Page 91 of Security and Submission
The back door was open, which indicated he must have escaped that way, although the ‘when’ was debatable. He’d definitely had enough time to do a lot of damage, especially to her front room. It was like he’d forgotten her bedroom and had just opted for maximum effectiveness and minimum effort.
At least, that was how Claudia put it when the officers had gone through it with them.
Finally, the officers had Zeus pull up the security footage. The jerk had done his best to cover up with a black hoodie, but he must not have realized that she had a camera on the doorbell now, because they got several good frames of his face.
More than enough to identify him as Pete James.
Chapter 32
Yasmine
“I can’t sleep here tonight.” Feeling absolutely wrung out after the cops left, Yasmine sank down onto one of her kitchen chairs. “What if he comes back?”
Even if she used her guest bedroom, she doubted she would get a second of sleep. Besides, looking at the mess, she didn’t think she’d be able to sleep here until it was all cleaned up. And she didn’t have the energy to do that right now. She felt so empty, but looking at the mess made her want to start crying all over again.
“You can stay with me,” Claudia said immediately.
Yasmine couldn’t help but peek at Zeus. She’d worried he was going to leave when the officers did, and that she wouldn’t get a chance to talk to him to at least try to explain—although she still wasn’t sure what she might be able to say to do so—but he was still here. Standing on the opposite side of the kitchen from her, arms crossed over his chest, not looking at her, but he was here.
“Or I’m sure you could stay with Sassafras over there.”
Now Zeus’ head jerked to attention, and he focused on Claudia with a frown.
“With me?”
Yasmine’s heart sank in her chest. He didn’t want her staying with him. She couldn’t blame him. But how was she going to fix this if he wouldn’t look at her, much less talk to her?
Was it fixable? Or should she just give up and let the curse have its way?
It wasn’t like they were in a real relationship.
But it didn’t matter. She still didn’t want what they had to end. Real or not.
“Yes, with you. She’ll probably feel safer there. This asshole tracked her because she gave a class for Naomi’s shelter. Guess who else has taught classes there?” Claudia raised her hand. “Guess who hasn’t?” Her hand lowered to a pointing finger at Zeus before dropping back to the table, where she covered Yasmine’s tapping fingers. The sudden silence was jarring. “Plus, I’ll be here for a while tonight.”
“You will?” Zeus and Yasmine asked at the same time, and she glanced at him. Their gazes caught for just the briefest moment before he looked away again.
“I will.” Claudia nodded. “Partly in case the asshole comes back.” The smile that accompanied her statement was predatory, and a dark gleam in her eye promised retribution if he made that mistake. “But also to rally the troops to put this all back together.”
“Oh, you don’t have to do that,” Yasmine said in a rush, even as her heart warmed at the offer.
“I know I don’t have to, but I am. You know everyone will want to come help. Mason. David. Drew. Jensen. Naomi. Cassidy. Audrey.” She said every name like she was deliberately baiting Zeus, daring him to say anything. “Ashley. Which means Lincoln will probably come, too.”
Zeus flinched at Lincoln’s name. A tiny, almost imperceptible movement, but Yasmine saw it.
“They’ll all want to know you’re safe while we’re getting things back in order. Who better to keep you safe than Zeus? Especially since you two probably have a lot to talk about.” Claudia raised her eyebrow at Yasmine.
They did. If Zeus was willing to talk to her.
She looked at him hopefully.
Please be willing to talk to me.
Everything was out in the open now.
Zeus glanced at her. This time, their gazes caught for a long moment. Held. He let out a long breath, turning his head and pulling his gaze away.
“Sure. Yasmine can stay with me tonight.” It wasn’t exactly gracious, but it wasn’t entirely begrudging, either. Right now, Yasmine would take what she could get. And she really would feel a lot better being at Zeus’.
