Текст книги "Provoke"

Автор книги: Missy Johnson

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Chapter Ninteen

Mace

“Hello?”

I knocked gently on the door before entering the room. Tim's car was gone, which was good, because I sure as hell couldn't handle him right now. I was on edge enough as it was.

I shut the door and took in the complete silence. I didn't need to check the bedroom or the bathroom. I knew she was gone.

“Fuck,” I cursed. Fuck me and my overreactions. Fuck me for keeping things from her. Fuck me for ruining the only good thing in my life. Fuck everything.

I walked over to the kitchen and opened the fridge. And fuck this piece of shit motel for not having a minibar. I slammed the door shut and headed for the bedroom. Throwing myself down on the mattress, I buried my face in the pillow. I was wrecked. I hadn't slept in days, and it was starting to show. I was no good to myself at the moment, let alone her. I needed to pull myself together. I needed to fucking sleep.

I tossed and turned for what felt like hours. Picking up my phone, I found her number. My finger hovered over the call button. But then I hesitated. She wasn’t here for a reason. The least I could do was respect that. Closing my eyes, I pictured her face. Her smile. Everything about this woman I loved. How could I make her see that?

A few hours later I woke up, feeling worse than I had before. My head ached like a jackhammer was pounding through it, and the anger I felt at the world had doubled. Kicking back the covers, I grabbed my stuff and left.

Sitting around here feeling sorry for myself wasn’t going to fix anything. If I wanted to change things, then I was going to have to work at it.

Chapter Twenty

Leeta

After he dropped me home, Tim insisted on sticking around for a while. The last thing I wanted was company. I wanted to have a long soak in the bath and spend some time with Marcus who, judging by his full plate of biscuits, had been well cared for while I was away. My heart swelled at the thought that Mace had stopped in here and topped up Marcus's food bowl.

I mean, how cute was that?

Tim finally left, but only after making sure I had eaten a proper meal. His version of a proper meal? Takeout pizza.

I was so damn tired. I hadn't slept properly in days, and my head felt like it was about to explode. I walked into the bathroom and ran the bath, sprinkling some bath salts into the water. I undressed, discarding my clothes on the floor, not bothering to put them in the hamper. Pouring myself a glass of wine, I carried it back into the bathroom.

Stepping into the hot water and lowering myself under was equivalent to experiencing the best sex I’d ever had. That’s how exhausted I was: I’d take a bath over an orgasm. Maybe that was my age showing.

I took a sip of my wine and closed my eyes.

“Leet? Are you here?”

I sat up with a start, sending water and wine splashing everywhere.

What the hell is Mace doing here?

“I'm in the bathroom,” I yelled out.

Seconds later, he appeared in the doorway. “I meant I'd be out in a minute,” I said tersely, trying my best to cover myself.

He cocked his eyebrow, the ghost of a smile on his face.

“It's not like I haven't seen it all before.”

“Yeah? Well, I haven't decided whether you’ll ever get to see it again,” I snapped back.

“Fine,” he said, shaking his head as he walked out of the room. “Do you want a drink?”

“Yes, can you get me a wine, please?”

I stepped out of the bath, grabbing a towel off the rack. I wrapped the soft material of the towel tightly around my body. After drying my hair and my face, I walked out into the living room just as Mace walked towards me, carrying two glasses of wine. I raised my eyebrows.

“What?” he asked. “I drink wine.”

“Isn't there any beer?” I smirked

“That's not the point,” he said, narrowing his eyes. He took a sip and raised his eyebrows.

I chuckled. I set my glass down on the coffee table. “You want to know what Tim had to say before you stormed out?”

He winced. “Look, I'm sorry about that. I just needed to clear my head, you know? That’s why I came over—to say I’m sorry.” He paused for a moment. “And I might have been a little angry you showed him the video.”

“How else was I going to see if he could help us? Besides, it's not like he's seen you naked. He'd have no idea that was you,” I pointed out.

