Page 108 of No Fear

Leave. Hell, the word felt like a knife in her heart.

Ask me to stay.

“Yes. After Simon, I kind of mentioned to my boss that I would be up for more assignments. I thought being away would be good for me. A distraction.”

Ask me to stay.

“That’s understandable. I’ll miss you, but we’re going to work this out, Charlie. I promise. We might not have all the answers right now, but we will figure it out.”

She propped up on her elbow to look at him. “I don’t want to interfere in your recovery.”

“Why would you think that? You being here is the best medicine I could have asked for. You make me believe that everything will be OK.”

“When I leave, what happens then? I mean, we live in different states,” she asked softly. He still hadn’t asked her to stay.

“When you’re not traveling, you work out of the New York office?”

“Originally Albany. Then when I moved in with Simon, I transferred to the New York office. I guess I’ll ask to go back to Albany, seeing as I’m living back home right now.”

Tension spread over Donnie’s face.

“Have you heard from Simon?”

“Not since he called when I got here. Why?”

“Please don't go to get your things. I don't want you anywhere near him.” The seriousness of his voice alarmed her.

“Donnie, he’s my ex. Not a serial killer. I need to get my stuff from the apartment.”

“I’ll buy you new stuff.”

“No! Don’t be ridiculous. I don't have much there, but some of it is important to me. One visit, that’s it. Then I won’t see him again.”

“I’ll have someone go and get your things.”

“That’s not necessary. I can get my own things.”

“Then at least let one of the guys go with you. I don't want you going alone.”

Charlie didn’t know whether to be angry at him for being ridiculously overprotective or touched he cared so much. She understood he protected and saved people for a living, but she wasn’t some damsel in distress.

“What’s this about, Donnie?” she asked.

“Nothing. I would just rather you not see him alone. Can you do that? For me? Or wait until I can see, and I’ll come with you.”

“Because Simon seeing you would make things soooo much better,” she said dryly.

“Please, Charlie. For me.”

Apparently, this was a big deal for him. If it meant that much, then maybe it was a small thing to agree to. It might be good to have someone with her, seeing how nasty Simon had been the last time they had spoken.

“OK. I promise I won’t go alone. Just for you.”

“Thank you. Now let's get some food. I’m starving.”

She wanted to talk more. He hadn't answered her question about how things would work when she went back to work, but he was already moving to get up. He hadn't asked her to stay either. She got up and pulled on one of Donnie’s T-shirts, trying to ignore the little ball of unease in her stomach.

Donnie took a shower while she prepared some food in his kitchen. He didn't have much to work with, but she found pasta, a jar of sauce, and some sausages in the freezer. That would have to do. As she waited for the sausages to defrost in the microwave, she helped herself to a small glass of wine and checked her phone. A missed call from her boss. It was four-thirty, so seven thirty in New York. Not too late for him.