Page 196 of Bad Blood

“As long as you bring me sushi,” I whisper as I swat at his chest and my phone starts to buzz again. “Go.”

“Give me twenty,” he says, giving me a satisfied smile.

I swipe my finger over the screen and cover the phone with my palm. “Tell that to the cab driver.”

“I don’t want to go,” he says, his voice husky, before our mouths meet again.

I push one hand against him, my breaths coming uneven and tortured. I grab him by the strap of the sling, tugging him closer to my lips; I push him away and whisper, “Thanks for the butterflies.”

He leaves, and the door closes. I finally glance at the screen. The seconds of the answered call are already ticking when there’s a muffled, “Hello? You there?”

I pull the phone to my ear. “Hi, sorry about that.” Instant regret floods through me that I didn’t think to pay attention to who is on the other line.

“It’s fine. I just wanted to check on you.” Luca’s voice is a welcome comfort I didn’t realize I needed. I drop back against the cushion, running my finger over my lips and the tingling sensation Dax left in his wake.

“I’m fine. Tired.” I yawn for emphasis as I stare at the ceiling.

“I’m sure you saw the news. We gave a statement but didn’t get into details about the assault or suspicion on the murders. Figured we’d leave that for another day.”

“I can appreciate that. I don’t need that jerk showing up on my doorstep again.”

Luca chuckles. “Yeah, you and cameras don’t mix well.”

“It’s Jenks and me who don’t mix well.”

“Well, stay home and stay safe. Also, IT checked on the cameras. They weren’t working and didn’t catch anything. I gave them your laptop. Eugene is going to work on recovering the recording. Do you want more time off? You know you can take as long as you need.”

“Work is a great distraction. Plus, with Kline behind bars, we shouldn’t have to worry about anything else happening to our doctors.”

“I hadn’t thought of it that way. But he’s bound to make bail soon. Be cautious. If you’re good coming back, you know the doors are always open—after this week is over.” He chuckles.

I lean forward, settling my elbows on my knees as my eyes land on Dax’s hat next to the fireplace. Thoughts of running my hands through his messy hair send a tingle through my body. I grab it and make my way into the hall, hanging it over the newel post before I head upstairs.

“I’ll see you Monday. Rest. We’ve got everything covered while you’re out,” Luca says.

There’s a knock at the door and I turn, hopping back down the two steps as I grab Dax’s hat. Perfect timing. I’ll join him, and we can eat at the park.

“Sounds good,” I say as I reach for the door and hang up.

“You couldn’t stay away, could you?” I tease, slipping my foot into my tennis shoe as I pull the door open.

My eyes register the person before me, and my smile fades.

The phone clatters to the floor.

I can’t move.

I cover my mouth, stifling a scream. I stumble back as my lungs stop cooperating. The hairs lift on the nape of my neck, and I try to convince myself to slam the door. To run. To do something.

But my body doesn’t respond.

“Expecting someone else?” The gruff voice breaks me from my trance as he shoves a foot into the doorway, blocking my attempt at closing it as he forces his way inside. “That’s too bad.”

THE END