Page 30 of Twisted Trust

The last time I ran into Chip, Levi was right around the corner.

I shrink back from him and Chip seems to get the hint immediately.

He steps away from me but his brow remains tight with concern.

“I’m just trying to help.”

“Oh, really?” I gasp, and the tightness eases a bit.

“Yes, really.” Chip’s attention drops to his phone momentarily while he types out a message, then he locks gazes with me. “How are you feeling?”

“I feel—” I hesitate. The shock of seeing him and talking has eased my panic somewhat. “Well I don’t feel like an elephant is sitting on my chest anymore so… I dunno. Better.”

“Good.”

“Why do you even care?”

“Don’t get any ideas,” he says softly. “It’s my job to care.”

“What?” Straightening up, I wipe sweat from my brow and clutch my phone tighter as I steady myself. “What are you talking about?”

“Levi asked me to keep an eye on you but not to intervene. Seeing you have a panic attack felt like the appropriate time to break that rule.”

“You’ve been following me?”

“Not exactly,” comes the silky smooth, almost cold yet familiar voice of Levi as he melts out of the crowd and appears at Chip’s shoulder. “I just asked him to keep an eye.”

“Why?” I pant softly. “Don’t want something like a panic attack to steal your chance at killing me, huh?”

Chip and Levi exchange a glance. “Something like that,” Levi says. “What’s wrong?”

“Like I’d fucking tell you.”

Levi’s eyes narrow. “Fine. Where’s your car?”

“Why?”

“You’re in no fit state to drive so I’ll have Chip drive you home.”

“He can’t.” I push off the wall and rub my chest. “My car was towed last week after I was mugged and I can’t afford to get it out.”

“How have you been getting to work?” Chip’s eyebrows raise.

“The bus, obviously. Like a regular person?”

God, how out of touch are these guys?

Chip mutters something under his breath and Levi sighs deeply. “Then let me take you home.”

“Why, so you can see where I live?”

“I know where you live,” Levi replies coolly. “But look at you. Let me take you home.”

I’m tired and getting back to Scott is the only thing I want.

I can call Cameron during the drive in case anything happens.

It’s not like I have anything to spare for the bus anymore, anyway.