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As pissed as I was at Cole, I didn’t want him to get arrested. I assumed there were plenty of people who’d witnessed what happened, but no one had talked to Cole about it yet. I had to fix this. It was my fault Ibrahim had been fired in the first place. It was only fair to help him with the bill.
I peeked over my shoulder at Daddy and Julia, but they were talking quietly. They didn’t need to know I was going to help Ibrahim.
A frown creased my forehead as my fingers flew across the keyboard.When and where?
Meet me where I used to park the limo on our afternoons.
I shoved my cell into the back pocket of my shorts, then turned to Daddy and Julia. “Do you two care if I go to Zoe’s for a while?”
Daddy cleared his throat and glanced at his watch. “Go straight there, Shae. If anyone looks suspicious, you call me immediately. I was going to ask that you stay here until our new bodyguard arrives today, but if it’s only Zoe’s house, I think you’ll be fine.”
Normally, I wouldn’t ask when I needed to be back, but I suspected Daddy would want me to meet the new security. I wondered if I had to take them everywhere I went. Ugh. That would suck. “What time will he be here?”
“Around six. You don’t have to be here when he arrives. I can introduce you after you’re home. But seriously, Shae. Don’t go anywhere else other than Zoe’s.” Daddy lifted his brow, and his tone was stern. He was serious.
Shit. Daddy would kill me if he knew I was going to talk to Ibrahim, then go to Zoe’s. I would text her on my way to meet Ibrahim so she could cover for me. I would fill her in when I arrived at her house. I had to make sure Ibrahim was all right, and Cole hadn’t caused permanent damage. Anger pulsed through me as I recalled Ibrahim, balled up on the sidewalk, covered in blood. Cole had taken it too far.
“Thanks. I’ll see you guys later.” I gave them a little wave before I hightailed it to my bedroom. Pausing before I entered, I spun around on my heel and walked across the hall to Cole’s room. I placed my hand on the doorknob and turned it, then swung the door open. The hard truth smacked me in the face. I understood that Julia said he’d moved out, but seeing the bare space made it real. He’d removed the books off the shelves, the television, and his dresser drawers were open, revealing that they were empty.
Cole preferred his door closed, but I refused to shut it. Regardless of what Julia and Daddy had shared with me today, Cole had left without saying goodbye. He’d made his decision about me already. My chest tightened, and I placed my palm against it, the fragile beat of my heart reminding me that even though his actions had hurt me, I would move on. I hoped.
Backing out of his room, I focused on Ibrahim. Maybe this was a chance to make things right with him once and for all. I’d caused him nothing but pain and trouble.
After I texted Zoe that I was meeting Ibrahim, then I would meet her at her place, I grabbed my purse off the floor next to my bed. Dropping my phone into the front pocket, I double-checked that I had my emergency cash and driver’s license before heading out.
Our meeting spot was only five minutes away from my house. That in itself had been a stupid choice, but Ibrahim had to be available at a moment’s notice for Julia or Daddy. If I was honest about it, we also liked the danger of getting caught. I barked out a laugh as I pulled out of the driveway. I’d been so dumb. All I needed was to make things right, then sneaking off would be over.
I parked behind a black limo that I didn’t recognize, picked up my handbag, and climbed out of my BMW. The bright summer sun warmed my skin as I approached the car. I assumed it belonged to the new family Ibrahim was working for. Ibrahim waited for me, then motioned for me to climb into the back. I slid in, set my bag next to me, then he joined me and closed the door. I glanced around, noting the privacy glass was raised and the space was spotless. The scent of the leather cleaner tickled my nose, and I ran my fingers along the soft seat.
A cry escaped me as I noted Ibrahim’s black and purple eye and busted lower lip. For once, he wore jeans and a blue polo shirt instead of his typical suit and tie.
He flashed me a weary smile. “It’s not as bad as it looks.”
“Ibrahim, I’m so sorry.” I moved to the seat next to him. “I had no idea Cole was even around.”
“I know you didn’t. I was more concerned about you.” His dark eyes softened as they landed on me. “When he forced you to go with him, I was worried you were in danger.”
“No. Cole was just being ... Cole.” I sighed and placed my hand on top of his. “I’m glad you didn’t have to stay in the hospital, and I’ll pay for the surgery, but leave Cole out of this. I feel horrible about everything.”
“I gave you my word that if you took care of the cost, I would keep my mouth shut. Honestly, I needed to see that you were all right. I don’t trust Cole, Shae.”
“He’s more bark than bite.” I fiddled with the hem of my T-shirt, knowing full well I was lying my ass off. Cole was capable of so much, and I had a feeling I had only experienced the tip of the iceberg.
The sound of the doors locking caught my attention.Shit.Ibrahim was hoping we would play around, but I didn’t want to. Not only could I not let Daddy down, but this time, I didn’t want to let myself down, either.
“Ibrahim, I don’t think sleeping together is a good idea anymore. This should be goodbye. I can’t risk you getting hurt again.”
The limo lurched forward and began to move. An unsettling feeling curled into a tight ball in my stomach as I tried to understand what was happening.
“Ibrahim? Who is driving?”
“A friend.” His low chuckle filled the car as he reached behind him, revealing a pistol.
I scrambled backward, dazed and confused. “What are you doing?”
He grabbed my arm, jerking me to him. “Be still.” Ibrahim trained the gun on me, his finger on the trigger. I wasn’t sure if the safety was on or off.
Trembling, I did as he asked, and before I realized it, his heavy hand slapped my face. Hard.
