The Ahern Brothers Collection - Claudia Burgoa Page 0,81
a shattering sound explodes inside my head. I freeze in shock, staring at the busy counter and the people laughing as if nothing has happened.
“Hey, are you okay?” Sterling squats right next to me as I’m trying to bring my breathing under control.
Fucking panic attacks. I should get myself committed. Those men upstairs messed with my head. Of course, Corbin isn’t here, nor Shaun. I’m safe.
“I should leave tomorrow,” I say as I gasp for air.
“You have to finish the wire transfers and make sure that you have everything you need to work remotely,” he reminds me. “On Wednesday we can leave for Nebraska.”
“You’re coming with me?”
“It sounds like a fun road trip. I was hoping you’d let me join you.”
I clench my eyes shut and swallow my words and my thoughts. He wants to join me, but the man I want with me is his brother, who doesn’t care about my feelings. As much as I love Wes, right now, I hate him.
“Hey, girl!” Peyton’s shrilly voice perforates the haze in my head.
“Well, hello,” Sterling, who can’t seem to stop flirting, is already winking at her and sending a melting smirk.
“Here, I brought you some lemonade. You don’t look so good.” She hands me a cup. I smile but don’t accept it. If I drink anything, I’m going to puke.
“Thank you, I’m fine,” I lie.
“Well, do you think you’re well enough to come with me tonight? Grandma would love to see you.”
I tremble. Even thinking about going near my old house makes me nauseated. I smile at her though. She doesn’t have to know that her neighbor is a dangerous person. The less people who know, the better.
“I wish I could, but I’m leaving tomorrow.”
Her eyebrows pull together, her gaze narrows on the window. “Leaving?”
“Yeah, taking a break.”
“Didn’t you just move back in Denver?”
I open my mouth and close it trying to remember what I told her.
“Hey,” Sterling interrupts us. “Why don’t you two catch up while I go and run some errands. I’ll be back with your car later today.”
“Excellent idea,” Peyton says clapping excitedly. “Tell me all about this trip you’re planning.”
Thank you, Slugger, I think as he leaves.
“Do you want something to eat or drink?” Peyton insists, but I shake my head walking to the soda station and grabbing a cup of water.
“The lemonade would’ve helped more.”
“Thank you.” I try not to snarl at her, but she’s driving me insane.
“Let me run to the employee room. I’ll be right back.” She walks away but stops at a booth and picks up a doll. It’s gray and raggedy.
I take a step backward; it’s almost exactly like Ava’s old doll.
“Hey,” Wes’ voice snaps me out of the trance that the toy put me in. “Are you okay?”
Going crazy, but fine. I turn around to check on Peyton. She’s gone, and so is the doll. Did I imagine it?
“Why are you here?”
“Sterling told me he left you alone.”
“I can take care of myself,” I say between clenched teeth. “Actually, I’m going back to work. My appetite is gone.”
He frowns. “You’re not hungry?”
“Yeah, I know,” I roll my eyes. “I never thought I’d say that. But it happens.”
— — —
I’m emotionally and physically drained. I’ve been working all day on the applications. Wiring money and requesting more information. Wes kept watching me. He brought me dinner around five and reminded me that I had to head home early. Thankfully, he had a meeting in Golden which is an hour drive from home.
By eight, the only one left around the offices is me. I can see why Wes likes to arrive earlier than everyone and leave later. The silence allows me to work faster and think better. I’m done going through all the applications we received this year. Sending one last email requesting more information from an applicant who forgot to send it, I shut down my computer. My phone rings as I gather all my things.
It’s a text from Wes.
Wes: You’re not home yet.
Me: How do you know that?
Is he here? I unlock my door and check on his office door which is closed. I take a look around the empty building floor. It’s well illuminated, but quiet.
Wes: Sterling just texted me.
Sterling should be minding his own business.
Wes: Are you alone?
Abby: That’s a strange question. The security guard is around.
Wes: Head home. You’re not safe.
He’s being paranoid. We have security cameras on every floor.
But I take his advice and pack up to leave. The garage is just as safe. My