Page 76 of Gator

Kat could have gotten Noah his key, but according to Gator, Caden always stayed here when Wolfe went out on a job, so there would be someone here to handle it if things went south.

He greeted us with a smile and handed us a keycard. Then he ran through the same spiel with Noah he’d gone through with me about how the card wouldn’t work on the tenth floor and how to use the elevator.

“Thanks, Caden. You know the mission’s over, the guys are just wrapping things up. You can go home now,” Gator said.

Caden looked down at his feet and gave a little nod. “I know. I just have a few things to do first, and then I’ll go.”

“Okay, don’t stay too long.”

When we were far enough away that he couldn’t hear me, I grinned at Noah. “He has a crush on Wolfe, so he probably won’t leave until he’s back.”

“You don’t know that,mon petit. That’s all some fantasy you and Mika came up with.”

I shook my head and rolled my eyes. “Trust me, Mika and I know what we see.”

“Which one is Wolfe?”

“The one with big silver fox vibes, wears glasses, and always seems to be in charge.”

“Oh, I remember him. He was the one who came down the stairs and started barking out orders.”

“Yep. He’s a good guy, though, and Mika’s been around longer than I have, and he’s sure of the crush.”

When we got off the elevator on the ninth floor, Mika was sitting on the couch crocheting. When he saw us, he tossed the project aside and rushed me, wrapping me in a hug.

“Jules, I was so worried about you. I mean, I knew the guys would find you, but still, I was worried. Then, when Hawk called to tell me you were on your way, I thought I would wait down here.” He turned to look at Noah. “I’m glad to see you, too, but I didn’t want to hug you because I didn’t know if you were a hugger. I am, but I know not everyone is. Anyway, I’m glad you’re here. I put some clothes on the couch in your apartment, and it’s all stocked up with food, but don’t worry, I didn’t keep a key or anything. Caden just let me use yours real quick so I could put everything in there, and then I gave it back. Anyway, welcome to the building.”

I swear he’d said that all with one breath, and that was a lot, even for Mika.

“Thank you for lending me some clothes. I really appreciate it.”

“It’s no problem at all. Now, how about I show you your apartment and these two can go on their way?”

I paused and looked at Noah. “Are you sure you wouldn’t rather come with us? Or we could get someone to stay with you if you want.”

“No, I’m good. Like I said, I just want doors that lock, a hot shower, a real bed, and some time to process the fact that I’m safe.”

“You are,” Gator assured him. “And we’re all just a call away if you need us.”

I watched as Mika led him towards the apartment, asking him questions about what snacks he preferred and what kind of books he liked to read.

“I hope he’ll be okay,” I said.

“He’d probably spent a fair amount of time adjusting mentally to the fact that he was trapped, and now he’ll need some time for the idea that he is free to sink in.”

I nodded. “Yeah, I hope so.”

Chapter twenty-four

Gator

When I closed the door of the condo behind us, it felt like I was sealing us in, or better yet, sealing the world out.

Only a day. One fucking day. But it had been a lifetime of terror, imagining him hurt, scared, wondering if I’d get there in time.

Seeing him now, whole and standing in our hallway, the relief was so intense it made me lightheaded. He looked weary, but his shoulders were squared, his eyes meeting mine directly.

He ran a hand through his messy curly hair. “God, it’s good to be home.” He offered a small, tired smile.