Page 52 of Kneeling for Them

“I’ll call Kellan to give you a ride,” Sebastian says.

Is he happy that I’m excusing myself?He seems relieved.Shit.

“It’s like a three-minute walk,” I say, forcing a smile.“Thanks anyway, though.”

Trina takes a step toward me.

Sebastian moves as if to intercept her, and she frowns at him.

“Here’s my card.”She holds out a piece of heavy cardstock.“My cell is on there.Call or text anytime, you can always reach me.My clients frequently need me, not just for business advice, but personal emergencies.Sebastian can tell you—I’ll help solveanyproblem.”

Sebastian flinches.Righting himself quickly, and keeping his face suspiciously blank, he hurries toward me, takes my hand, and leads me to the elevator.

His kiss is faint on my cheek.“See you soon, Ella,” he whispers as the doors close.

The only thing I can think of is the truth, banging over and over in my head like a hammer.

Sebastian doesn’t want to sing with me.He doesn’t want to work with me.

A dark weight settles over my chest and it’s all I can do to remain standing while the elevator takes me down.

Kingston

The name flashing on my phone is familiar, but it takes me a moment to place it.Lin Rosewood.Her face comes to mind before anything else—pointed chin, full lips, a beauty mark at the corner of her mouth, and her brown hair, last I saw it, longer on one side with an undercut on the other.

Oh, shit, it’s Bash’s cousin.I answer quickly.“Hi, Lin.”

“Kingston, how’s it going?”

The question is casual, so I’m immediately reassured.“It’s okay.You?”

“Fine, work, you know the drill.”

“Where are you at again?”

“Ironwood Security.”

She left the police force to go into the private sector, but I never put two and two together that she was working for Ironwood.

“Nice.”I stare out my window, looking over the city.Evening has come, dulling everything in gray-blue.“I’m somewhat acquainted with the owners.”

“They’re good people,” she says.“Anyway, sorry to bug you, but I’m trying to get in touch with Bash.He’s not answering, and neither is the woman, Ella, who he wanted me to call.He told me I can call you any time, so…yeah.I found Ella’s brother.”

“Tell me he’s okay,” I say.It’ll break Ella if he isn’t.

“He’s fine.”

“Where is he?I’m going to drag his ass back to his sister.”

Ella

I’m waiting by my door when Kingston and Tommy come up.I hear their footsteps outside and open my door before they can knock.

“Tommy!”I yell, hugging him tightly.

“Hey,” he says, hugging me back.

Then I let him go and slug him in the arm.