Ellena had suspected it the other day when she and Jenna had met for lunch but had quickly abandoned the notion. Because that was crazy, right?
Except it wasn’t crazy. It was real. And whoever sent that email had done a hell of a lot more than just follow her.
Why would someone do that?Why is any of this happening?
That was the million-dollar question, wasn’t it?
She wasn’t anyone important. Wasn’t involved in anything illegal or nefarious. She couldn’t even blame it on some crazy ex who couldn’t live without her.
Gabe had clearly been doing just fine without her.
“You finished?”
His rugged voice started Ellena out of her thoughts, and she realized she had no idea what he’d just said.
“What?”
Wearing the same, concerned look he’d had since she’d woken from her nap, Gabe nodded toward her plate. “Grilled cheese used to be one of your favorites, but if you don’t like it anymore, I can make something different.”
“No, I still like them.” She picked at the buttery crust. “I guess I’m just not very hungry. Sorry.”
“You don’t need to be sorry, Elle. But you do need to eat something.”
Ellena brought her gaze back up to his and sighed. “I can’t stop thinking about those pictures. And every time I do, my stomach starts to turn.”
“We’re going figure out who sent them. I promise you that.”
Gabe’s tone became edgy, his eyes filling with cold hardness she recognized all too well. It was the same look he had when he’d walked into their kitchen to find Victor Campbell holding a gun to her head.
An uneasy feeling slowly grew from somewhere deep inside, the abrupt emotions catching Ellena by surprise.
She wasn’t only scared for herself. She was also scared for the man who had broken her heart in two.
“What is it?”
Her eyes lifted to meet his. “I think I made a mistake.”
“What mistake was that?”
“Asking you to stay.”
Frowning, Gabe leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table. “I know our past is…complicated. But I promise you, there are no ulterior motives here. Theonlything I’m focused on is keeping you safe.”
The comment stung, even though Ellena knew it shouldn’t. “I know. I just think it would be best for everyone involved if I hired someone else to look into this.”
“No.”
Her brows rose. “No?”
“I don’t trust anyone else to protect you.” The comment came off very matter of fact.
Standing, Ellena grabbed his empty plate along with hers and headed for the kitchen. “It’s not your decision, Gabe.”
“Damn it, Ellena.” Gabe sat back in his chair. “We already talked about this.”
“That was before.”
“Before what?”
