Page 81 of SEAL's Resolve

“Not soon enough to cover your debt,” Rafe said, voice soft. “The casinos are threatening to take you to court, aren’t they? Once word gets out that you’re basically insolvent, your career as a hedge fund manager is toast. Who trusts a hedge fund manager with personal money when he can’t keep his personal finances under control? What does your girlfriend say about the debt? Does she know?”

Girlfriend? Kristi frowned. Who was Rafe talking about?

Hugh glanced at her, a guilty expression on his face.

“You were seeing someone else?” Kristi demanded.

“I was lonely, and you’re always busy, working long hours. Besides, she doesn’t mean anything to me. I just wanted some companionship.”

Rafe snorted. “Is that what you call spending weekends at hotels and resorts holed up in your room, ordering room service? Companionship? That’s called having an affair where I come from.”

Kristi sighed. “If you enjoy her companionship so much, why don’t you marry her?”

“I can’t,” Hugh muttered.

“Why not?”

“She’s married.”

Kristi groaned. “Unbelievable.”

He scowled. “It’s your fault, you know.”

“How do you figure that?”

“You never had time for me. A man has needs. I guess you made time for Torres’s needs.”

“That’s enough,” Rafe snapped. “Insult her again, and I’ll do more than shove you against a wall. Call off the security team who was supposed to keep an eye on Kristi.”

“She needs protection.”

“My team and I have that covered. She’s severing her contract with Ward Security this morning.”

“That’s insane. Kristi, you need protection.”

“I’ve made other arrangements. I need to go. I have a client waiting.”

“Can’t we talk about our wedding alone? Please, reconsider. We’d be good together.”

“Hugh, I wouldn’t marry you if you were the last man on the planet.”

His expression hardened. “You’ll regret this.”

“Not a chance. Rafe will see you to the door.”

“I know my way out.” Hugh headed for the stairway.

“Ward.” Rafe waited until Hugh turned to look at him. “If I find out you had anything to do with Kristi’s kidnapping, you’ll wish you had never been born.”

CHAPTER TWENTY

Rafe stood in the doorway, watching a furious Hugh Ward drive away from Kristi’s home. That guy was a powder keg. One spark, and he’d explode.

“That is an angry man,” Eli murmured. “Kristi broke the bad news?”

“Had to be done. Kristi didn’t know about the other woman in his life.”

“Other woman?”