“You know we have a washer and dryer, right?”
“You know I’m short and can’t get shit out of the dryer with a fractured rib, right?”
“I mean, I’ve offered to help, but you won’t take it. I’m not going to force my actions onto you.”
His words actually brought me comfort. “And I thank you for that. I just…”
I walked over to the door and leaned my shoulder against it.
“I’m just used to living on my own and having my own space. I don’t have that here. I don’t really have time to retreat because I’ve got many people checking up on me for very valid reasons. I just feel…”
“Overwhelmed?”
I sighed, leaning my head against the door. “Yeah, that’s one way to put it.”
He chuckled. “I’ll admit, it’s very cramped here, especially with everyone’s families cooping up here as well. But we’re just trying to make sure we can keep everyone safe. That whatever targets the cartel might hone in on, we’ve got watchful eyes over them so they can’t take anyone out.”
I nodded softly. “When do you think I’ll be able to head back home?”
It took him a while to respond. “I’m honestly not sure.”
I swallowed the knot working its way up my throat. “You think someone from the cartel would really come after me? Again?”
“Well, according to Diego, the cartel is ruthless. Anyone that is associated with who they consider their enemy is also their enemy. We just don’t want to take the chance that something could happen after we save you. Especially now that they know you are close with Lexi and Frost.”
I snickered. “So weird hearing him called that.”
He chuckled, and the sound relaxed me. “It’s a nickname he earned, and for good reason.”
“So, does that mean ‘West’ is a nickname for you as well?”
And when he didn’t answer my question, I took the hint.
“Is there anything I can get for you?” he asked.
I closed my eyes. “A hefty dose of courage so I’m not so damn scared all the time.”
“Why do I get the impression that you’ve dealt with scary people before?”
I shrugged. “I mean, yeah, sure. But I usually have one—or a dozen—firewalls in between me and them. They don’t usually ever figure out who the hell I am.”
“Sounds like you have a talent.”
My voice grew curt. “I have tactics to survive. There’s a difference.”
West drew in a deep breath. “Well, if you trust me, I think I know something that’ll help how upset you sound.”
I pressed my back to the door. “I’m not upset.”
“Says the woman who doesn’t know whether to cry or scream.”
I chewed on the inside of my cheek. “What’s the thing that you think will help?”
“It’s a surprise.”
“I don’t do surprises from men I don’t trust.”
He rapped his fingers against the door. “I planned on busting us out of here for a little bit to get some fresh air. That is, if you think you can stand to be on the back of a bike.”
