Total pages in book: 113
Estimated words: 108988 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 545(@200wpm)___ 436(@250wpm)___ 363(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 108988 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 545(@200wpm)___ 436(@250wpm)___ 363(@300wpm)
She braced herself as far back against the counter as possible. “I should gut you for that threat.”
That would be even more interesting. “Do we have an understanding?”
“Yes,” she clipped out. Not happy. “All this is null and void if I move out.”
That would inconvenience me. “You should not do that.”
There was no heated warning behind my words, but I smiled at her again.
One of her arms shook, but she tucked it farther to hide it behind her.
The conversation seemed to be done. We understood each other.
I left, only veering to the smaller sitting room where Levi had taken up residence. He was awake, lying on one of the couches with a blanket tossed over him. He turned his head at my approach. I could hear his amusement. “You’re like a giant fucking feral panther, and that was the equivalent of you dragging a hyena that you killed and bringing it to her doorstep as a gesture of respect. The problem is that she’s also a hyena and you brought one of her family members as a gift.”
“She’s a person. She’s not a hyena.”
He expelled a half laugh, coughing to cover it up. “It’s a metaphor.”
“I like hyenas.”
He laughed again, this time not trying to cover it up. “Of course you do. And again, it’s a metaphor. I could’ve called her a leopard.”
“Hyenas are misunderstood.”
“Oh, Jesus Christ, Creight. Let it go on the hyenas. I’m just saying she doesn’t realize that whole conversation was you trying to be respectful to her, since she was here first and you not only are making your presence known, but you also put one of your own in her house because she’s here.”
“I put her here.”
He snorted. “Not making it better.”
“Blake likes hyenas too. She likes most animals.”
He settled further on the couch. “I know you don’t give a fuck, but I’m happy for you. Mom and Dad are finally together.” He laughed to himself. “Go to bed, Creight. Tomorrow’s going to be interesting.”
I texted Lassiter as I returned to Blake.
Me: Hold off on completing my order. The four gifts.
Lassiter: Taking or the other part?
Me: The other part.
Lassiter: Got it.
I sent another order to my IT guys.
Me: The night Blake was taken, she said Walden was having a meeting with another man in the alley between his building and Octavia. He handed him an envelope. Find out who that man was. Send me everything you can get on him.
IT Lead: Got it, Boss.
Chapter Thirty-Four
Blake
When I woke, the night came back to me. I froze.
Creighton was always gone in the mornings, but last night was different. I lifted my head and looked over, and he was there. Relief flooded me, which made me feel embarrassed. I ducked my head, but I was happy he was here.
He was sitting up, back resting against the headboard, those dead eyes not missing anything. “I brought you coffee.”
“Oh.” It was on the nightstand. I sat up, sitting cross-legged so I was facing him. The coffee was hot. “When did you make this?”
“Earlier. It got cold, so I made another pot. I know you like your coffee.”
I frowned. “How long have you been awake?”
“I never went to sleep.”
I choked on the sip of coffee I just took. “What?”
“I don’t need a lot of sleep. You know this.”
I blinked a few times. “I mean, I knew that. But that was back . . .” When I was in high school. “I guess I just haven’t thought about it. So, wait. Every time you came here, you didn’t sleep?”
“A few hours.”
I groaned. “I wish I had that problem.”
“How are you feeling?”
I’d taken another sip, my eyes jumping back to him. Man. With no sleep, he still looked good. He was in his clothes minus his sweatshirt because I was wearing that. His hair was wet, so he must’ve showered. There was no emotion in his gaze, but he was watching my every move intently. “I’m . . .” I wiggled a little on the bed. “I’ll be fine today.”
He stared a little longer before motioning to the door. “Go to the bathroom.”
I snorted. “Bossy much?”
“Yes.” He was deadpan.
I suppressed a sigh. I’d lost my virginity last night. Some people lost it early in life, or during high school. Maybe I’d always waited because I knew Creighton’s reaction to the guy that would’ve hurt me in that way, even though it would’ve been unavoidable. It wasn’t the first time I wished Creighton understood emotions, but I really wished that morning. A part of me, where I was shy and self-conscious and feeling a little raw, wished that he would just know what to do for me. Like cuddling this morning. A hug. A forehead kiss. But I contemplated the mug in my hand as I slipped out the door. He made me coffee, and when the first pot went cold, he made me another.