“That’s not the point,” Mace sighed. “How do you think it made me feel having him watch that?”

 “How do you think it makes me feel?” I asked softly.

He sighed, dropping his head into his hands. “I don’t know what else I can say, Leet. I love you, but you have to be ready to forgive me or nothing I say will make a difference.”

He was right. I did have to be ready. And I wasn’t yet. Would I ever be? I hoped so. I really did.

#

After Mace had left, I climbed into bed. It was only just after eight, but I didn’t care. I was just happy to be back in my own place. I stroked Marcus, who had decided he was sleeping next to me on my bed. I was okay with that; I liked having him around.

My phone rang. I reached for it, expecting either Tim or Mace.

“Hello?”

“Leeta.”

My blood froze. Ben. I had completely forgotten that I’d emailed him in the midst of my ‘I’m dating a rapist’ breakdown.

“Ben.” My voice came out kind of like a breathless gargle. I cringed, slapping my hand over my face. If there was someone I didn’t want to speak to right then—or ever—it was Ben.

“I got your email. I was surprised to hear from you. After the last time—”

“Yeah, let’s not go into the details, okay?” I said. I instantly felt bad about snapping. I had contacted him, after all. The fact that he was shocked to hear from me after he’d called me—his fiancée—to unchain him from the hotel bed his ‘friend’ had cuffed him to after robbing him was hardly surprising.

God, the image of walking into that room was something I never wanted in my head again. Unfortunately for me, it was hard to think about Ben without picturing him naked and cuffed to that bed with a belt clasped tightly around his neck and his dick in a cuckhold. I shuddered.

“You said you needed my help? Anything, Leeta. Whatever I can do . . .”

“No, I’m actually all good now, thanks.” I groaned internally, wanting this whole conversation to end. “I’m sorry. I can’t do this right now. Please. Forget I contacted you.”

Chapter Twenty-One

Mace

Parking in the visitor’s lot at the prison, I laughed to myself. Twice in one week? God, I must really be in trouble. But I wasn’t there to see Dad this time; I was there to see my brother.

And Dad couldn’t find out about it.

I went through security and was led toward the visitors’ area by a guard.

“Hey,” I said once we were out of earshot. I hadn’t met this guy before—bribing a guard you didn’t know was always a huge risk. “Say I wanted to meet my brother somewhere a little more private? Could you hook me up?”

The guard stopped and turned, staring at me though narrowed eyes. Just when I thought I was going to get hauled off into my own cell, he nodded.

“I could help you out . . . but you need to understand the risk in that for me.” I pulled out a fifty. He nodded. “Follow me.”

I nodded at the guard as he ushered me into a small, dark, closet-sized space.

“Wait here,” he said, locking me in. Shoving my hands in my pockets, I sat down on at the small metal table that occupied the centre of the room. It was little more than an interrogation space. I glanced at the mirror that stretched along the length of the wall. Was it paranoid of me to wonder if there was anyone behind there, watching me? How the fuck was I supposed to speak to Cash here?

The door opened and Cash walked in. He said something to the guard, who nodded and left us alone. I narrowed my eyes at my brother.

“What?” He shrugged. “I just asked the guy to leave us alone for a few minutes.”

“So, you’ve got this whole place wrapped around your finger, huh?”

Cash smirked as he approached me. He set his hands down on the table. “What do you want, Mace? Don’t tell me you’re fucking things up already.”

“You’d love that, wouldn’t you?” I grumbled, running my fingers through my hair. I hated that I needed help. I hated even more that it was Cash I was asking. He laughed and sat down while I scowled at him.

My brother was a scary-looking dude, with tattoos covering both arms and half his body. He was tall—a good few inches taller than me—and had the body of a weightlifter.

“So what? You stick to the plan and find these fuckers, and I’ll do the rest.” Cash shrugged.

Yeah, because it’s all that fucking easy.

“Mace,” he sighed, shaking his head. “What the fuck is wrong with you, man?”

