Hunt and Prey (Kelsey's Burden Series Book 8) by Kaylie Hunter (novels to read for beginners txt) 📕

felt safe at your house. She picked being near you. And you were the one she trusted to watch over her son while she healed.”

Wild Card shook his head. “That makes me the protective friend.”

“Maybe. But it also makes Grady her shrink, not her soulmate.”

“Last I knew, shrinks didn’t sleep with their patients.”

“I’ve had three shrinks,” I said, opening the car door. “I slept with two of them. Very therapeutic.”

He got out and walked with me toward the elevator. “And the third?”

“Female. She’s cute, but not cute enough to sway me to the other side.”

Wild Card chuckled as we stepped into the elevator. “You’re one of a kind, Kid.”

“Don’t I know it.”

“You’re going to be late,” Baker’s voice boomed over the elevator’s speaker.

I looked up at the security globe. “You need to chill. It’s not even half past six yet.”

“Marilyn Monroe is one of our biggest clients. You can’t meet her dressed like that.”

“Marilyn Monroe died several decades ago,” Wild Card said to the camera. “I think she’ll look worse.”

I laughed. “Buzz us up to the fifth floor. I’ll shower and change before the meeting.”

The button for level five lit, and the elevator started upward.

“And Baker?” I asked, looking up.

“Yes?” his voice replied.

“Should I be concerned that one of our biggest clients is an expert on sexual asphyxiation?”

“No. You should be concerned that the state laws are changing again. We might need to close the fourth and fifth floors.”

“Not everything is about money, Baker.”

“Remember that when you’re reviewing the first quarter financial statements next year.”

The elevator’s doors opened and we exited into the hallway.

Garth stood waiting for us. “Mr. Baker is in a mood today.”

“Baker’s always in a mood.” I walked down the hall with Garth flanking me and Wild Card following us. “I need a favor. I need a discreet car for a job tonight. Something reliable, but disposable.”

“What time?” Garth asked.

“Around midnight.” I dug through my bag for my wallet and pulled my keycard.

“I’ll have something parked next to your convertible. Keys will be above the visor.”

“You’re the best, Garth,” I said as I swiped my card in the reader and opened my office door.

Wild Card followed me inside and Garth disappeared down the hall.

I turned to my closet. “Now, let’s see. What does one wear to a meeting with a sadist?”

“Black,” Wild Card answered, pulling out a one-piece black pantsuit. The suit had an open back and a halter front, which exposed the wearer’s skin from the neck to the navel.

“Works for me.” I took the outfit, stopped at the dresser for clean underwear, and then carried both into the bathroom with me.

~*~*~

Obnoxious banging on the door from the hallway side alerted me I’d run out of time. Dropping my lipstick onto the dressing table, I turned toward the door. Wild Card opened it, letting me pass in front of him. Baker stood in the hall, eyeing me from the top of my head to my toes. His eyes were all business. He must’ve approved of my appearance because he turned and led us to the elevators.

“That private investigator, Spencer something—” Baker started to say.

“Russell Spencer. He goes by Spence, though,” I said.

“I don’t care what his name is,” Baker snapped, looking at me. “He’s in The Parlor. He informed Garth that you told him to meet you here.”

“Yes. He’s helping me with Evie’s case.”

“You trust him?”

“Sure.”

“That’s not a very confident answer. This is Evie’s life you’re playing with.”

“Geesh. Relax, Baker. I trust him. He’s one of the good guys.”

Baker scowled at me as we stepped into the elevator. When his phone chirped, he read the text and said, “Marilyn just parked in the garage.”

“See? I wasn’t late after all.”

Baker scowled again.

The elevator doors opened. I was pleasantly surprised to find the room occupied with familiar faces. Bridget and Bones were in a corner booth, both dressed for an evening out. Bridget raised her wine glass to me before taking a drink. Dressed in dark suits, Spence and Trigger sat at the bar sipping from crystal glasses. Jackson, Ryan, Maggie, and Evie were also dressed up and dining at a center table. As Baker escorted me past their food-covered table, my stomach rumbled.

Baker stepped aside to let me slide into the booth. “I’ll ask chef Edwin to prepare you something to eat.” He didn’t wait for a reply before recrossing the room.

Joey, a weekday bartender, delivered a glass of wine. I looked around for Wild Card, but didn’t see where he’d ventured off to.

“Strange crowd tonight,” Joey said, glancing around the room.

“Maybe, but I’m guessing they’ll prove to be good tippers,” I said, flashing him a smile.

Joey blushed and tried to hide his own smile. “Mr. Baker ordered the wine. But is there anything else you’d like while you wait for your guest?”

“Not right now, Joey. Thank you.”

The elevator doors opened and a tall, dark haired beauty emerged. She paused to speak to Baker, then glanced over to me. She waved off whatever Baker said to her and strutted across the room, sliding fluidly into the booth.

“Good evening,” I said, dipping my head in a respectful nod. “Should I call you Marilyn?”

She laughed a full-body laugh before placing her elbows on the table. “Heavens, no.” She rolled her eyes. “Baker and his privacy rules. The man is insufferable. Call me, Jackie. It’s my name.” She held out a hand.

I returned the handshake. “Charlie. Thanks for meeting with me.”

“No sweat. Do you mind if I order, though? I’m starving. I’ve been running around all day and haven’t had a chance to eat.”

She didn’t wait for me to answer. She yelled across the room for Joey to grab menus. He was already