“I know.”
“Even if he doesn’t like you.” Kujo smirked.
“You suck at pep-talks.” I teased.
“But I mean well.” Kujo shrugged. “Besides, you gatta like me cause I’m adorable.”
I laughed.
Kujo gave me a mock salute and whistled. Six came running and sat by his leg. Tarek got in the car beside me and instantly started the ignition. After a honk from Tarek and a wave from Kujo, we hit the road.
The journey back to Billings was simple enough. I slept the entire way. Partway there, a black Rubicon pulled in behind us just as Tarek’s phone rang. He answered it on speaker phone, and it was Maia.
“Hello handsome.” Maia’s voice filled the vehicle. “Care for an escort?”
“Always.” Tarek replied. “Swing around.”
The vehicle swung wide to the lane on our right then in front of us. When the Rubicon hung a left onto a dirt road, Tarek did the same. We followed her for another ten minutes then pulled into the front yard of a beautiful ranch house. Maia stopped and climbed from the jeep, looking more like Lara Croft than any woman had a right to. She pulled a black bag from the back as Tarek and I approached her. The two hugged and she greeted me with a lift of her chin.
The moment we stepped inside, Tarek’s phone rang, and he excused himself to take it. Maia handed me the bag and though shocked, I accepted it.
“Hopefully, these fit.” Maia told me. “I know you haven’t had a chance to go home.
I arched a brow. “You bought me clothes?”
“It’s not much.” Maia shrugged. “But I figured it would—”
I burst into tears.
“Um…” Maia patted my shoulder. “It’s okay. This won’t be forever. You’ll get to go home soon.”
“I’m a horrible person.” I blubbered. “You’re being so nice to me and I’ve been dreaming about your boyfriend. I’m so sorry.”
“Um—wait, what?”
“I know!”
“Ellie—who are you talking about here?”
I frowned. “Tarek.”
“Wait—you think Cobra and I…” She doubled over laughing.
“It’s not funny!” I shouted. “I feel bad enough and you’re not helping.”
“The King and I are just friends. Don’t use me as an excuse.” She laughed harder.
I buried my face in my hands. My life had gotten much worse. How was that even possible. “Fuck my life.”
“Don’t worry about it.” Maia chuckled. “You’re not the first person to believe Cobra and I are an item. Trust me, you won’t be the last. If you’re interested, you should tell him.”
“Oh, no.” I picked up the bag and headed for the door. “I can’t.”
Maia followed and we both climbed the stairs. It dawned on me then I had no idea where Tarek wanted me to sleep that night. Instead of just picking a room, I sat on the top step while Maia took the one below me.
“Why not?” She pushed.
“Haven’t you been paying attention?” I wanted to know. “He hates me. The only reason he’s helping me is because his badge is forcing him.”