“You don’t get it,” I growled, smashing my fists down on the table. “You have no fucking idea what I’ve been through the last few months. You think finding these guys is fucking easy? You think I enjoyed helping those sick fucks get their rocks off? You think I enjoyed cheating on Leet?” I stopped, swallowing hard.

It wasn’t worth it. He would never understand. We may have been brothers, but Cash had lost the ability to empathize a long time ago.

“That’s what this is really about.” Cash laughed, stretching his arms behind his head. “Your chick. All you care about is her, and not fucking up what you have.”

“Just leave it,” I warned him. I wasn’t in the mood to listen to him badmouth Leet. And they wondered why I never visited.

“No, I’m right, aren’t I? Fuck family. Fuck Anna. You care more about this courtroom chick than you ever did about us.”

“That’s bullshit and you know it,” I growled, getting to my feet.

Anger pulsated through my veins. Who the fuck was he to sit there and judge me?

“You fucked up your own life, and you resent the fact that I still have one. That’s why you’re so insistent on being the one who fucks these guys up. You want to give them a reason to lock you up for good, because you’re too much of a pussy to get out and make something of your life,” I spat, my eyes level with his.

He laughed bitterly. “That’s why you involved Dad, isn’t it? I couldn’t for the life of me figure out why you had gone to him, but that’s it, isn’t it?”

I backed off, flexing my shaking hands.

“He is in here for life. He is never getting out. You still have a choice.” I turned around and banged on the door. The guard came in immediately and escorted me out. I glanced back at my brother, who was sitting down, holding his head in his hands.

Nothing I said was going to get through to him. I knew that, but at least I’d tried.

#

Was there any chance she was going to forgive me?

She wouldn’t be helping you if there were no chance. Leave it; stop pushing her into giving you answers she’s not ready to give.

It was great advice. Only, I rarely listened to my own advice.

I jumped off my bike and took my helmet off, tucking it under my arm as I walked up to her front door. I knocked. I could hear her thumping around inside as she ran for the door, swinging it open. I breathed in sharply, wetting my lips as my gaze ran over her short light-blue skirt and white tee. I felt my cock harden as my eyes fell on her stiff nipples, which were on show through the thin fabric.

“Hey.” She stood aside and let me in. I walked past her, my finger ‘accidentally’ brushing past her smooth thigh. “Any news?”

I shook my head. I wasn’t planning on telling her about my visit with Cash. I let myself into her living room, with her following behind me, and walked right over to the couch, which I sank down into.

“Make yourself at home,” she said, her tone dry. The edges of her lips twitched. I shrugged. Was there a point in making all this more awkward? She grabbed two cans of soda from the kitchen. “So, are you here for a reason?” she asked, handing me one of the cans.

“I just wanted to check on you.”

“You could’ve done that over the phone.”

“Okay. I wanted to see you.” I spoke bluntly.

She sighed, sitting down the other end of the couch, tucking her legs up under her knees. “Mace . . .” Her voice trailed off.

I waited for her to continue, but nothing came. Shifting in my seat so I was facing her, I rested my arm along the back of the couch, studying her.

She was nervous; I could tell by the way she kept wetting her lips and fidgeting with her fingers. Nervous about what? Me? My eyes fell on her nipples again, which were still stiff as fuck. Maybe she didn’t trust herself with me? I could work with that.

I held out my hand, motioning for her to take it. She hesitated, but did.

“What are you doing, Mace?”

“What? I’m holding your hand,” I said, my fingernails drawing circles on her soft skin.

“I can’t do this.”

“Do what?” I asked, pulling her toward me. She whimpered as I kissed her lips. My fingers stroked the side of her face as I kissed her again, my mouth crashing against hers. She kissed me back, then pulled away.

 “Mace, this is not giving me space,” she groaned, her hands slapping her forehead.

“I know, I’m sorry. Take all the time you need.”

She shot me a look.

