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His nostrils flare, and he goes to speak, but a horn sounds outside, and the corner of my mouth gradually tips up.
A crease forms between his eyes and the vein in his neck starts to throb against his tan skin.
“Keep the keys.” I take small, slow steps backward. “I only needed them to get back in our house.”
Alec shoots forward, gripping on to my wrist; the same second his hand wraps around me, the front door flies open, and Rowan steps inside.
“Get the fuck out,” Alec growls.
Rowan ignores him, reaching a hand out for me. “Come on, Oaks.” He’s gentle in his hold, and I welcome the comforting touch.
Alec feels it, the way my muscles relax, and his hand flies from my skin like I’ve burned him.
Good. I hope it stings.
Of course, it couldn’t possibly bite as hard as the snake that slinks around the corner, my favorite coffee mug against her lips.
“What the fu—” comes from Rowan.
But I spin, giving him a look that tells him not to start. Not now.
Just get me out of here.
Rowan’s eyes slope at the edges, and he nods, pulling me through the door. And, because I’m a glutton for punishment, I glance back.
Alec’s brows dip at the center, deep creases framing his eyes, but that’s not what has my breath locking in my throat.
It’s the tic of his jaw and the flex of his fingers the moment his wife’s paw lands on him.“I can’t just keep quiet.” Rowan frowns. “This is bullshit, Oakley. You said she wasn’t there anymore.”
“I know,” I sigh, the calmness I felt when he picked me up evaporating. “I didn’t want you to worry.”
“Well, I’m fucking worried.” He hits his steering wheel, and I glare his way. “Why are you letting him make decisions for you? You don’t have to stay there. You shouldn’t be there.”
“He lit your fucking couch on fire!” I shout. “He’s a fucking fireman, and he lit a fire … on fucking purpose, all to drag me out of your house.” I take a deep breath and glance out the window a moment. “Listen, Rowan, I’m not going to pretend like I’m happy with how things are right now, but I have too much on my mind to worry about him and whatever he has on his agenda. I gave myself some time, like everyone asked, but I’m done now. I’m antsy. My muscles and my mind need to be worked. I need to focus on Blackline now.”
“I don’t like this,” he mumbles, pulling into the parking lot.
“Yeah, well, join the club.” I exit the truck and head for the building, knowing he’ll stay back a minute, giving me my time to do this on my own. I shouldn’t be cold to him, but everyone has to understand that I need to do this.
Without it, I have nothing.
As I grow closer to the door, it’s as if the air were being sucked from my lungs while simultaneously breathing new life into me. My hand pauses on the handle a moment, and then I straighten my spine and walk inside.
It’s still early, so the recruits have yet to arrive, but Hillock is here.
“Sweetheart.” He pops up from the desk the minute the door closes behind me. His eyes are sullen and dark underneath.
It’s obvious he’s gotten as much sleep as I have, which is damn near equal to none.
He lost his best friend after all.
“Honey, what are you doing here?” He shakes his head, his lips smashing into a thin line.
“Where else would I be, Uncle?” I shrug, trying to look and sound strong, but this man has known me since I was a toddler.
He might not show emotions well, but he can read them like a pro.
He nods, his shoulders dropping an inch. “I hear you. And, to save trouble, let me tell you, so you know, everything here that was his is yours. You don’t need to worry about any of that. I’m handling everything he normally would. Not half as good, I’m sure, but, I, uh …” He trails off, clearing his throat before meeting my eyes again. “Just know, there’s nothing being left undone.”
“Thank you,” I whisper.
Then, the door behind me opens, and Rowan steps in.
He gives a small nod to Hillock before gently turning me to face him.
“I’m sorry.” He speaks low even though Hillock can hear. “I’m just worried.”
“I know, Row.” I reach up, gripping his bicep, and he gives me a small half-smile. “I appreciate it, but I’m not made of glass. I’ll be fine.”
His eyes flit between mine before he licks his lips with a nod and heads for the gym.
When I turn back to Hillock, he wears a deep frown that follows Rowan before landing on me.
“What’s … going on there, sweetheart?” He pauses. “Where’s our boy?”
When my forehead scrunches, he tilts his head.
