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“Understanding.“ His breath whispers over my lips. “You never cease to amaze me. After everything, you should want blood… yet your heart remains pure.”
I shrug. “I’m still grieving and angry about his death. I’m not perfect.”
“I disagree.”
His hand slides to my nape, fingers massaging away my turmoil even as he holds me captive. His touch sends shivers through me, adding to the minuscule trembling still skating through my body. Concealing the way he affects me.
“You can trust me to find the person responsible and make them pay.” His gaze bores into mine. “Just tell me the name of the hospital.”
As much as I want to give Hayden the answers he’s seeking, the cost of him knowing is too high. It’s a debt I never asked for and something I can’t get rid of, no matter how hard I try.
I smile up at him, but it’s full of sadness and remorse. “I can’t.”
Chapter21
Calista
“You really need to get a phone,”Harper says, hand on her hip.
“Good morning to you too.”
She waves a hand. “It’s too early for pleasantries.”
“But not for criticism?” I close and lock the door of the Sugar Cube, unsuccessfully stifling a yawn. “You’re right though.”
“I know I am. Stop it,” she says, covering her mouth with her hand. “That yawning shit is contagious, and we just got here. So, how’d it go?”
I reach for my apron, tying the ends. “How’d what go?”
“Oh my fuck.” Harper squints at me. “You know exactly what I’m talking about which means you have stuff to tell. Spill.”
“Fine. Once I got to his office, the receptionist was a little challenging, but then Hayden showed up and invited me to his office.”
Harper’s eyes widen and her jaw goes slack. “And?”
“And I asked him if the information was worth anything to him. Turns out it was.”
“How much?”
I bite my bottom lip, unsure about how much I should reveal. My friend has been nothing but supportive, however, she’s convinced things between Hayden and I are more than they actually are. Telling her that he gave me thousands of dollars would only reinforce her opinion. But telling her he held me in his arms and soothed me like an upset child? I’d never hear the end of it.
“A few month’s worth of pay,” I say.
Harper lets out a whoop. The sound echoes in the empty coffee shop, and I grin, shaking my head. “This is the most energetic I’ve ever seen you.”
“Considering it’s nearly six in the morning, it’ll probably be a one-time event. Oh my goodness! That information must be really important if he’s willing to pay so much. We have to celebrate.”
I walk over and set Mr. Bailey’s newspaper on his designated table. “I just got the money, and you already want me to spend it?”
She folds her arms and sets her chin. “Yes, I do. First, on a cell phone.”
“Agreed. And the second thing?” I ask, making my way back to her side.
“A night out with me.”
I shake my head. A little too emphatically, if the pain in Harper’s gaze is any indication. Guilt lances me, making my heart bleed, and I inwardly reprimand myself.
“I would love to go out with you, but this money is to help me get rid of a stalker.” I slap my forehead. “I can’t believe I’ve gotten to this point in my life.”