“What?” I said, spotting my phone on the floor. I bent down to retrieve it, figuring that it fell out of my pants pocket. I half listened to Leet muttering as I checked my emails.

Shit: another email. Another job.

My heart pounded as I clicked it open. I swallowed, my throat rougher than sandpaper as I read the words over and over.

Brunette. Slim. Feisty. I want a fighter. Wednesday. Nine p.m.

Feisty. Had last time given him a thirst for something more violent? That’s if it even was the same guy. It was too hard to tell. The emails always came from a new account, and the details I was supplied with were minimal.

“Mace?”

I glanced over as Leet threw her hands up in the air in frustration. “See? You’re not even listening to me. That’s exactly what I mean.”

I handed her my phone, watching her mouth drop as she read the email.

“So, what now?” she demanded.

I shrugged. I didn’t want to say it.

Her eyes darkened. “No way, Mace. Not again. I swear, if you want there to be any chance of us getting things right . . .”

“What’s the alternative, Leet? I’m so close. I can’t just let this go.”

“Fine,” she said. “Then use me.”

“No fucking way,” I growled. “Leeta, you are not doing this—”

She threw the phone back at me and got to her feet.

“Come on, Mace. Brunette? Slim? I’m perfect for his sick little fantasy, and you know it. He wants feisty? I’ll give him fucking feisty,” she stated, stalking around the room.

It was pointless even arguing with her. I sat down and sighed. She walked around and stood between my legs. Tilting my chin up, she forced me to look at her.

“You know this is perfect, Mace. You know it. I can be of so much use in there with you. We have a real shot at getting this guy.”

I nodded and leaned forward, wrapping my arms around her hips. She was right. I knew she was right, but if anything happened to her because of me, I’d never forgive myself.

Chapter Twenty-Two

Leeta

Now we were getting somewhere. I’d expected Mace to put up a much bigger fight against me being the bait, but he had relented pretty damn quickly.

This was going to work. It was perfect. With me there, I could pick up so many clues that I just couldn’t get from those damn videos. And if Tim could track their IP address, we had such a good chance at catching them.

And then what?

The little voice in the back of my head kept asking those three little words. Once this is all over, then what? There was no way things could go back to normal, but could I forgive him? Did I want to forgive him?

I did. Every time I thought about this whole mess I found myself trying to think up reasons to defend his behaviour. And I actually admired his devotion to his family. I just wished it wasn’t occurring at my expense.

“Tell me what is going to happen,” I asked him as he set Chinese down on the table. He passed me my sweet and sour pork, frowning.

“You’ve seen the video’s, Leet,” he said quietly. “You know what to expect.”

“There is nothing missing from those videos that might shock or surprise me?” I asked nervously. God, I didn’t even want to know.

He shook his head. “Not really, I mean, walking in there you’re probably going to be terrified. The house is scary, old and abandoned, but that’s nothing compared to the feeling of walking into that room.”

I shuddered just thinking about it, setting my food down on the table. Suddenly I wasn’t that hungry.

“I’ll be there with you every step of the way, okay? Just remember that.” He sighed, reaching for my hand. “You don’t have to do this, Leet.”

But I did. What were my choices? Force him to give this up? Let him fuck another woman? I did have to do this.

#

I slept alone in the bed while Mace slept on the couch. By slept I mean I tossed and turned all night, stressing about Wednesday. Every time I closed my eyes I imagined myself in that room. Only it wasn’t Mace there with me. It was that voice.

I need a drink. Creeping from the room, I snuck into the kitchen and opened the fridge. Glancing over at Mace I watch as he stirred then rolled over. I pulled out an orange juice and carried it back to my room.

Picking up my phone, I checked the time. Four a.m. What time did that make it in the U.S? Not that it mattered. Laura was incredibly hard to get a hold of. I pressed dial anyway. Maybe today was my lucky day?

No such luck. The tone ran out, and then went to her message bank.

“Hey Laura, I know you don’t check your messages like ever, but if by chance you get this, call or email me. Anything. I really need to talk.”

