Page 35 of Jase

“What do you mean? Did it go that bad?”

Kody’s eyebrows drew in, but she quickly shook her head. “No, nothing like that. Someone broke into my apartment while I was out. The cops are there now.”

“Broke in?Like a burglar?”

“I don’t think so. There’s nothing missing. They were looking for me. I think…Tiff, can you stay with someone from work for a few days?”

“Me?Where are you?I’m coming to get you.”

“No! Don’t come anywhere near my apartment. I’m safe. I’m.” Her eyes scanned mine, saying so much more than I could even put into words. The emotion, the familiarity…she wanted to trust me. “I’m with a friend. I’ll be taken care of, I promise. I want to make sure you’re taken care of too. Tell me you’ll find someone to stay with for a few days. If they’re looking for me, they’ll go in search of you. You’re all I have. These people are scary, Tiff. I don’t think they liked that I got away. I need you to be careful, okay?”

“Y-yeah. Okay.”

There was true fear in her friend’s voice.

“This is serious. The one who broke in managed to find me a few blocks over. I escaped, but he’s going to be looking for me. Don’t go anywhere alone. Don’t speak to any stranger trying to find me. Trust no one. And try to keep in groups like we did in college.”

“Okay. You’re sure you’re safe?”

Assurance took over Kody’s expression as she glanced around my living room. “I’m not even sure the White House is this secure. No one’s getting me. Not even close.”

“Good. I’ll keep my eyes open. I’ll call this number tonight from Ray’s to check in with you. He’s got four roommates. I’ll be safe there.”

“Perfect. I feel better. I’ll talk to you soon, Tiff. Love you.”

“Love you too.”

The line went dead, and Kody took a deep breath, looking exhausted. I finished the transaction for the food, gesturing to the sofa she stood by.

“Why don’t you take a seat. Lunch will be here soon. Do you want something to drink? Soda? Water? I don’t have tea. I know you drink that a lot. I can order some.”

“Soda is fine.”

I headed over, grabbing one from the fridge, suddenly realizing just how bare it was. I wasn’t prepared for any of this. Sure, I liked to tease the thought of her as mine since I bought her, but that was fantasy shit. At least for the meantime while she healed and got used to the idea of me. I never thought she’d come here so soon. Yet…here she was.With me.

“J? Are you okay?”

I shut the door, heading back over. “Yes. Sorry, I was just thinking.” I handed her the soda, stopping myself from heading to the bar.

“I guess I should show you around. You probably want to clean up before lunch is here, or maybe you want to just process. Alone.”

She stood, following me through the living area, towards the back. I gestured. “Balcony. There’s a pool, but it’s probably best you don’t use it until after you’re healed.” We headed into the hall. “Gym.” I waved towards the glass door and walls as I headed down. “Office. It’s an extra so feel free to use it if you want. I think the stationary is in the top drawer. Sometimes, I notice you write.” I stopped outside the next door. “Your room.” I stepped inside, flipping the switch. “It has an adjoining bathroom. Towels, a robe, everything you need is already there. You don’t have clothes yet, but we’ll get you some delivered.”

“Delivered?”

“Right. I know the whole, don’t ask, thing, but what’s your size?”

She laughed, shaking her head. “No. If you have an extra t-shirt and sweatpants, I’ll wear those and have this washed. It’s fine, really.”

“Kody, I don’t think you understand how long you may be here. I’m good—the best with computers, but if there’s no information I can find on this man, he’s a ghost to me. A real ghost. I can’t track someone who doesn’t exist. Not that I’m not going to try. I may get lucky. Facial recognition may come back within the next few hours, and this may be over by tomorrow, but he works with someone. I’ll have to find them too. We need to know exactly what we’re dealing with. You’ll be here awhile.”

“Can’t I just get clothes from my place?”

“No.”

“Not even in a few days?”

“No.”