“Those things, too,” Lyla sings.
I flip her the bird, and she cracks up laughing.
“I can’t wait until it’s one of you.” I glare at all of them.
“We love you,” Van claims.
“Right. You all neednotforget he ismy assignment. It’s my job to protect him. That is what Ihaveto do.”
“It’s perfect, then. You’ll do anything for the ones you love.” Jamie grins, and they snicker.
“Oh, fuck off. What the hell did you put in these brownies? You all have lost your minds.” I stand, ready for some space and time alone in my room.
“You just have to find his stalker so you can be his real girlfriend.” I hear Lyla holler.
Be patient. Just one thing at a time. Allow myself to explore.
What a crock of shit.
Chapter 30
COLE
I toss my iPad on the hotel bed. I can’t look at it anymore.
I run a hand through my hair, gripping it until my scalp burns.
I’ve been searching for the past hour, and nothing yields the confirmation I was hoping for.
It’s close to nine Eastern Standard Time, and I need sleep. I can’t afford to be tired tomorrow. After last week’s fiasco, I have no choice but to be on my game and remind my management and fans what I can do.
The problem is that my mind couldn’t be any further from where it should be. It’s stuck back in Miami with a particular woman who has begun to turn everything I thought I knew and lived by upside down.
The truth is, I don’t want to be here. I want to be in my room watching tape orSportsCenterwhile Ryder cusses her way through sudoku.
I love watching her with the pencil between her teeth, trying number after number until she gets it. But all I can think about is the mark under her arm, and Matt, and her busting into hotel rooms and places that. . .
Tracker said she’s the best, and what if she’s the best because. . .
My hands fist at my sides, and I want to punch something or someone, but I don’t even know who they are. All I know is, ifRyder were here or I were there, I’d know for sure that at least right now, she’s safe.
My phone buzzes, and I want it to be her, but I know it’s not.
“Hey, Mags,” I say, hoping she doesn’t hear my disappointment. I don’t need her prying tonight.
“You sound awfully grumpy,” she whispers.
“Why are you whispering?”
“Quinny just fell asleep, and I’m taking the moment of quiet to find out what in the hell is going on with you. You’ve been avoiding me, and we don’t do that.” There’s a hint of hurt in her tone, and it’s a punch in the gut.
“Yeah. I’m sorry.” It’s all I can muster.
For a long time, all we had was each other, and she doesn’t deserve how I’ve been acting.
“Wanna tell me what’s up?”
I don’t even know where to begin. “A lot has been happening.”
