When He's Bad (Walker Security Adrian’s Trilogy #2) - Lisa Renee Jones Page 0,26

between the bathroom and the bedroom and I’m alone. I feel alone, uncomfortably alone. And it’s not because I have trouble being alone. I live alone. I’ve been on my own most of my life, even when I was working with family and wearing Logan’s ring. It’s also not because I’m in a strange house, in a giant master bedroom, complete with a king-sized bed. Or the fact that I’m here to hide from an assassin. I knew the dangers of taking this case. No. I’m uncomfortably alone because Adrian is not here.

It feels bad to be without him.

Briefly, I wonder if that’s how people feel when they meet the person they fall in love with as if they are better when they are with them than without. I’ve never felt that way with another human being, but I do now. I dismiss the crazy thought and decide watching Pitt die in a pool of blood is messing with me. I’m feeling dependent on Adrian when I’m not a dependent person. Maybe he sees that in me. Maybe that’s why he pulled away. We’re not good for each other right now. We’re feeding each other’s weaknesses. Maybe, maybe he should have killed Deleon because if he hurts someone else, I’ll know Adrian could have kept it from happening. I will feel to blame.

I give myself a mental shake and walk toward the desk against the wall, obviously set up for my use. Murder is never the answer. That goes against all I stand for as an emissary of the court and our legal system. And I’m not falling in love with Adrian, but I do owe him an immunity agreement for what I believe will include murder.

Settling into a cushy rolling chair, I open up the MacBook, and I’m eager to call my boss, but I hesitate. Ed is in Walker’s protective custody now. I assume we can communicate, but I decide to be cautious and confirm that’s true. I pick up my new phone and my first instinct is to call Adrian, but I stop myself again. He’s not here for a reason. He needed a break and some rest. He’s probably smarter than me and sleeping. Alone. In another bedroom. My teeth grit and I dial Blake’s number. “Pri,” he answers. “Shouldn’t you be sleeping?”

“I will,” I say, the weariness in my body a dull ache that I can ignore for only so long. “Believe it or not, I slept a little in the cave. I just need to handle a couple of things. Can I call Ed right now?”

“He’s still traveling,” he says. “He’s presently in the air on his way to New York City. How important is it?”

“Important but not life-threatening. I owe some paperwork to a witness. I don’t want to let him down.”

He hesitates a moment and then he says, “I see. Once he lands, we’ll get him on a secure line. That’s going to be a while. You should sleep.”

“Right. I know. Can I email Ed the document and he’ll be able to get it?”

“Yes. I’ll let him know to check his email ASAP.”

“Great. And can I return my calls and operate as usual?”

“You can. Yes.”

“And if people ask where I am?”

“Working remotely. At home, if you’re forced to give a location.”

“And my parents?”

“Still the same. We have eyes on them. We’ll talk about where all of this goes when you and Adrian are rested.”

“Thanks, Blake.” I hesitate. “Blake—”

“He’s in the theater room sleeping.”

In the theater room. Not even in a bed. Anywhere but with me. “Thanks,” I say, and when I would disconnect, he says, “You both just need rest. You’ll be surprised how that will change things.”

“Right. Yes. Okay.” I disconnect and press my hands to my face. I quickly draw up the agreement, email it to Ed, and scan my emails, which are overflowing. I don’t answer them. I just don’t have the energy.

I’m eager to check my phone messages but hesitate. I find an iPhone laying on the desk and plugged in to the wall. I check my messages. I have ten. One is from Grace. “Where are you? I’m worried. I called you four times. I’m going to have Josh use whatever resources he has to find you if you don’t call me back soon.”

“Fabulous,” I murmur. I love her, but she now has a boyfriend in private security that is going to get us both killed.

I text her a quick note: Thanks for worrying. I’m off-site