Knox and I resumed talking about safer topics until the guard called time. Too soon. Always too soon.
“I miss you, Knox,” I said, the words catching in my throat.
He studied my face. “Why are you getting all sappy on me?”
Because what if this is the last time I see you? What if some Mafia asshole decides I’m too much trouble and puts a bullet in my head?
Not that I told him that layer of it. He didn’t need to worry about me more than he already did.
“I love you,” I said instead, needing him to know how I felt. “No matter what you did or why you did it, I love you.”
Knox’s eyes tightened. “You want to tell me what’s really going on?”
Several heads turned in our direction, and I felt the weight of curious stares.
“Nothing,” I said quickly. “I just don’t tell you that enough.” My gaze swept the room again, noting all the big, scary men in orange jumpsuits. “Sometimes, I get afraid that you’ll …” I couldn’t finish the sentence.
“Get killed?” His voice was matter-of-fact.
I shrugged because, suddenly, I couldn’t speak around the lump in my throat.
It was selfish, wanting him safe when he’d taken someone else’s life. But that was the thing about Knox. He’d probably take his secrets to the grave.
And something told me there was far more to his story than any of us would ever know.
I stood, motioning for Ryker to take my seat. “You two need to finish your parole prep,” I said firmly. “That’s what you’re here for.”
I could see the questions written all over Knox’s face. He was probably debating whether to grill me again, but I wasn’t giving him the chance.
After, I said goodbye to my brother, casting him one last look over my shoulder.
I’d been an unexpected visitor to him today.
Little did I know, I was about to have one of my own …
21
WHEN YOU KISS YOUR EX AND YOUR FAKE BOYFRIEND LOOKS LIKE HE WANTS TO COMMIT ACTUAL MURDER. #MIXEDSIGNALS
DAKOTA
“What are you doing here?” I asked.
“How did you know where I lived? Who let you up here?” Axel’s voice could’ve cut glass.
I didn’t tell Axel that the guards had called me and said Mathew was here and I’d cleared him. I’d been so shocked that it wasn’t until Mathew was already riding up the elevator that common sense had kicked in.
“Axel, it’s fine. I’ve got this.” I placed a hand on his arm, feeling the tension coiled beneath his expensive shirt.
Mathew’s lips curved into that infuriating smirk I remembered too well. “What are you now, Rapunzel? Does he keep you locked up in this tower?”
“Not helping, Mathew.”
“Get out of my penthouse.” Axel’s nostrils flared.
“I’m not in your penthouse.” Mathew’s tone was deceptively casual. “I’m inhereto talk to her.” He gestured toward the inside of the elevator.
“Get out of my building.” Axel hit the elevator button, trying to send it down to the lobby.
