In the chaos of Rome making his appearance, and the truth finally being revealed, I had completely forgotten about Andi. And let’s just say she was less than pleased about Rome’s reappearance.
“How in the world did you get out?” She screeched… her voice resembling nails on a chalkboard.
Rome jumped at her intrusion and took a step back from her. He looked terrified. This strong, incredible man was petrified of Andi. Of whatever she had done to him.
I ran between the two of them, placing myself like a shield to protect Rome. Andi fought against Malachi, who was also staring in surprise.
“We need to call the police,” Rome murmured behind me.
I looked at Livia and nodded. She understood, running to Andi’s desk phone and dialing 911. I felt Rome’s arm wraparound my chest as he pulled me back into him. I could feel his heart beat once again, against my back.
“You couldn’t have gotten out!” Andi yelled again. “It was foolproof, I made sure of it.”
“Yeah… about that…” Rome mumbled, “I hope you have fire insurance.”
I looked over my shoulder at him, bewildered. It was then that I noticed he wasn’t fully here. His mind was lost, probably reliving the last few months away. Whatever he had gone through had cracked something deep within him. I turned back to Andi, needing answers.
“How did you do it?” I asked.
She let out a cry and struggled against Malachi, who just held her tighter. “Answer her,” he demanded. “How did you fake his death?”
Andi was breathing like a bull, but finally spoke. “Those stupid blood drives you were always doing,” she sneered. “I found where they stored his blood. I knew it would come in handy eventually. I just waited for the right moment.”
I raised a brow, “And the right moment was when?”
“When she learned we were together,” Rome explained behind me.
“Shit…” Livia mumbled, “she really is crazy.”
“It was perfect!” Andi yelled and focused on Rome. “My plan was perfect. We were supposed to be together. You love me, I know it! I’ve seen how you look at me. You can’t loveher.” Her voice dripped with venom, “You love me!”
Rome’s arm around me tightened, his body starting to shake.
“Get her out of here,” I commanded Malachi. “Put her in my office or the conference room. I don’t care. Just get her away from him!”
He nodded and dragged her away, as she kicked and screamed the entire time. He essentially tossed her into my office andclosed the door, locking it tightly. “She can wait there until the police arrive.”
I turned to Rome, who looked completely out of place in the office with his hospital gown and scrub bottoms. I had grown accustomed to his black suits while he was working, and the plethora of hoodies he wore on his down time. He smiled down at me, a sad, weary smile. “So… heads up. Your assistant lost her mind.”
I rolled my eyes at him and smiled softly, “I can’t believe you’re here. Where were you?”
He sighed and collapsed into one of the office chairs surrounding us. “Any chance you sold some old real estate in the last few months?”
I nodded, thinking back on the transactions I had signed off on, “A few buildings my dad had bought, but did nothing with. It was…” I trailed off. “It was Andi’s idea.”
He nodded, “I think I was in one of those. I don’t know how she did it…”
Malachi shrugged, “I’ve come to learn that crazy people can really do just about anything if they put their mind to it.”
Rome huffed a laugh. It wasn’t his usual, lighthearted one; instead, it was weighed down by his experiences over the last few months. “What are you doing in my neck of the woods?”
Malachi shook his head, exasperated. “Well, my best friend supposedly died. Thought I would lend his family and girlfriend some support.”
“Hmmm… this best friend of yours, is he ruggedly handsome?” Rome asked, a mischievous glint shining once again in his eyes.
Malachi rolled his eyes and pulled Rome up to a standing position. “I don’t know how anyone puts up with you, you idiot,” he mumbled… his voice growing thick with emotion, and hiseyes damp with unshed tears. He clasped a hand on Rome’s shoulder. “Do me a favor… don’t fake die again.”
Rome smiled, “Missed you too.” Malachi grasped him in a quick bro-hug before letting go.
