Instead, I text Maddox.
Any update on the ex?
Three dots appear immediately. Thank God he's a night owl.
Working on it. He's no longer in Ashford.
My grip tightens.
Where is he?
Still figuring that out. But Kai, he left two days after you dropped her off that night. Right after you started asking questions about him.
The words sit in my chest like ice.
James didn't just leave Ashford. He followed the thread. Which means someone tipped him off, or he's smarter than I gave him credit for.
Either way, he's hunting.
Find him, I type.Now.
I stare at the screen until it fades to black. Emma thinks she's safe because she moved to a new city. I'll make sure she stays that way.
Even if I have to protect her from myself.
CHAPTER 12
THE LIE
EMMA
My phone ringsat 7:43 AM.
I stare at the screen, Kaiden's name glowing in the soft morning light. My heart gives a traitorous thud. I let it ring twice before I answer.
“You actually called.”
“You told me to.” His voice is rough, the low vibration of a man who's only been awake for a few minutes. “Did I wake you?”
“No.” I've been up since six, replaying every word from yesterday.
“Are you getting ready for work?”
“I have the day off. Recovery hours after the conference prep.”
“Good. Then you're free.”
I sit up straighter against my headboard, pulling the duvet to my chest. “That's presumptuous.”
“Is it?” I can hear the smile in his voice. “I called, just like you asked. Now I'm asking if you'll spend the day with me.”
“Kai...”
“I know I messed up.” His voice is stripped of the charm he usually wears like armor. “I get absorbed in the work and forgetthat anything else exists. It's not an excuse. It's just how I've always operated. I'm trying to be different.”
I pull my knees to my chest. “What does different look like?”
“It looks like me calling you first thing in the morning because I haven't stopped thinking about you since you walked away yesterday.” A pause. “It looks like asking if we can find a middle ground. One where you reach out to me, too. I don't want to feel like I'm forcing you to spend time with me, Emma.”
