Page 122 of Bound By Fire
26
Robyn
I close my laptop and push it to the side of my desk. I roll my shoulders a few times.
I check my cellphone for the tenth time in the last hour, and there are no missed calls or messages. My shift is over.
Where the hell is Ridge?
Is he even coming back?
He might have changed his mind.
And honestly, who could blame him?
It would be for the best. This arrangement is risky. I won’t say that I’m not disappointed because I am, but it’s better this way. He probably gave it some thought and decided to step away. I hope he doesn’t get into trouble.
I stare at the dark screen of my phone for a few moments longer. Then I put it in my purse.
I sigh and start gathering my things. Lastly, I grab my jacket off the back of the chair and walk out.
Carla is still at her desk, typing. She looks up when she hears me coming, and her eyes move past my shoulder to whereBrutus and Smoke are following me. They’re both nice enough and professional, but I’m already sick of having two shadows everywhere I go.
Smoke goes to the elevator, waiting for me, and Brutus lags behind, giving me some space. They’re both trying to be discreet, but it isn’t really working.
“And?” Carla asks. “Have you heard anything?”
I shake my head.
“Not a word?” She’s asking about Ridge. I told her what happened earlier, in a hushed five-minute summary in the supply closet.
“Nope.” I shake my head. “Nothing.”
She wrinkles her nose. “Do you think he’s still going to excuse himself?”
I shrug. “I have no idea, and it’s not something I’m going to dwell on, either. I’m going home. You should go too.”
“I’m right behind you. Just getting this order ready for your signature in the morning.”
“Okay, then. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
“You know it.” She smiles up at me, and her face softens. “Are you okay?”
“I’m fine.” I wave a hand, and I mean it too. I am absolutely perfect. I just want to know what the deal is, that’s all. I want to know where I stand. I hate being in the dark. “See you tomorrow.”
“Okay…bye. You’ve got this,” she says after me. “Have a nice evening. You too, Brutus and Smoke.”
I look back, and she’s waving at the guys.
Brutus waves back as he passes her desk.
The guys fall in behind me. At least the protests were peaceful today. There were smaller crowds and less commotion.
I get into my car and pull out of the lot. The black SUV pulls in behind me. Brutus is driving, with Smoke in the passenger seat.
They stay right on my tail until I pull into the underground garage of my building. I park.
The SUV pulls into the bay beside mine.
