He disconnects the call and I sag against the counter. He hadn’t thought twice about taking me in when my own parents had turned their backs. I’d been sixteen, and he’d only been retired from the military for a few years before becoming the head of security for Andrews International in Chicago.
I’d balked at his offer to come stay with him.
I didn’t need him or anyone else.
But when I’d been sitting in that interrogation room, I used my one phone call to contact him.
And he’d come with hardly an explanation.
He moved me in with him.
Made me finish school.
And taught me how to use my hacking skills for good instead of just being a douchebag.
He taught me a lot, and somehow, I’d forgotten all of it the second Kinsley Dane kissed me.
I’d have to take a deep dive into her life and figure out what I’d missed.
Son of a bitch.
12
KINSLEY
The bass still pounds in my ears even though the car is nearly silent as Zander drives through downtown on the way back to my apartment. My sequined dress is short and tight, my makeup smoky and bold. I lookhot, and I can’t wait for Royce to see me.
He’d been quiet all day and I need that to change.
I’d played my part at the club, dancing and flirting and having a good time, but I’d been drinking vodka soda—without the vodka—all night.
I didn’t need it and I didn’twant itknowing I had somewhere to be tonight.
Royce would know that too if he answered his phone.
KINSLEY: I’m almost home
ROYCE: I’m in a shitty mood
KINSLEY: I have just the thing to make it better
I frownand tuck my phone back into my purse as Zander pulls in front of my building. I’d ignored the way he was staring at me in the rearview mirror the last half of the trip like he wanted to ask if I was all right.
I don’t want to just be all right.
I want to be great.
I want the happiness that Nessa is creating in Blackstone Falls. The sheriff had invited the town busybody over to meet Nessa and the baby, and I’d had to work magic over video chat to find her an appropriate outfit.
As a result, I’d sent her a cart full of cute options so no one would be subjected to her spandex and sport logo T-shirt collection.
“Have a nice time tonight, Miss Dane?” Zander asks, startling me from my thoughts as he offers me his hand. I take it, thankful as I step onto the sidewalk without falling or flashing anyone in the process.
“It was fine but I’m happy to be home,” I tell him with a smile as he opens the door for me, and I step inside. “Night, Zander.”
He nods and watches as I cross the lobby and wave to the guy behind the desk before stepping onto the elevator.
My body sags against the wall as the numbers climb, the elevator dropping a little as it stops on my floor.
