Page 102 of Cooper
“Actually, I do. But before I can start rowing, I have to protect my mom. My sister. Her kids.”
He nods, as if he understands. “Sandor’s plan?”
I nod.
“Is Natalia safe?”
“Yes.”
“Then we have to go get your mom some place safe.”
“We?”
“You don’t think I’m going to let you go through this alone, do you?”
“I don’t want to put you in the line of fire,” I say simply, heading for my bedroom. “I can’t risk it. Besides, like I said, Sandor has a plan.”
“You’re a stubborn fuck,” he says, following me. “But I’m interested in hearing about the plan.”
“If we’re going to talk, you need to help me pack,” I say, throwing boxers, socks, T-shirts, and sweats into a duffel bag.
“What else?” he asks. “You want me to pack up your closet?”
“I need to travel light right now.”
“I can keep some shit at my place until you figure this out.”
“Great. Thank you.” I pause to look around at the mess.
“I have a friend who owns a cleaning service,” Louie says, following my gaze. “I’ll have her come clean this up. She owes me a favor.”
I want to protest, but it feels like it will take too much energy. “Thanks. That would be a big help.”
We finish packing as I tell him Sandor’s idea, and he nods. “I can help with that.”
“Joe called a couple of guys who used to work for him at Westfield & Carruthers, so if everything goes according to plan, this will all be over in a day or two and I can get back to my girl.”
“I’m guessing she wasn’t happy you left, huh?”
I hesitate. “I, uh, well, I kind of blew out of there without telling her.”
“Dude.” He stares at me. “What were you thinking? Sandor’s plan is going to work—you didn’t even tell her about it?”
I feel a wave of guilt. “I couldn’t. King’s orders. But I’ll make it up to her. Assuming I get out of this alive.”
“If I was her, I’d kick you to the curb. How do you pull this shit with a woman like Natalia?”
“Like I said, King Erik didn’t want her involved. At all. She protects Casey and Levi—putting her anywhere near this was a danger to his family. Not to mention, the last thing they need is for a Royal Protector to be kidnapped and tortured. She knows too much they could use against the king. I had no choice but to leave her in the dark. I don’t know what they’re telling her now, but she doesn’t know where I am so the hope is that she can’t follow me.”
“Yeah, but…” He shakes his head. “Well, who am I to give advice on women? I haven’t had a serious relationship in a long time.”
“Believe me, I didn’t want to do it this way, but it’s safer for her, and that’s all that matters. Sandor swore he’d make sure she stayed safe.”
“Nat’s not just going to be upset, she’s going to behurt.”
“I know.” I rub my hands down my face and stare into space for a second. “But it wasn’t my call.”
He scratches his head. “Yeah, I get that.”