“Are you okay?”

I looked up to see Mace standing in the doorway. My breath caught in my throat as my eyes took in his body. Except for a pair of briefs, he was naked.

He was also half asleep.

“I’m fine.” I smiled. “Couldn’t sleep.”

“Yeah, I thought I heard talking,” he mumbled, rubbing his eyes.

“I was just trying to get onto Laura.”

He nodded, giving me a sympathetic smile. “Hope you get some sleep.” He turned and began to walk out.

“Mace?” He stopped at turned back. “Will you…can you hold me?” My face flamed. I felt like an idiot. He smiled and walked over to the bed, climbing under the covers.

Sighing, I snuggled back into his embrace, my body relaxing.

“Course I will. Anything I can do, I’m here, okay?” I nodded, cupping his hand in mine. The warmth from his body, and the strength from his arms around me was all I needed. My heavy eyes began to close as I drifted off to sleep.

Chapter Twenty-Three

Leeta

Stupid fucking idea.

What the hell had I been thinking?

Mace narrowed his eyes at me. I smiled and reached for his hand, trying to reassure him—or myself—that I was okay. I could do this.

“Leet, I’m not sure about this.”

“It’s a little late now, isn’t it?” I snorted. Wednesday night, and we were sitting in his car, on our way to the destination. “Look, you need to focus. You have to remain as impartial with me as you were with the others.” My chest tightened as I spoke. I hated thinking about him with anyone else other than me. It made me sick. More than that, it made me fucking angry as hell.

“Are you going to be okay?” he asked quietly.

I nodded and pressed my lips together. I wasn’t about to tell him that I was no stranger to kinky shit like this. Now was not the time to delve into my relationship with Ben.

The hardest thing for me was going to be separating myself from Mace. I had to play the victim. What if I enjoyed it? What if, in the moment, I lost myself, and it became obvious that I was aroused?

My reaction hinged on this going well. He wanted fear. That was what this guy lived on. I just wasn’t sure I could play the terrified, submissive role.

#

“We’re here.”

I jumped, Mace’s voice startling me. I looked out the window at what appeared to be an abandoned house. Here?

“It belongs to an acquaintance of my brother.”

Huh. I reached for my seatbelt as Mace’s hand closed over mine. I glanced up at him in surprise.

“Thanks. For this. For not going straight to the cops.”

I nodded. Why did my heart race every time he touched me? Why did I feel like I’d done something wrong by him every time he looked at me with those sad eyes? Why was I the one feeling bad?

The fact that I couldn’t hate him made me want to hate him even more.

I got out of the car, my heart pounding. Mace slipped his hand into mine and squeezed it. I smiled up at him, confused by what I was feeling. Apart from feeling like I was about to vomit, I felt dizzy and more scared than I’d ever felt in my life. I kept thinking about Anna—how scared she must have been.

Taking a deep breath, I took a step toward the house. Mace fell in line beside me.

“I’m right here with you, Leet. As scary as this gets, don’t ever forget that, okay?”

I nodded, swallowing hard.

I followed him inside. The smell of rotting wood hit my senses. I looked up. The roof was caving in in places, and the remnants of last night's rain lay in puddles on the scuffed vinyl floor.

We walked down the hallway in complete silence, only the creaking of the floorboards below us making a sound.

“In here,” Mace said.

I stepped into the room, my breath catching in my throat. I’d watched those videos so many times, it felt like I'd been there before. I suppose in a sense I had.

The room was so sterile, so cold. Shivering, I rubbed my arms as I stared at the table in front of me, feeling sick. That was where it had happened. Right there was where Mace had betrayed me.

I swallowed a laugh. What kind of person was I that the first thing that had entered my mind was myself? Forget about all the pain and terror his sister, and probably countless other women had gone through; this whole thing was all about me, and my stupid little problems.

“Are you okay?”

I glanced up at him as he squeezed my hand. No, I’m far from okay. But I had to push that aside. I had to work through it.

