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But only with Miss Green.
And I still don’t know why.
Her gaze darts around the large space, before settling on the bartender. He says something to her, and she nods once. Then again, only with a little more conviction this time. Is she trying to convince him or herself? About what exactly?
The conversation is short, but to me it feels like an eternity of not-knowing. The second she walks toward the exit, I’m striding up to the bar, my need for answers the only thing keeping me from following her outside.
The bartender’s gaze lands on me, and his pupils dilate. His immediate unease is a good sign that he recognizes I’m not someone to fuck with. At least not without consequence.
“The girl with the braid,” I say, not bothering to waste words. Miss Green is alone, and I won’t leave her unprotected longer than necessary. “What did she want?”
“Why should I tell you?”
“Because you want to live.”
He jerks back, the drink in his hand spilling over the sides of the glass. “Look man, I don’t want any trouble.”
“Then answer the question.”
“Okay, right. She asked about getting a job here.”
I narrow my eyes. “What did you say?”
“I said, ‘yes.’ She’s young and pretty, which is what we want around here.”
“No.”
“No?” he parrots, his brow furrowing.
“No, she will not have a job here. No, you will not hire her. If you do, then I will burn this motherfucker to the ground.Withyou inside.” I lean over the bar, letting him register my intent. “Do you understand?”
The man nods, his jowls flapping from the force of his movements. “Yeah, I got it. Damn, man. Chill.”
I head toward the door, my long strides already shortening the distance between me and Miss Green. Little time passes before she’s in my sights again.
A sense of relief fills me.
My lips thin at this. After weeks of study, I thought I’d understand her by now. While I do have copious amounts of information about her, it’s not the same thing. I want, no, Ineedto comprehend why this woman draws me to her like no other.
Why I’m protecting her at all costs.
Today was a prime example. I threatened to kill a man in public, for fuck’s sake. Despite the connections I have with the police and others who’d “handle” this situation, the attorney in me couldn’t believe I acted so rashly. However, the man in me, the primal side that I keep concealed from the world? It didn’t give a fuck.
Someone, another man no less, threatened what belongs to me.
Initially, I made sure Miss Green was safe because I was curious about her. Since then, I’ve done more than that, things I wouldn’t do for anyone. I keep telling myself I’m doing it so she remains alive long enough for me to solve the puzzle that is Calista, that each new day offers me another piece, another clue as to why she’s different.
And why I actually give a shit.
Except my morbid fascination is growing into something I can’t identify. Something that’s slipping from my control. This is what concerns me the most.
Miss Green walks up the steps to her residence, and I shake my head as she goes inside. The dilapidated building is more than an eyesore. It’s a death trap. How she’s managed to return to this place every night is unfathomable to me, especially after growing up in the luxury she did.
I run my gaze over the structure again, but this time, a fire heats my gut, burning me with the need to get her out of there. Would she even accept my help? Doubtful, after the things I said in court. Even so, I don’t have any regrets. Everything I said about her father was true. And led to his demise.
Atmyhands.
Miss Green’s silhouette appears in the window behind the drawn curtains, arresting my attention. Usually, I leave once she’s inside with the door locked behind her, but tonight I’m lingering, wanting another glimpse of her.
