Page 106 of Before and After

“That man…” She shook her head. “He’s shaken up after last night. He’s out of practice with feeling and dealing with his emotions. It’s going to work out.”

She hadn’t seen him. Hadn’t heard the resolution in his voice. I needed to get out of there. “I’ll be back in a bit.”

I used the stairs to avoid running into anyone. I didn’t want to talk and I certainly didn’t want to run into Caden.

I made it to the locker room and opened my locker. That’s when I saw the block of Dandelion chocolate resting on the shelf. I picked it up, smoothing my fingers over the pretty wrapper. He must have left it for me yesterday.

Before he decided that we weren’t worth the risk.

I closed my eyes.

After a shaky breath, I pulled my shoes and hoodie off the shelf. I pulled the hoodie on and slipped the chocolate bar into the pocket. I sat down and laced up my shoes.

Some fresh air would help me clear my head. I just needed to shake this off enough so I could deal with it. Just like I’d dealt with every other shitty situation. I was Allie Ford. I wouldn’t break. Not when I had a little boy depending on me.

When I reached the lobby, I scanned around to make sure there was no sign of Caden. I was halfway across the space when I heard masculine laughter. My head whipped up

Blake and the ESG were walking into the great room.

I stood there, rage filling me. It welled up, oozing into every corner of me like acid. It was far better than the pain.

Blake had instigated all of this. He’d terrified me, he’d taken Ollie, all as part of his sick game. Indirectly, he’d driven Caden away.

I sucked in a breath. I was sick of being a pawn. Hands balling, I strode into the great room, aiming right for Blake and his cronies.

His friends saw me coming and elbowed each other. When Blake’s gaze hit me, he rose from the chair, a superior look on his face.

Walking right up to him, I shoved him in the chest. “You touched my kid. You crossed a fucking line.”

“I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

“Don’t be even more of a cowardly asshole than you already are.” He had to be stopped.

I was going to stop him.

I’d find his damn drug stash, get the evidence we needed, and watch him get locked behind bars.

A plan snapped into place in my head.

Lowering my voice, I leaned in. “Do you know why I was interested in you and your…side gig? Why I kept hanging around? Because I wanted a fix.”

His eyes widened. “Bullshit.”

“My brother and his wife were both shot in the head by a carjacker. I had to identify them. I inherited my five-year-old nephew. I gave up my dream job and life in New York City to come back to the bumfuck mountain town that I escaped. All I do is clean other people’s crap and take care of my kid. That’s it.”

His gaze turned assessing. “You’re cozy with that security guy.”

I cut a hand through the air. “I like a good fuck when I can.” Ugh, I hated spilling these lies, but I needed him to trust me. “I need some relief from the grind.” I cocked my head. “I was hoping you had one for me. Of the chemical variety.”

He watched me for a moment. “Maybe I had you wrong.”

“Obviously. You didn’t need to shove me in the trunk of a car or take my kid.” I crossed my arms. “Now I think you owe me.”

He cocked his head. “Okay, Allie. I can hook you up.”

I made myself smile. “Now?”

“Now.” He took my hand, and I had to fight the urge to yank away. “We’ll be back later, guys.”