“I'm fine. I’m just a little . . .” My voice trailed off. I didn't even know how to finish that sentence.

“I'm right here. I promise I won't hurt you, Leet.” His voice broke as he leaned forward and kissed my forehead.

But you already have hurt me.

I slowly undressed while Mace was on the phone, giving last-minute instructions to Tim. I undid my shirt, one button at a time, as if my mind was trying to drag out the inevitable. I slipped the shirt over my shoulders and down my arms, letting it fall into a heap on the floor. I left my bra on. I didn't know how this worked, but judging by the videos there was some joy received from watching some clothing being removed.

Dipping my fingers into the waistband of my cargoes, I slipped them down over my hips, aware that Mace was now staring at me. I heard him breathe in sharply.

A flutter filled my stomach. I couldn't deny that I liked that he still found me attractive. I dropped the cargoes on the floor with my shirt, and stood there facing Mace, waiting for him to tell me what to do next.

“You’ve got goosebumps,” he whispered, walking over to me. He ran his hand down my arm, sending shivers racing down my spine.

“Yes, well, it is kind of cold in here,” I muttered, covering my chest with my arms.

“God, you're so beautiful,” he said, cupping my face with his hand.

I closed my eyes, my body weakening it at his touch. He swept a strand of hair away from my face as his eyes gazed deeply into my mine.

What was he thinking?

I couldn't tell. All I knew was no matter how much I wanted to push him away, my heart refused to. In spite of everything, I still loved him. I may not have forgiven him yet, but in that moment I knew I would.

I sat down on the chair as Mace fastened the ropes to my wrists.

“Let me know if it's too tight,” he said.

“Why so concerned?” I asked dryly. “It's not like you haven't tied me up before.”

He narrowed his eyes at me, shaking his head, the edges of his mouth twitching up.

Hey, look at that. I've managed a joke.

He stepped back and surveyed his work.

“Okay, I think we're ready. How you feeling?”

“How do you think I'm feeling?” Right away, I felt bad for snapping. I knew this was hard for him too. “I’ll be better once this is over with,” I said, my voice softer.

“I have to do this now,” he said apologetically.

I nodded, swallowing hard. Well, it wouldn't be a party without a blindfolded and a gag.

I opened my mouth, letting him slip the ball of the gag inside. I bit down gently as he fastened it behind my head. Blindfold in hand, he leaned over and kissed my forehead.

“I love you, Leet.”

Hearing those words made my heart swell. I was thankful for the gag, so I didn't have to respond. I wasn't ready for that.

Darkness surrounded me as he lowered the blindfold over my eyes.

This is terrifying.

With my sight compromised, my other senses kicked in. The feel of the fan blowing against my skin, the sound of my beating heart in my chest . . . the metallic taste in my mouth as I bit down on my lip.

I listened, trying to place Mace's movements around the room.

Click, click, click. Then nothing. Just me locked in my own silence.

My breathing shallowed as I waited for what felt like forever for something to happen. Anything.

“Mm, oh yes. Would you look at that body?”

I stiffened: a voice. Was it the same as the videos? I couldn't be sure. I didn't trust anything that I was thinking. My head was a freaking mess.

“Can you stand her up so I can get a better look at her?”

I could feel Mace behind me, untying the ropes. I swallowed, my throat so dry. He yanked me to my feet. His aggression surprised me. Scared me, even.

This isn’t Mace, and you are not Leeta.

“Yeah, I like that a lot. Get her up on the table so I can see her better.”

All of a sudden the floor gave way below me. My heart pounded as I realized I was in his arms.

He's got you. He won't hurt you.

I gasped as the freezing surface of the metal table hit my back. Holy shit, it was cold. I blinked rapidly, as my muscles clenched.

I could hear him chuckle. I felt sick. I felt dirty.

“Is that a scalpel I see there?” A scalpel?

“Yes. Shall I get it?”

