My eyes fluttered closed.
The heat of Jason’s skin ghosted over my lips, threatening his kiss, and then abruptly it was gone. His embrace fell away and he stumbled back, tripping over the cord to his computer, dragging the laptop noisily across the tabletop.
It was like elastic had snapped reality back into place. Without his embrace, the room was cold and the weight of everything returned, except now the uncomfortable tension between us was wound tighter.
He stared at me with a mix of shock and horror.
“What was—?” I asked so quietly, it was almost inaudible.
“It was nothing.” His answer was loud. Overcompensating.
If we had kissed, the aftermath probably would have been less awkward than it was now. I struggled not to look flustered by his hot-and-cold attitude, and he peered back at me with distrust in his eyes.
Like I had tried to trick him.
I understood that we’d narrowly avoided making a huge mistake, but the accusation that painted his face? It was completely unfair. I wasn’t the one who’d leaned in.
It was so infuriating, I couldn’t stand to look at him for another second. He made absolutely no attempt to stop me when I turned and darted for my room. It was obvious he was relieved I was going, and that only pissed me off more.
Once I was in my room, I stripped off my clothes, pulled on a tank top and pair of cotton shorts, and curled up on the bed, wanting to shut everything out. Not that there was any chance of that happening.
My life was over. All my hard work was fornothing. Everything I’d given up, every sacrifice my family had made in pursuit of my goal... worthless. It was sofuckingunfair, I choked on my bitterness. Anger, hot as lava, poured through my veins and tightened my muscles.
Seth, or Frey, or whomever he was—maybe he’d come after me, or maybe the organization he worked for would.
Fine. Bring it.
I’d like nothing more than to smash another laptop into his goddamn face.
If I had to give up everything, I’d do whatever I could to make sure it wasn’t easy on him. There was a fighter lurking inside me, and she was ready to take center stage.
For a long while, I lay on the bed and indulged in the fantasy where Frey wound up dead, so it no longer mattered what he’d told me. I’d return to the CBC, get back to work, and after a while no one would talk about that night in the theater or ask about my ordeal afterward.
My life would be normal again.
I’d be free of the marshal in the next room. The one I was sure had wanted to kiss me until he’d thought better of it. And in spite of how he annoyed me... shit, I had wanted it. Even with everything going to hell around me, there was a force pulling me toward Jason.
It was why I’d sought comfort in his arms. The gravity of him was inescapable.
And I wasn’t sure I wanted to escape.
After living on my own for years, it was weird to suddenly see other toothbrushes on the bathroom counter. I’d awoken this morning and spent more time contemplating what Jason revealed. How I’d have to give up and disappear.
Once again, it filled me with anger, and I decided I’d live in denial for a little bit longer. I brushed my teeth and pulled my hair back into a ponytail, took a deep breath, and headed for the kitchen.
There was no sign of Jason, and I assumed he was still asleep.
Derrick hadn’t shaved, but the stubble dotting his jawline did little to visually enhance his age. “There’s eggs, if you want ‘em.”
I made an omelet and ate alone at the kitchen table. As I finished, Derrick moved to the chair across from me and glanced at his phone.
“Our supervisor will be here at nine.”
I wasn’t sure what to say. “Oh?”
“He’s coming to discuss relocation. Your ID made the OEO authorize a move, but Bill can explain it when he’s here.”
I studied the marshal on the other side of the table. I’d been so flustered by Jason, I hadn’t paid enough attention to this one.
