Page 84 of The Wicked Love

Austin doesn’t release my leg. “Seriously, what is his deal? Don’t answer it, baby.”

I smile at him, looking at his lips for a second. “I have to, babe. It’s work. Duty calls.”

I start to stand up, and he grabs my wrist.

“Oh, come on, Becca. We’ve had such a nice night.”

Keanu knocks, and I jump, suddenly realizing how nervous I’m becoming.

“Becca? Are you all right?”

“Austin, he’s my bodyguard. If I don’t answer, he will come in anyway.” I chuckle, trying to sound lighthearted.

My heart is pounding in my chest. I attempt to pull my hand away, and he lets me.

“I’ll be right back.”

Thank God.

I calmly walk to the door and open it the second I can reach the handle. Keanu looks pissed, very similar to the look I saw when he broke Trent’s arm.

“Hey, Keanu. What’s wrong?”

Breathe normal. In and out, in and out.

He walks past me, looking right at Austin, and then spins back around to me. “Sorry to interrupt, but I need to borrow you. It’s an emergency.”

Austin stands and walks over to us. “And it can’t possibly wait? Any details you care to share?”

Keanu laughs at him. “No, not to someone who isn’t cleared for them. Maybe one day, scout.”

I bite the inside of my cheek to stop myself from laughing.

Then, I force my face to frown and turn my attention to Austin. “I’m so sorry, babe. If he says it’s an emergency, it is one. I’ll call you tomorrow.”

“You’re seriously kicking me out?” He scoffs.

“It’s my job, Austin. You understand. I’m sure the firm isverydemanding.” I can’t stop the sarcasm from mixing with my words.

He grabs his laptop, phone, and bag, and throws the door open. “I’ll see you tomorrow. I’m coming over at eight p.m. Don’t make plans.”

He shuts the door behind him, and I take a deep breath.

The sharpest shiver runs down my spine. And I can’t help but picture how Stella must be feeling. Or how it would feel to be trapped under him. My stomach churns.

I frantically turn to Keanu. “Okay, what did you guys find?”

Keanu kicks the floor. “Nothing. Absolutelynothing.”

What?

Abruptly, loud knocks attack my door, and I jump backward.

Keanu’s hand flies to his side as he looks to see who it is. He relaxes immediately and opens the door.

Stella bursts through and wraps her arms around me. “Are you okay?”

Shocked, I pull her back, so I can see her face. “Am I okay? Areyouokay?”