Page 31 of Protected By the Sinner

The problem is I don’t have a choice.

I think about how to answer.

“Just say yes or no,” he says, like he can read my mind.

“You don’t sound too willing to take me. Do you regret asking me to come?” My stomach ties itself in knots while I try to keep my voice calm. What if he says yes—that he regrets it? Those men are out there, and if what my sister said is true, they want to hurt us.

“Why is nothing ever simple with you, girl? Just say yes or no.”

I swallow my pride, even though I feel a little exposed. “If you haven’t changed your mind about wanting me around, then my answer is yes.”

“Be ready in two hours.”

“Okay.”

Chapter 13

Minutes Later

Two hours, he said. More than enough time for me to head outside and buy a phone.

I can’t just leave Texas for some unknown destination without telling my sister.

Should I leave a note, in case Beau comes back before I do?

No, that’s ridiculous. We’re nothing to each other.

I grab a small purse and check the mirror to make sure I look decent.

I’m almost at the door when my stomach growls.

I only had a light breakfast. Last night, during dinner, Beau told me I could help myself to anything I wanted.

I head to the kitchen and pick out an apple. The fridge and cabinets are packed with food. He must have someone who takes care of that for him.

As I ride the elevator down, I wonder what it must be like to live a completely normal life. To walk down the street without fear, to have money to buy whatever you want at the grocery store, to live in a house for more than six months.

Some people dream big. They want wealth, power, to travel the world. I just want a place I can call my own. Doesn’t even have to be owned, just a space where I can make memories.

Plants, picture frames, a pet.

I reach the front lobby and see the doorman, along with a few security guards I assume work for the building. I guess a lot of rich people live here.

Playing the role of a confident woman, I nod as I walk past them. I’m feeling kind of powerful when I suddenly remember—I slammed the apartment door shut without grabbing the key.

Oh God. Now what?

Besides my ID and some cash, everything I own is in there.

Stupid Amber!

And I can’t even call him once I buy a phone, because I don’t know his number.

Guess I’ll just run to the store, grab a phone so I can stay in touch with Elodie, and then sit in the lobby like I’m grounded.

How humiliating.

I step out into the fresh afternoon air and take a deep breath, feeling relatively calmer knowing my sister is okay. Once again, we’ve dodgedevil.