The bad is we’re still looking for the missing women. Not just the five we knew about, but four more besides that—all sold on the dark web to anonymous bidders who could have taken them anywhere.
We’ll find them. I promised Hazel we would, and I have no intention of going back on that. But I really,reallyhope that when we do, the women are still alive. Especially Amy. Because even though I’m pissed beyond belief at her for putting Hazel in danger, I know Hazel is worried.
Hazel says she understands why Amy said what she did. “She had to be so scared,” Hazel told me. “She had no way of knowing the men would come after me. I can’t blame her for something she did out of desperation and fear.”
While Hazel might not blame Amy, I do. Not that I’ll tell Hazel that.
Hazel takes my hand as we leave the room, threading her slim fingers between mine. “Do you want to order the pizza now, then? Or—” Her lips quirk. “Do you want to do some sexy things first? Build up an appetite?”
As it always does whenever sex with Hazel is a possibility, my pants go uncomfortably tight.
“Actually,” I reply, “while I’d love nothing more than to do sexy things to you, there’s something else I planned for tonight.”
Her brow wrinkles in confusion. “But I thought we’re having pizza. And watching a movie.”
I lead Hazel into the living room and gently tug her down to the couch, then take a seat beside her. “We can. Just not tonight.”
A burst of nerves hits my belly. When I wasplanning this, it seemed like a good idea. A great idea, really. Enzo and Winter agreed. So did Gage, Knox, Lark, and Rory. But a good idea in theory isn’t the same as presenting it in reality. And now that I’m looking into Hazel’s wide, trusting eyes, I’m second-guessing myself.
“What did you want to do tonight, then?” She pauses. “Did you invite the guys over?”
“No.” I take both her hands in mine. “I thought we could go out.”
“Out?” She stiffens. “You mean leave the house?”
“That’s what I was thinking. Not for long, maybe a couple of hours. You’ve been stuck here for over a week, and I thought it might be nice?—”
“I like it here.” Hazel glances around the living room. “It’s comfortable. Everything I need is here. Why would I want to leave?”
Because as much as I’d like to keep Hazel tucked away where I know she’s unequivocally safe, protected by my state-of-the-art security system and with me by her side, I know that’s not realistic. Not long term. And more importantly, I don’t think it’s good for her.
I know Frank called Hazel a couple of days ago, asking when she was coming back to work. And I know Hazel hemmed and hawed before giving him the vague answer ofsometime soon.
I know she still feels guilty about what happened at Blissful Brews, and that’s part of the reason shedoesn’t want to go back. That she’s afraid to face Wendy and still blames herself for Wendy getting hurt.
And I know Hazel is scared to leave the house, though that’s one thing she hasn’t told me.
It’s not that I want Hazel traipsing all over Bliss on her own. Shit, the very thought of it makes me feel all hot and itchy. But I don’t want her to be scared to leave the house, either.
So I had this thought of kind ofeasingher into it. And maybe doing something that would ease some of her guilt, as well.
“It is comfortable here,” I agree. “But I was thinking a change of scenery might be nice. Like I said, it wouldn’t be for long. And if we get there and you don’t feel comfortable, we can come right back home.”
Hazel frowns. Her teeth dig into her lower lip. “Where were you thinking? Enzo and Winter’s house? Or Rory and Gage’s?”
“Not quite.” Those annoying nerves take flight in my stomach again. “I thought we could go to Blissful Brews. Have a drink. Eat some wings. Maybe play some darts.” With a teasing smile, I add, “I can give you some tips. Since I’ve seen you play…”
“Hey.” Her voice takes on an affronted tone. “I’m notbadat darts. I’m just not… good, either.”
“I didn’t say you were bad. But only one of us was trained in marksmanship. That’s all I’m saying.” I giveher hands a little squeeze. “If you don’t want to go, it’s okay. We’ll stay home. Order pizza. Watch that movie. But.”
“But?”
“But I think this would be good for you, Haze. I wouldn’t suggest it otherwise. And I’ll be right there with you. I won’t leave your side for a second.”
Hazel stares at me in silence for a few seconds. Then she releases a breath. “I trust you, Alec. So if you think going to Blissful Brews is a good idea, then let’s do it.”
“He gotthe new windows put in.”
