“Oh, sure. I’ve missed you. How are you?”
“Aside from missing my bestie, I’m golden. It’s been lonely since Nik went to visit his uncle. He’s got cancer.”
My eyes cut to Luke, and I see his jaw clench. So, Nikolai is gone...at least temporarily.
“Well...I’m sorry to hear that. Yes, let’s get drinks tonight and catch up.”
“Meet me at Tres Locas? Seven?”
“Sounds good.”
I hit the End button as we pull into the parking garage of the Bradshaw Enterprises building.
“He’s most likely still in the city, lying low until he heals enough to make another attempt.”
I swallow. “Attempt on my life?”
Luke parks the SUV, twisting to face me. “I’m going to keep you safe, Kate. I need you to trust me. We’ll get him before he gets us.”
I want him to kiss me, but instead, he pulls out his gun and attaches it to a holster hidden at his hip.
Whatever this is, I don’t know where I stand with him. The insecurities that haunt me after being with a man for eight years, who cheated on me with my roommate, are creeping in.
Who am I to think that if a greasy-haired wannabe musician bumming off of my crappy apartment doesn’t want me, why would this handsome, ex-military billionaire want me?
I’m trailing behind him into the building, nervous to be alone in the elevator again. I wrap my arms around my body, hugging myself. Luke is eons out of my league. He saw me as what was available at the time and nothing more. Now, he clearly feels guilty for the attempt on my life, and he wants to protect me in case another attempt is made. Of course he doesn’t want my life on his head. My clothes suddenly feel tight and uncomfortable.
We’re about to step into the elevator, but I need a minute.
“Can I . . . use the restroom on the ground floor?”
He turns to me, reaching out an arm to hold open the doors.
“I just . . . I’ve had to go since the restaurant, so . . . can I meet you up top?”
I attempt a half-smile, hoping he lets me go. He doesn’t have control over me, but I know he views my safety as his problem.
He debates for a moment, eyes trailing over me before surveying the area around. It’s mostly abandoned, considering it’s Friday afternoon.
He finally nods. “Come straight up after? We don’t know what the next move will be.”
“Of course. See you in a few.”
I quickly turn and walk away, finding the women’s restroom at the end of the hall. This entire building is swanky, and even the restrooms are no exception. I do my business and come out to wash my hands. I look up into the mirror, jerking as I meet the cold stare of Mr. Bradshaw’s chief of staff, Georginne.
“Oh, you scared me.”
I clutch a hand to my chest, blowing out a breath. She doesn’t smile, beady eyes watching me.
Creepy much?
I grab a paper towel, deciding to ignore her. I already got the job. What can she do now if she doesn’t like me for some unknown reason?
“You know, Miss Dawson, you were an easy choice. I could sense the gullibility over the phone.”
My veins turn to ice.Is she . . . threatening me?
“I don’t know what?—”
