Page 124 of Watched

Me: The Westons are a family we both want stripped of everything. Name a place and time and I’ll give you the information. Once the exchange is done, I want a guarantee my daughter will not be harmed and that our agreed terms will be met.

Unknown: I’ll send you an address tomorrow night.

Changing the password to the laptop, I toss it to the sofa again. “Turns out we’re going to have that field trip after all,” I say, taking out my phone and showing him the image of his wife and daughter. “We’ll be here tomorrow night. If you make any move to tip off Ezra, your family dies. Understand?”

He grinds his teeth but nods in agreement. The slap of leather on flesh brings a smile to my face as I tap his cheek. “I could have gotten you that promotion by now. You chose the wrong side, Graham.”

Blade stands with me, both of us moving toward the door.

“My fucking hands, you prick,” Graham screeches.

Blade tosses the key to Graham’s feet. “Have fun.”

Graham’s curses follow us out the door.

Chapter fifty

ROME

Sat on the stool at the kitchen island, I lock every muscle in my right leg to fight the nervous bouncing. Glancing at my phone beside my laptop, I ensure it’s not on silent and then check my messages for probably the eighth time in five minutes.

“Prick,” I mutter under my breath, not seeing a reply to the last message I sent Rain over an hour ago. He was meeting his father at 5PM, and then he was supposed to come back. It’s 10PM, and he’s still AWOL. I’ve called twice, and it went straight to the automated voice. I’ve also texted him a ridiculous amount.

7:26PM.

Me: Where are you?

7:56PM

Me: You said you’d be back by 7.

8:04PM

Me: I don’t want to be a pest like you, but I’m getting anxious now.

8:32PM

Me: Traffic isn’t an excuse I’ll accept. Where are you?

9:30PM

Me: Please answer me.

This is what I’ve become, a crazed lunatic because he’s not replied—though I believe my actions warranted, considering he has someone wanting to kill him.

My leg resumes bouncing as I write the next therapist’s name and number on the notepad. Adjusting Rain’s white cap sat backwards on my head, I stare at his plate covered with clingfilm.

Apparently, that’s something else I do now: cook for him. I expected him back three hours ago, at the latest, and I thought we could have a roast together. Much to Blade and Xander’s protests, Rain raided their fridge and pantry to fully stock ours this morning. Once Rain left, I hung our clothes in the wardrobe, cooked, and began rewatching last night’s game to occupy my mind when he didn’t reply. I’d even texted Xander, who was also silent.

Lights flash through the window above the sink, and once I’m standing and about to step toward the front door, I stop.

Fuck him.

Taking my seat again, I flip back to my notes page and exit my search, pressing play on the game. Apparently, petty is also a new characteristic I’ve adopted.

When the lock clicks and the door open, the scowl on my face only intensifies.

“Baby!” Rain calls. Staying silent, I track my movements in the first few minutes of the second half. “Ba—” He cuts himself off, his voice nearer. “Jesus Christ, you look hot.” I lock my leg muscles once again. “Rome,” he calls softly.