Nope, not my imagination—it’s really him.
I run to the door and throw it open just as he comes around the corner.
“Thank fuck, you’re okay.” His eyes meet mine, and I’m momentarily too shocked to move.
Then I’m in his arms, and he’s holding me tightly, whispering against my hair.
I don’t know what’s going on or why he’s here but I’m so glad he is.
“We have a lot to talk about,” he says finally, “but we have to get you out of here first. Just take the most important stuff—we can buy anything else.”
“I don’t…” I’m suddenly confused.
I guess it doesn’t matter if he loves me or if he just feels bad because Blaze told him what happened. The reasons are irrelevant as long as he gets me as far away from my father as possible. I’ll figure out the rest because I know I can stay with Kelly until I get on my feet. It’s not ideal, but it’s doable.
“I’m already mostly packed,” I say. I whirl and close my big suitcase before heading into the bathroom to put the last of my toiletries in the smaller one.
I toss everything in haphazardly and Bodi grabs both suitcases.
“What else?” he asks. “I don’t know how much time we have. Lourdes is threatening to call the cops.”
“Let me just put my laptop and books in my backpack,” I reply, grabbing everything.
“Hurry,” he calls over his shoulder, heading for the stairs with both my suitcases.
I follow behind him without hesitation.
A twinge of regret hits me as I pass Lindy’s room but I’m no good to her if I’m a prisoner here, so I’ll figure out something once I’m safe.
Down in the living room, Lourdes and West are in a heated argument.
“Well, the choice is yours,” he says. “Either you get the fuck out of the way and let her go or I call the team owner and suggest they hire a forensic accountant to figure out how much money you and your husband stole from the team.”
Her face goes white. “You wouldn’t dare.”
He smiles grimly. “Try me.”
She turns to me, her lips a thin line of displeasure. “You stupid little bitch. Why do you have to ruin everything?”
“I didn’t do anything,” I reply calmly, following Bodi out the front door. “You have no one but yourself to blame.”
It feels really good to say that out loud.
Two minutes later we’re in Bodi’s SUV, heading down the street, but no one says anything. I’m in front next to Bodi and West is in the back.
“How did you guys know to come get me?” I ask after a while.
“Blaze told us what was going on,” West says. “You really have him to thank.”
“I’ll make sure of it.”
“We’re going to take you to a hotel short-term,” Bodi says. “Just in case your dad shows up at our place or calls the cops or does some other unhinged thing. Ashton’s brother, Remy, who owns the Lauderdale Knights, made a reservation for you in his name. So even if your dad thinks to call around, he won’t be able to find you.”
“Jesus.” I lean back against the seats. “This feels like a bad dream—or a horror movie.”
“It’s going to be okay, babe,” Bodi says quietly, reaching across the center console for my hand. “Your dad won’t have achoice but to leave you alone because he’s about to be in a world of trouble.”
“So, my dad really embezzled from the team?” I murmur, more to myself than to them, but West answers anyway.
