Page 81 of Vain

“We’ll be here,” Greyson answers.

I say my goodbyes and head to my truck, placing the bags on the back seat. I climb in and start her up just as my cell phone rings.

I pull it out, see its Banner, and answer it. “What have you got for me?”

“I got you a business address for Cox Security and a home address for Daniel Cox. I did some digging. It turns out, this is not the first time Daniel has been fired from a security job.”

“What was he fired for, do you know?”

“Who are you talking to? Of course, I know. He was fired for bad conduct. Something to do with aggressive behavior.”

“As much as I hate to admit it, that can easily happen in this job. All it takes is one disgruntled perp to make a complaint and for someone to take him seriously.”

“I know, but this wasn’t the perp, but the client.”

“He got aggressive with his client? Can’t say I’m surprised the guy fired him then.”

“Wasn’t a guy. It was a woman, and she has a restraining order against him.”

“What the fuck?”

“My thoughts exactly.”

Chapter Thirty-Two

MATILDA

Greyson fussed all over me, and though I was glad to see him, I was relieved when he left. He was so worried about me that it made me feel guilty for everything that kept happening. Stupid, I know. I can’t help it. I hate that I’m causing him and Marley extra stress. It’s bad enough worrying Aiden, but at least he’s used to dealing with situations like these. Marley and Greyson are not. I’m also worried about them getting caught in the crossfire. Aiden was hurt today because of me. What if Greyson or Marley are next? I’m so sick and tired of people getting caught up in my bullshit. Is it any wonder I pull away all the time?

“Penny for your thoughts?”

I jump at the sound of Reese’s voice. She disappeared after Greyson got here, and I wasn’t sure what happened to her. “I thought you’d left.”

“Just wanted to give you some privacy. I won’t leave until Aiden tells me to.”

“I feel bad that you’re stuck here with me.”

“Why? It’s not often I get a job that’s low-key. I’ll take any downtime I can get. Trust me, this is a nice break from the usual chaos I have to deal with.”

I laugh. “I don’t think people could pay me enough to deal with the crap you likely have to. Hell, I’m half tempted to run away to the mountains and become a recluse. Learn to live off the land or something.”

She closes the door before walking farther into the room. “Tell me you’re not feeling guilty for all this.”

“One, I really don’t like how perceptive you are. Two, I can’t. Aiden was hurt, Reese. I know it wasn’t bad, but it could have been. And what about the next time? We both know if this guy isn’t caught, there will be a next time. I’d never forgive myself if something happened to him.”

“And he feels guilty that he didn’t see the signs and magically stop the crash before it happened. Ugh, men and their Superman complexes. The point is, only one person should feel guilty, and that’s the asshole who caused all this. I get your need to pull back to keep others safe, but every time you do, you’re letting this asshole win.”

“I really don’t like you being all logical and shit. It makes me feel like I’m being dramatic.” I sigh.

She grins. “You should meet Dulce. If you look up ‘dramatic’ in the dictionary, you’ll find a photo of her beside it.”

I chuckle. “Oh, good. At least I’m not alone then.”

“I think you’ve earned the right to be a little dramatic, don’t you? Though, just saying, I wouldn’t call any of this dramatic. If anything, you’re coping surprisingly well. And here I was expecting a diva.”

“Sorry to disappoint you.” I flutter my lashes at her.

She steps in front of me when the door opens, her posture rigid until she recognizes Aiden. “You’re lucky I’m not armed,” she mutters as she takes a seat.