Then I’m shifting, pushing off the wall, and going down the hall to my office. I need to figure out who the fuck is doing this to us—no, toher.
Because I haven’t had a single note, a single threat, not in the five years since I gave them what they wanted.
Not since I left Briar.
Because they hadherto do their dirty work.
I exhale as those lashes of pain slice through my middle again.
Then I lock it down and get to work, sitting at my desk and pulling out my phone. It’s beyond late to be calling in favors, but I can’t just do nothing.
I’ve done that for five years.
And what did that get me? Get Briar?
But it wasn’t until I was living out of my car that things got really bad.
I still don’t have the full story, but I know that bad—reallybad—in Briar’s book is?—
“Fuck,” I whisper again.
Really bad.
I close my eyes and try to think.
Try to plan.
But I’m not any better off today than I was five years ago.
How can I get rid of a threat that seems to have eyes everywhere, that can penetrate any line of defense?
The estate has guards and cameras and security layer upon security layer?—
That Briar seemed to penetrate without a problem.
Despite the seriousness of the situation, my lips turn up at the corners.
She’s always been tough, a survivor. But the core of her is sweet and kind, so fucking kind that when she smiled at me, when she touched me, cared for me…it was like I was the only one in the world the sun was shining on in that moment.
I vowed to protect that core.
Now I’m wondering if it’s been dimmed forever.
“The extra securityis already on its way.”
“You need to make sure they blend in. I’m fairly certain they’re surveilling the building.”
“We’re good at moving in the shadows,” Pascal says.
“Considering how much you cost,” I mutter. “I fucking hope so.”
“This one’s on the house.”
My eyebrows fly up.
“I fucked up.” His voice is even, but I can see the rage under the surface. “I should have kept eyes on her.”
“We thoughtIwas the one putting her at risk.”
