Page 19

The body that’s going to make me even more obsessive.

As if that’s possible.

Rubbing my hand up Bethany’s back, I listen to her soft breathing. She’s been out for an hour, tucked against my side. Safe.

I never want to move.

But my phone vibrates on the floor in the pocket of my discarded pants.

Fuck.I consider throwing it out the window.

If I try hard enough, it’ll hit the pool.

Momentarily, I’m satisfied at the idea of Kane—or whoever the hell is calling—nevergetting through.

Only then I remember it might be Chase. Andhe’sgoing to have information I fucking need to make sure Bethany stays safe.

“Be back, beautiful.” I kiss her cheek, slip out from beneath her leg, and tuck her in.

The phone is still vibrating by the time I pick it up.

I stare at her for a long moment, trying to convince myself this is real.

She’s here.

And she’s never leaving.

Scrubbing my hand over my face, I give myself a shake.Get the phone, Tice.

When I walk into the hallway, I lift it to my ear. “Chase, what ya got?”

“A name. Billy Evans. Ring any bells?”

“None. Who is the fucker?”

Chase makes a displeased sound—which says a lot. He’s more of a facts-before-emotions guy.

“He’s sort of a private investigator.”

This brings me up short. “What kind of PI breaks into a woman’s house while she’s there and leaves footprints all over the damned place?”

“He’s not really a PI, but people pay him to spy.”

“Who?” I demand, scrubbing a hand through my hair, already picturing some fucker who wants my Bethany as his own.Payingto know her secrets, her routine, her life.

“I want a name. And all addresses.”

“I’m working on it. But more importantly, you need to know this—Billy’s place was empty. Freshly so. Food on the counter. No maggots, I might add. But his essentials are gone. So he’s on the run. He must know someone’s onto him.”

I haven’t even made it to the end of the hallway and my temples are throbbing, my hand itching to find a weapon.

“Who hired him?”

“It’s cryptic bullshit. Some shell company.”

“Goddamnit, Chase. I need that information.”

“On it. But there’s more…”