Mace. I sighed. It was such a relief to hear his voice. I'd been afraid this guy would see through my act. But this was no act. This fear—the absolute terror that I felt right through to my core—was real.

“Yes. Cut her bra, in the centre.”

A single slice through the delicate lace material of my purple bra, and my breasts were exposed. I could feel my nipples harden.

“God, she's beautiful. Perfect. Leave the blindfold on.”

God no, please.

Not being able to see Mace . . . I couldn't do this. But I had no choice. I had to do this. And even if I wanted to, I couldn't stop. I was blindfolded and gagged, for fuck’s sake.

“Run the scalpel over her skin. I want to see it trail down to her panties.”

I swallowed as the blade touched the skin between my breasts. He slowly moved it downward. It was sharp, stinging as it broke through the top layer of my skin. My breath caught in my throat as he reached the lace edge, trailing the blade over the soft fabric of my panties. I breathed in sharply, not expecting the arousal that shot through me. It scared me. I shouldn’t be enjoying this. I wasn’t enjoying it. My body was betraying me with its natural response to being sexually stimulated.

Had Mace felt like this? With those other women, had he enjoyed it? He’d obviously gotten himself hard enough to penetrate them…that had to mean something, right?

A sob escaped from my chest. God, I needed to get a grip. I was losing the plot.

I had to switch off. I had to escape my own head. I had to detach myself from the situation, pretend it wasn’t me. Whatever I needed to do to get through it, I would.

I refused to let them win.

#

Mace watched me as I shivered. I clutched the blanket tightly around my body.

“Are you sure you're okay? Maybe I should take you to a doctor?”

“And say what?” I snorted. Calm down. “I’ll be okay.”

He nodded, his expression uncertain as he reached for the phone. This was it: this was the moment when we found out if the last half hour had all been for nothing, or whether we had actually gotten something.

“How did you go?”

I watched Mace anxiously, waiting for a sign, good or bad. Relief swept over his face as he crouched down to his knees.

Thank fucking Christ.

We did it. We got the guy.

I began to gasp as I struggled to breathe. My body was shaking so hard that I was struggling to keep warm. A sob escaped from my lips.

What is happening to me?

“Shit, Tim, I’ll call you back.”

Mace raced over and crouched in front of me. He wrapped his arms around me as I sobbed into his embrace.

“Shhh, I've got you. You're okay, baby. You’re just in shock.”

“I'm sorry I just I don't know . . .”

“It's okay, Leet. Let everything out. I'm here for you, okay?”

I nodded as he picked me up. My body relaxed into his arms, demanding rest. I was so tired. I needed sleep.

“Let’s get you home.”

#

I woke up. Mace was lying on my bed, reading. He glanced over at me and smiled.

“Hey. How are you feeling?”

I smiled back, stretching out my feet underneath the covers, my toes curling. I felt better. What time was it? How long had I been sleeping?

“It’s nearly four in the morning,” Mace said, reading my thoughts.

“Why aren’t you sleeping?” I asked, my voice still groggy.

He shrugged. “Too wound up. Besides, I wanted to make sure you were okay.”

The events of earlier flashed back through my mind. I swallowed hard and then nodded.

“I’m okay. I think I just needed a good sleep,” I said quietly. “So, we have the guy?”

Mace nodded. “We have an address. I have someone staking out the house at the moment, and I’ll go over as soon as we know he’s there and get some answers.”

He will go over? What about me? I sat up, binging the covers with me.

“You’re not going anywhere without me,” I said.

“Leet, look at you. You’re a mess,” he protested, laughing. He shut his mouth as I narrowed my eyes at him. “Look, the best way you can help me is by staying here where I know you’re safe, okay?”

I didn’t answer. Instead, I was going over a plan in my head. I pushed the covers back and swung my feet over the side of the bed. Shit, I’m dizzy.

“Can you run me a bath?” I asked, swaying on my feet.

His arm shot out to steady me. I fell back on the bed.

“Just relax, okay? Stay in bed and rest.”