Page 21 of Between Control and Chaos
“Is Luca helping with the interrogation?” If he went home at Dante’s insistence, then is he part of the brutal methods that Dante will employ?
“Probably,” Ashton whispers. “Does it matter? His methods are tough, but they work.”
I laugh darkly under my breath. “They work so well that there was a traitor right under Dante’s nose and he never even knew.”
Ashton ignores my remark. “I got word from Dante that Rhys is set to return tomorrow. Flying him in first thing tomorrow morning.”
“He is?” A tiny smile forms at the corners of my lips. I’ve always felt a connection with Rhys. He’d been my bodyguard all those years growing up, protecting me. We’d practically become friends.
“Don’t look so happy.”
Is that jealousy I see? I tilt my head, staring up, wishing I could read his thoughts. I lift my arm to run my fingers through his hair, and he grabs my wrist.
“What are you doing, Nova?”
“Touching you,” I whisper, which is apparently not the right response.
He shakes his head. “You don’t get to do that, not after breaking up with me.”
I inhale sharply. “Fine.” I take a step back and cross the street, farther from the hospital. I quicken my pace to get away from him. The cold stings my cheeks, my eyes burn with tears, and I worry they might actually freeze to my eyelashes as they water.
“Nova!” he calls, hurrying to catch up with me after traffic passes, and he’s jogging until he finally reaches my strides, walking in pace with me.
“What? Just go back to the hospital or go back to Dante.” I shrug away from him as he grabs my arm, and I refuse to meet his stare as I wipe a stray tear, praying he doesn’t notice.
If he does, I’ll blame it on the frigid temperatures.
I’m not crying.
“I have orders.”
That stops me dead in my tracks. “What?”
“I have orders.”
“I heard what you said.” I turn around to face him.
“Are you—crying?” he asks and there’s concern laced in his tone. His bottom lip is pouty and I try not to meet his intense dark gaze that is unwavering.
I glance away, staring at another couple who are walking together, bundled for this weather, unlike the two of us. They’re wearing winter beanies, scarves, gloves, and heavy down jackets. I force a smile as they nod.
After they pass, I snarl up at Ashton. “Quit changing the subject. What are your orders?”
Ashton glances me over from head to toe. “You.”
I shake my head, taken aback by his answer. “What does that mean?” Is he giving me some stupid riddle or being serious?
“Dante wants me to be your bodyguard until Rhys returns tomorrow. It’s just for a day,” he says, like that will make it okay. “And besides, it’s already late. Not even a full twenty-four hours we have to do this.”
“I don’t have to do anything,” I scoff at him and hurry away.
Seven
Ashton
Chasing after Nova in the dark is like chasing a firefly that keeps escaping your grasp. Tenacious.
I’m on her heels, following her every step as she briskly keeps pace ahead of me. I could easily catch up, but I’m tasked with being her bodyguard, so staying behind her and watching our surroundings is preferred.
