Page 108 of Jase

“I’ll kill them. I’m going to fucking—” Jase hand rose cautiously towards Rush as he cut his stare over to me and Tiffany.

“We’ll find him. We were prepared for this. Here.” Jase handed Rush his extra laptop as he grabbed his keys and headed for me. “I don’t know how long we’ll be gone. I’ll try to call you if I’m able. I’m setting the emergency lock on my way out. You know how to control my cameras. You can see anything you want in the building. Move through the arrows. Remember, don’t open the door for anyone. Not even Dominguez. He knows my rules. Only you have the code to get out. But don’t. Don’t leave this place for anything. Promise me.”

At my hesitancy, Jase’s hands wrapped around my biceps.

“These men want you dead. They’ll do anything to get to you. So long as you stay behind this door and don’t let anyone in, you’re safe. Promise me right now you will not leave or let anyone inside.No matter what.”

“What if they take you?”

“Not even then.”

“Jase—”

“Not even then. You are not allowed to leave here period. Ever, if that’s the case.”

“Hey, let’s go.” Rush’s voice drew Jase’s attention, but only for a moment.

“You made the ultimate promise, Kody. Prove it. Promise me.”

My lips parted. I nodded, feeling my stomach twist as my own words came back to haunt me.

“I promise.”

“That’s my girl.” Lips crushed into mine and were gone just as fast. It was only when Jase reached the door and punched in the code that he took one last look back. And me, I held in the tears as he did. He wouldn’t see me break. He wouldn’t see my fear or weakness. Not when he was faced with something as important as finding his best friend. There’d be no distractions on my behalf. No hindering his safety.

“I love you!”

“I love you…too.”

It didn’t matter that I wasn’t able to finish. My voice carried through the barrier as it shut, and the beeping from the alarm finalized my fears. Jase was free game outside our door. None of the guards were following him to the elevator. He’d mentioned guns, but if he had any, I couldn’t see them under his dark clothing.

“I can’t believe this is happening.” Tiffany sobbed. “I was just telling Rush last night that I had a bad feeling. I’m so over this. I j-just…” she sucked in trying to catch her breath. “I’m sorry. Rian, he.” Again she stopped. “He’s been really good to me. Both of them. I just don’t know what I’ll do if something’s happened. Now they’re all in danger.”

“Let’s not think about that yet. How about some coffee?”

The robotic question was monotone as it left my mouth. I was already pushing against the arrows on Jase’s computer, flipping through the cameras so I could watch the two ride down the elevator.

She sniffled, heading over to grab a handful of tissue off the table. “Coffee would be good.”

“We have every kind you can think of.” I didn’t get two steps before Tiffany waved me back.

“I see the machine. The guys have the same one. Keep following them. I’ll make you a cup too.”

“Thank you.”

And I was thankful. I did not want to lose them while I still had the opportunity to watch. Once they left the building, they’d be gone from me. At least here, I could see what car they were taking. I already even had the garage pulled up on a smaller monitor, waiting until they entered so I could change views.

“Tiff, Jase said ‘we were prepared for this’.” I hit the button as they entered the underground garage, enlarging the area on the main monitor. “Did Rian or Rush ever mention that to you? Did they go over a plan if something were to happen?”

Her head shook. “No. We had a plan, but it was much like the one we have here. I was to stay inside their apartment. I’d be safe there. They never brought up any scenario where one of them was taken or hurt. I don’t like this. Any of it.” She brought up another tissue, blowing her nose. “How do you do it? How are you not freaking out right now?”

Jase and Rush stopped outside of a sporty, black SUV. When they climbed inside, I had to force myself to breathe.

“I am freaking out. I can’t stand that I’m about to lose contact for lord knows how long, but what can I do, Tiff? The guys need us in one piece. They need us safe and ready for anything. I’m trying my best to be prepared for that.”

Her head shook as she popped in a pod and pushed the button for the single serve coffee machine.

“You’re so much stronger than I am, Kody. You’ve always been.”