys,” Luke said. “Back to work.”
As the men settled in again, Luke sent me a half smile over the tops of their heads. Heat warmed my cheeks, though I couldn’t have said whether it was embarrassment over guessing wrong about Rico—we hookers had a certain professional detection, usually—or simply being a part of a group after so long. The only place I’d ever belonged was with Henri’s other girls, but I’d never felt comfortable with them. I did here, and that had everything to do with Luke.
I listened on the sidelines as they discussed what would go down tonight. It was a simple plan, though it did involve a fair amount of walking. Or running, more likely. My high heels would be impossible. I checked my pocket. Yup, still had the few hundred in cash I’d slipped there last night before leaving for the club. We had passed a boutique in the lobby. They had mostly artsy clothes, but almost anything would be better than these heels.
Luke caught me with my hand on the knob. “Where are you going?”
I pointed to my shoes. “These aren’t exactly activewear.” I reconsidered. “Well, I suppose that depends on the activity. But it sounds like there’s going to be some full-fledged jogging, and these heels aren’t going to cut it. I’m going to check the gift shop to see if they have something be
tter.”
“Wait, she’s coming with us?” Rico asked, incredulous.
I felt myself pout. I thought I’d made friends with that one.
“No way,” Jeff said.
Jerk. The gold earring should have been my first clue.
Major frowned at Luke, waiting for his response. The room grew quiet, the men watchful. I waited along with them, unsure of my place. Luke had told me I could go, but his reluctant promise given when we were alone faded in front of the complicated planning and camaraderie of these men.
“She’s coming,” Luke said.
I breathed a sigh of relief. Despite their earlier objections, both Rico and Jeff shrugged and turned back to their planning. Only Major’s eyes narrowed a bit, as if he might veto the decision. I wondered if he had that power. I tried to look innocuous. Shit, I had no idea how to seem innocuous.
Luke slanted me a look. “Are you scared of him?”
“Who?” I asked innocently.
“Major.”
“No, why, are you looking to do a three-way? Because I’m game for it, but you have to be in the middle. I’m allergic to all that brooding.”
He shook his head, muttering to himself, “Why do I even ask?” Then to Major, “Take her downstairs.”
“Wait a minute,” I said. “Why is he taking me?”
“Because you’re being hunted in this city, and he will make sure you don’t get shot in the head.”
“Okay, fair point. But why can’t you take me?”
“Because it would be distracting, and I’d probably end up having sex with you in a changing room.”
I bit my lip. “I’m still waiting for the downside.”
“Go.”
Major brushed past us, muttering, “Come on. Let’s get this over with.”
Chapter Three
“Oh, this’ll be fun,” I said, stepping into the boutique.
We had quickly determined that unless I wanted an I Heart Chicago T-shirt or strappy sandals with bulbous gems, the hotel gift shop wasn’t going to cut it. Which meant we’d hit the street, just an anonymous guy and girl out for a stroll. No one would know that he despised me. No one would know it actually hurt to be rejected by one of Luke’s friends—just another way we didn’t fit.
I tried on a purple cowboy hat and posed. “How do I look?”
