“It’s okay, Azlyn,” he said quietly.“Everything’s going to be okay.”
Chapter 18
Azlyn climbed awkwardly out of the SUV, cradling Griffin carefully in her arms.She followed Zayn, anxiety humming beneath her skin—for her safety and, more pressingly, for her son’s.He was probably hungry by now.Definitely needed a fresh diaper.Unfortunately, they’d left everything back at her house.No bottles.No diapers.Nothing to make him more comfortable or fed.
“Zayn, this is…” she started, but the elevator doors slid shut before she could finish.She was suddenly surrounded by very large, very heavily armed men.Azlyn decided now probably wasn’t the best time to tell her former lover that she didn’t think this was the smartest move.
But whatdidshe think?
Her instinct had been to question everything, but she had to admit… she and Griffin were safer here, surrounded by this security team, than they had been back at her house.And she hadn’t imagined that black SUV at the end of the street—the one that turned the corner and stopped.Someone had been watching.
Who had it been?What had triggered this horrific chain of events?Why had someone murdered Olivia?
Over the last few years, she and Olivia had created ten documentaries and more than fifty interviews.All self-funded.Investors had offered them outrageous sums, but they’d turned every one of them down.No strings meant no interference.They liked it that way.
“What’s going on?”Azlyn whispered, more to herself than anyone else.
The elevator dinged.The guards stepped out first, scanning the hallway with practiced precision.Zayn reached out, placing a hand on her arm to hold her back as they waited for the all-clear.It wasn’t the same penthouse he’d used the last time he was in Chicago.This one was different.
Whiter.
Everywhere she looked—white floors, white walls, white furniture.She blinked.Seriously?Who decorated this place, a Scandinavian snow fairy?
She glanced down at Griffin.There’s no way an infant should be anywhere near this much white.
“Everything is secure, Your Highness,” one of the guards announced.
Azlyn recognized him.His face was just as bland as it had been a year ago.Behind that poker face, though, she sensed judgment.Was it directed at her?Or at the situation?
Didn’t matter.What mattered was that Zayn was here—and he was protecting their son.
She stepped out of the elevator, still cradling Griffin in the sling.The baby was officially outraged at being restrained for so long.Honestly, her back and shoulders weren’t thrilled either.She’d been carrying Griffin in that sling for hours—through chaos, grief, and even sleep.
Sleep.Right.She hadn’t meant to do that, to fall asleep sitting against her front door, but… she’d managed maybe an hour.Two at most.Her brain was mush, her body aching, and she had no idea what time it was.
She reached back to check her phone, but her pocket was empty.
“I don’t have my phone,” she murmured, lowering her voice instinctively.Even whispers seemed to echo in this place.
“I’ll get you a new one,” Zayn said, his voice equally low.He turned to speak quietly with the guard wearing the permanently unimpressed expression.They were definitely talking about her.
Of course they were.
She bristled.A year ago, she’d have told them all exactly where they could shove their tactical plan.Hell, shehad.When Zayn had suggested she travel with him—as his mistress, no less—she’d walked away.Technically,hehad walked out, but whatever.The end result was the same.
Azlyn exhaled and looked down at her squirming son.He was more than ready to stretch out and reclaim his personal space.
She walked over to the pristine white sofa—linen, by the look of it.Who in their right mind buys a linen sofa with a baby in the room?Ignoring the fabric’s obviously tragic future, she began untying the baby sling, slowly unwinding the fabric.
As soon as he was free, Griffin stretched his arms and legs like a starfish, eyes huge as he surveyed his new, disturbingly clean surroundings.
“You’re okay,” Azlyn whispered, walking slowly as she bounced him gently, patting his bottom to soothe him.“I know it’s a new place, but we’re safe now.We’re okay.”She kissed his cheek, then the soft crown of his head.At just three months old, he was learning to hold his head up, but it was still a bit wobbly—so she kept one hand securely behind his neck as she moved around, letting him take it all in.
“Azlyn?”Zayn said from behind her.
She turned, facing the man she was… growing to hate?No.That wasn’t right.
Maybe resent.
