Page 60 of Forced Into Your Arms
“I’m not starting anything. I’m trying to understand why Vice Blackwell is personally putting you in one of his hotels and making sure you’re safe.”
“Because this happened after I witnessed his cousin getting shot.”
“Right.”
“That is why.”
“I said right.”
“You said it like you don’t believe me.”
“I didn’t say anything.”
I stared at the phone before saying, “I can see your face through the phone.”
She laughed, and for the first time since waking up, some of the tension left me.
“Look, whatever the reason is, I’m glad you’re okay,” she said. “You need me to come over there?”
“No. I’m about to shower and figure out what I’m doing.”
“You’re not going back to that apartment, are you?”
“I have to eventually.”
“Milan…”
“My stuff is there.”
“Your stuff can be replaced. You can’t.”
“Not all of it.”
She sighed. “Just don’t go by yourself.”
“I won’t.”
That wasn’t a promise I particularly wanted to make, but after what happened, I knew better than to walk back into that apartment alone.
“I’ll call you later.”
“You better.”
“I will.”
There was a brief paused before she spoke up again, her voice full of sincerity. “And if you need me?—”
I smiled to myself. It was crazy how it felt like me and Nia had known each other for years instead of weeks. “I know.”
“I’m serious, Milan.”
“So am I… I know.”
Neither one of us said anything for a second before she finally let out a heavy sigh. “Okay… Call me later.”
“I will.” With that, we hung up, and I set my phone on the counter before getting in the shower. I stayed under the water, trying to clear my head and figure out what came next.
I couldn’t stay in a hotel forever.
