“But we know it was that other model who was responsible for the notes and what happened to her car. And that’s being dealt with by your friends on the force,” Sterling continues. “And now that Neil is being watched… well…” He exhales with a chuckle. “… my daughter will be happy to have her overprotective father back off a little.”
I can’t speak. I can’t do anything except give him a curt nod as he studies me for a reaction.
“Good. That’s settled, then. You’re back with me as soon as we land in New York.”
The girls’ laughter explodes from the rear of the plane, and a content smile spreads over his face as Halliday shrieks in response to whatever’s just been said. Sinclair’s accompanying cackle rings out and Sterling shakes his head with a chuckle.
“It’s been a long time since I heard her so happy. I appreciate you keeping her safe, Denver.”
“Of course,” I answer automatically.
Sinclair’s laugh pitches again, and Sterling’s eyes catch mine, crinkling at the corners as he listens to the sound of her infectious joy.
“She’s safe and she’s happy.”
“She is,” I agree, sucking in a breath through my nose as I keep my exterior cool and in control.
But the inside of me is thrashing around like a punctured dingy in a storm.
I press my lips together in a terse line, holding my reaction in at Sterling’s next words as he stands and claps me on the shoulder.
“Sinclair will be fine, Denver. She doesn’t need you anymore.”
35
SINCLAIR
“What doyou think it’ll be like not having the huge hunk following you around every day?”
My face falls and Zoey pulls herself into a sitting position from where she’s been lounging on my bed with Monty as I unpack from the trip.
“Sin, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean that to sound so?—”
“Honestly, it’s fine.” I wave away her concern.
It’s only been a day.
Of courseI’m finewithout him.
Although, it’s a relief that I’ve been able to talk to Zoey about Denver. I told her everything as soon as I saw her after we got back from the forest. She’d laughed when I stared at her in shock over the fact she wasn’t even a little bit surprised that I’d spent my trip to the wilderness getting fucked to within an inch of my life by Denver.
But she’s my best friend, and I saw the potential she and Ashton had before she did, so perhaps we were the same for her.
“I mean… I had loads of space in bed last night without him… so there’s positives, right?”
Zoey arches a brow.
“Yeah,” I mutter, not fooling anyone. “… I totally miss the giant Brute.”
We landed yesterday, and I haven’t seen Denver since. He managed one phone call to me last night and a text this morning. But my father has him busy working on something, and he’s not been alone at all from what I can tell.
Monty rolls onto his back, looking up at Zoey pathetically until she rubs his belly.
“Aww, Monty, what’s wrong?” she asks in a baby voice.
“He didn’t finish his breakfast this morning,” I say, looking at Monty’s big brown sad eyes.
He’s not been himself since I got back to the city. He ran to greet me the second Sullivan and Molly dropped him off yesterday, then he ran through my place from room to room.
