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Audrey takes the phone, still looking uncertain. “What do I do if it starts to ring?”
I shrug, because it doesn’t really matter what she does. “Answer it if you want, or give it to me so I can answer it.”
Her brows pinch together. “Won’t that confuse whoever’s on the other end?”
“Maybe for a second, but they’ll figure it out.” I kinda look forward to the first time Isaac checks to make sure he dialed the right number. “Just don’t post anything that could help someone figure out where you are.”
Audrey’s eyes lift to my face. “I was going to do a slideshow of the hotel that included our room number. Are you saying that would be a bad idea?”
“It’s a good thing I know you’re giving me shit or I’d be revoking your privileges so fast it would make your head spin.” I stretch out on the bed next to her as Audrey fiddles with the cell. “What did Ginny say when you called her?”
“She seemed pretty confident she could handle the store while I’m gone.” Audrey doesn’t sound convinced.
I shift closer, wanting to be right next to her. “You don’t think she can?”
“Ginny can absolutely run the store, I’m just worried the rest of the team might give her shit.” She sighs, dropping the phoneto her lap. “She’s just so young and I’m worried they’ll try to steamroll her.”
“It’s too bad that guy they brought in to train for the assistant manager position couldn’t take over.” I’d have had a fucking great time giving Dane all the shit work. “Because I think he would have been great at it.”
Audrey angles a brow at me. “I think he would have eliminated folding and tables would be piled with wadded up clothes.”
I groan. “I never want to fold another shirt in my life.”
Audrey laughs. “That’s going to make it difficult to pack for your next assignment.” Her smile slips. “Do you know where you’ll have to go next?”
For the first time in my career I’m not excited about what might be coming. “Don’t know yet. I guess it’ll depend on what’s available when I’m done here.”
And if Zeke decides I’m recovered enough to be back on the roster.
Her lips curve. “Hopefully it’s something more exciting than sitting in a hotel room watching me scroll Instagram.”
I almost tell her this is way more exciting than the last nine months have been for me, but I hold back. Audrey’s finally feeling safe—even after having to flee her apartment in the middle of the night—and finding out I was flat on my back for a good chunk of the past year might make her doubt my ability to protect her.
Might make her doubtme.
“Don’t sell yourself short.” I scoot in even closer, lining my body against hers so I can see what she’s doing. “I’m going to watch you go through Facebook too.”
“DO YOU THINK she could get us a list of names we can start looking into?” Pierce asks, his face dominating the screen of my laptop.
“I’m sure she’ll do her best. I don’t know how much she knows outside of what she found on Trevor’s laptop, but I’m fairly confident Audrey will tell us everything she knows.” At least, I’m confident she’ll tell me. “But you better be fucking positive we can keep her safe when the shit hits the fan.”
Pierce studies me. His eyes barely narrowing. “I’d say that’s in your hands more than it is mine.” His lips twist into a smirk. “And from what I’ve heard, I doubt you’ll let anyone near her.”
Fucking Luca. “If you have something to say, just say it.” If Pierce wants to have a problem with how I’m handling this case, then I’d rather get it all out there. Right now. While Audrey’s in the shower and can’t hear what either of us say.
Instead of looking bothered by my outburst, Pierce laughs. “Based on that reaction, I’m going to assume the information I received was correct, and you and Ms. Hawthorne have already developed an attachment.”
Is that what’s between me and Audrey? An attachment? Up until now, I thought of it as a connection. An understanding each of us possesses regarding the other. It wasn’t learned or developed, but innate. Natural. Questioning if that connection couldbecome something more significant—an attachment—hadn’t yet crossed my mind.
To be fair, I’ve been a little busy smuggling Audrey out of her apartment, making sure she eats and hydrates, and folding fucking beige T-shirts.
“Does it matter?” Pierce has no room to judge me or give me shit. Considering he basically married one of his employees, the man shouldn’t be throwing fucking stones.
“It only matters if it negatively affects your ability to do your job.” Pierce leans forward, expression serious. “Do your feelings for Ms. Hawthornenegativelyaffect your ability to keep her safe?”
Negatively? I shake my head. “Abso-fucking-lutely not.” I will do whatever it takes to keep Audrey safe. Honestly, that’s what I would have done to start with. So with complete honesty, I say, “My feelings—whatever they are or aren’t—won’t change my focus on her safety.”
They will, however, make me more inclined to worry about her happiness. Whether or not she’s eaten properly. Whether or not she’s comfortable.