Rita, the most understanding boss in the world, was so understanding when I went back in for my next shift. I felt like I’d let her down, leaving her high and dry in the middle of a shift to take care of Scarlett, but thankfully, she was good about it. Her concern for Scarlett was genuine and empathetic, and it made me like her even more.
Max, understanding Rome and I are a couple has backed off with his flirting—probably a wise choice given who my man is. Work is … fun. Challenging, and for the most part, an awesome experience.
Each day, I’ve made sure that Rome’s men are fed, much to his chagrin. But I know from the way he kisses me—hard—as he thanks me that he’s quietly happy with how I care about his men. After feeding them, I’ve spent time with Scarlett.
Her dressings are changed regularly, but she’s still in so much pain. I don’t envy that. I now know what her comfort foods are and which movies are her faves. Rita even joined us one afternoon on her rare day off to watchSweet Home Alabama.She’s like a protective older sister, which is something I’ve never had.
It’s almost like I’ve found a brand-new family.Not tomention, a gorgeous, sexy man, who I’m falling in love with.
I’ve never been happier. I’ve never felt safer.
I walk into the pharmacy and make a beeline for the feminine products with a basket. I choose a couple of boxes of what I need, then walk down the pain reliever aisle, grab my favorite bottle, and stop by the seasonal candy.
Armed with all my supplies, including chocolate bars and nacho-flavored corn chips, I approach the checkout.
Once I’ve paid for everything, I cringe at the exhausted-looking woman who just took my money.
“Can I use your restroom?” I ask her and point at the tampons. “It’s an emergency.”
“I’m not supposed to let you,” she says, “but I get it. Been there. Sure, it’s through that back door and immediately to the right.”
“Thank you.” My shoulders sag in relief as I gather my bag and hurry to the back of the store.
I’m going to go back to the penthouse, stay in bed all day, and read a book.
Forty-Two
ROME
I’m going to curl up around Eloise and breathe her in. I have a call out to Julian, Mateo, and Carson to figure out how and when we can take Rizzo out.
I want him dead.
But first, I want him to suffer.
In the meantime, I need to touch my firefly.
I approach the penthouse, nod at the guard, and walk inside. It’s quiet. She’s still asleep.
Good.
My woman works her ass off. Rita told me just yesterday that she’s never seen anyone work harder than my Eloise, so I’m glad she’s still sleeping soundly.
I strip out of my suit coat but come to an abrupt halt in the doorway of the bedroom, and my heart rate climbs.
Blood.
There’s blood on the sheets.
“Eloise!” I call out and run for the bathroom, but she’s not in there.
There are drops of blood on the floor.
Panic wants to set in, but I ruthlessly push it back and rush back to the bedroom as I dial Eloise’s number. Her phone starts to ring beside the bed.
She doesn’t have her motherfucking phone?
I run out of the bedroom and check every room, coming up empty, and then, with red fury covering my eyes, I pull my gun and step out of the penthouse, take the guard by the throat and push the weapon against his temple.
