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He snapped it closed and handed it back. “I never said you couldn’t protect yourself. I just mean you can do a better job if you have all the information. That’s all.”
I tucked the knife away. “When does he get back from his trip?”
“He got home this morning.”
“Hey, Myron?” I called to the front of the car.
“Yeah?”
“Can you take me to…” I looked at Vlado.
“The penthouse,” he answered.
“Penthouse?” I asked him.
“Evan’s main residence.”
“Can you please take me to the penthouse, Myron?”
He peered at us in the rearview mirror, his expression filled with questions.
Vlado nodded.
“Where is this penthouse?” I asked. “Is it in Seattle?”
Another nod.
I crossed my arms and turned to stare out the window. The scenery raced by, but I couldn’t focus on anything as my mind spun.
A part of me was grateful Evan cared enough to put security on me, and I was really glad Vlado was the one who’d been watching me. I trusted him, and I liked him, but I was still salty that they’d lied to me.
The news that the threats had ramped up was also terrifying. I’d convinced myself that Evan had been right and this wasn’t something to worry about. He hadn’t said anything since, but then again, I hadn’t asked.
Ugh. Today sucked donkey balls. I’d lost my job, had to say goodbye to the place I’d worked at for almost six years, and I’d freaked out my bestie after I’d been avoiding him for months.
“Are you mad at me?” Vlado asked.
“Yes.” I kept staring unseeingly out the window.
“Is there anything I can do to make you less mad?”
“No.”
“You sure?”
I turned to face him as a wall of emotions slammed into me. Exhaustion, anger, fear, sadness, loneliness. All of them hit at once, leaving me feeling raw and vulnerable and so freaking alone.
“I had a really bad day,” I whispered. “Can I have a hug?”
He opened his arms.
I scooted closer and leaned against this broad chest as he held me tight. The softness of his sweater and the steady beat of his heart soothed the noise in my head, and some of the crushing despair inside me faded.
“I promise I’m not hitting on you or anything.” I snuggled closer. “I’m just a really tactile person and hugs and cuddles help me feel better.”
“I know.” He gave me a little squeeze and rested his cheek on the top of my head. “I get it. Sometimes you just need some platonic cuddles to not feel so alone.”
“Yeah. I’m glad you understand. So many people don’t and they get mad because they think I’m flirting or trying to start something when all I want is a hug.”
