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I jumped, scattering a few papers to the floor. As I silenced the ringer, I picked them up, but had no idea if they were in any particular order.
Crud. Carlos.
I needed to answer so he didn’t worry, but couldn’t. The screen went dark, but immediately began to ring again. I switched the ringer to silent and held my breath as I listened for any noise outside.
Get out of here.
I slammed the laptop shut, scurried to the door, and peeked into the hallway. A retreating back was all I saw. When it disappeared, I popped out and made it to the elevator in record time.
My phone vibrated in my hand incessantly. As soon as I made it downstairs to the lobby, I’d call him back.
The elevator doors slid apart.
“I thought you were working from home today, sugar.”
Dread filled me as Drew slithered out.How would he know that anyway?
“I needed to retrieve something for Miss Jacobs.”
He scowled at the mention of Mulaney. “Anything I should know about?”
“I don’t think so,” I squeaked. How pathetic was I in this man’s presence? I longed for the day I could stand up to him. Maybe that day was sooner than I thought.
He leaned so close his breath was against my cheek. “I’m watching you. And the company you keep.”
The doors closed before I could catch them, and he disappeared toward his office.
“Please don’t start.”
I threw my tote bag on the kitchen counter. The conversation I’d had with Carlos on my way home had not been pleasant.
“I’ve explained the situation to you. You disrespected our trust.” He was right behind me as I grabbed my laptop from the coffee table.
“I won’t live under lock and key. And I have to go upstairs to see Miss Jacobs.” I tucked the computer under my arm and swiped my keys from the island.
“I’m not asking you to, but you don’t understand these people and what they’re capable of.”
“You made it very clear exactly what they can do.” I threw open the door. “I’m not arguing about this anymore.”
“I’m begging you not to do that again.” He followed me as I tromped up the stairs. I’d thought burning this energy would settle my irritation with Carlos and the anxiety about what I had to tell Mulaney. Instead, I stopped after a few flights, out of breath.
Carlos wasn’t affected at all.
I leaned against the railing and clutched the laptop to my chest. He remained a few steps below, looking at me like I’d hurt him.
“It was important. I couldn’t wait for you. In hindsight, maybe that wasn’t the best judgment call, but I’m fine.” I took air into my lungs and blew it out. “And I’m sorry.”
“How would you have felt if Gabriel had left without telling you and then you couldn’t reach him?”
“I’m not your child,” I said matter-of-factly.
“You’re my life.”
I closed my eyes and let go of my building animosity. How could I possibly stay mad at that?
I offered him my hand. When he took it, I let his warmth spread through me. This was what a united front felt like. It wasn’t pretty or easy. And we’d both learn along the way how to be less selfish and think of the other person. I had further to go with that than he did, but I was determined to get there.
Easton and Mulaneytook the news of my discovery about as I expected. Not well. Their faces. The heartbreak.The fury. I knew exactly what Easton must be experiencing. When our own flesh and blood willingly sabotaged the safety we thought was ours was devastating.He’s too good a man to have this happen to him.
