Page 60 of The FBI Agents Who Stole Me

“Always, babydoll.”

She wraps her arms around my neck and pulls me closer.

“What are we going to do about Elliot? You can’t hide in here forever.”

“Wanna bet?”

I huff a laugh.

She pulls back, and gray eyes stare at me.

My hand brushes her cheek, and she leans into my palm.

“I didn’t cheat on you with Elliot. I would never.”

“I know, babydoll.”

Her eyes widen.

“You thought pushing me away would keep me from getting involved.”

“Okay. That’s just weird that you know that.” Her brows pinch together as she tries to follow what I am saying. “I made you think…” She pauses and bites her lower lip. “I made you think that I had been with Elliot longer than I was.”

“I’m aware.” The old ache opens beneath my ribs with astonishing precision. “I remember the day I came to your apartment.”

I should leave her alone.

That is the responsible and mature choice. The version of me that prides himself on discipline understands that.

The version of me that cannot breathe without her has taken over.

I drive across town. I’m numb when I pull in front of her building. Everything from the drive here is a blur. I stand outside her door without remembering how I got there. Autopilot and denial are getting me through life right now. When I knock, I expect her face.

A blond man opens the door instead. He looks comfortable. Relaxed in a way that immediately unsettles me. Barefoot with his sleeves pushed up like he belongs here.

His eyebrows lift slightly. He seems entertained by my presence at her apartment.

“Well,” he says, leaning his shoulder against the frame. "This is unexpected.”

“Who the fuck are you?”

“Her partner. At work and in bed.”

She’s already with someone else? There is no way she could be here with him while I’m barely holding onto my sanity without her.

“I need to see Ettie,” I reply.

He doesn’t move.

“She’s busy.”

Fighting the urge to vomit, I stand my ground.

“I’ll wait.”

He studies me for a long moment then gives a small, humorless smile. “You don’t really want to do that.”

Behind him, I hear her laugh at something I can't make out. Then a soft chuckle followed by a cat meow.