Page 111 of Condemned By Pain
I push back from my desk. “Fine. Let’s go.”
I know what he’s feeling—the maddening need to be close to her and never let go.
His face brightens. He trots ahead to the door. I grab the leash from the hook and pull the door open; he bolts out. I close it behind us and head for the elevator. He’s already there, circling impatiently in front of the closed doors. I press the button for the ground floor.
It’s not a large building, but large enough that the elevator stays busy. I bought this place the day of her concert.
A woman arrives at the elevator waiting area and smiles.
“Hey. You’re new here?”
I nod.
She glances at Bruno and reaches out to pet him. He growls.
“He doesn’t like being touched by strangers.”
She lets out an awkward chuckle and withdraws her hand, then extends it toward me.
“I’m Sarah.”
I ignore it. “Jonathan.”
She withdraws her hand and chuckles again. “I live in 344. You?”
“346.”
The elevator arrives. The doors open. Bruno enters first and settles on his haunches. I step in beside him, maintaining a deliberate distance from the woman. I bend down, clip the leash to his collar, and straighten.
“When did you move in?” She edges closer as she asks. The proximity grates on me.
“Day before yesterday.” My voice is ice. I wouldn’t answer a single question if I didn’t need this “civil citizen” image to deceive Alessio.
“Where are you from originally?”
“Florida.” I don’t bother glancing at her.
“Oh wow. It’s my favorite city.” Her excitement sounds forced.
When we reach the ground floor, she steps out, then turns and extends a card.
“We could have dinner sometime. Call me.”
I take it without a word and walk past her. The second I’m outside, I spot a dumpster and drop the card in without breaking stride.
Bruno strains at the leash, pulling me toward the park. If I let go, he’d run straight there.
Once we’re inside, he scans the area.
He looks up at me.
“She’s not here.”
His ears droop. All the energy drains from his body. I lead him to a bench near the entrance and sit. He settles at my feet, his gaze locked on the gate.
So are mine.
The anticipation of seeing her again tightens like a fist in my gut.
