Page 87 of Xavier

Is everything alright?

Do I need to send someone to check on you?

Is Brianna safe?

What’s going on?

Why aren’t you answering my calls or messages?

Elizabeth is worried sick.

I’m calling for backup if you don’t call me back in five minutes.

Make that two minutes.

I slowly get out of bed to not wake up Brianna and head out to the balcony to call John.

He answers on the first ring. “What the hell is going on down there?”

His tone is sharp and aggressive, like he’s been imagining the worst possible situations happening.

“Hey, John, I’m sorry for not checking in this morning. I couldn’t sleep last night, so I worked out for several hours, and didn’t go to bed until after four this morning. I guess it depleted my body because I just woke up.”

“I’m glad everything is alright down there because you had us worried.”

I run my hand through my hair and sigh. “I promise it won’t happen again, but you have to realize we aren’t on a normal work life cycle down here. Sometimes, we stay up late and sleep in because there is nothing for us to do while we wait.”

“Well, that’s part of the reason I was calling so much. I’m worried about Brianna’s safety. It’s not because I don’t think you are capable. I know you are, but because the two men got on a plane this morning headed for Jacksonville.”

Fuck. That’s not good and not a coincidence at all. I had to use my card for the hotel room both times.

Now they know we are here.

“I can leave Brianna at the house and meet the men at the airport to make them think I put her on a plane.”

John doesn’t hesitate. “No. Absolutely not. I don’t want you leaving her alone. She needs more protection now than ever before. Besides, they boarded hours ago. They are probably already in Jacksonville by now.”

Fuck. Fuck. Fuck.

I shouldn’t have been so reckless and stupid. Now her life is in danger and I have no one to blame but myself.

“Keep me posted. I’ll have my phone on me at all times.”

“Same for you. Remember to shoot first and ask questions later.”

I give him a noncommittal grunt in response and get off the phone. I’m on edge and feeling a bit hungover.

Brianna and I drank way too much last night to have to wake up and deal with this shit.

Last night, though, it was all fun and games with the plan to sleep in and use the late check out I requested upon checking in.

We can still use the late check out, but as far as relaxing and taking our time getting home, that plan has gone out the window.

I head back into the bedroom, grabbing our discarded clothes on the way. Brianna is still asleep. I don’t even think she’s moved or turned over since I’ve been gone.

She looks so peaceful with her hair splayed across the pillow. I hate to wake her, but I know it’s for the best.

Grabbing my change of clothes from the duffle bag, I quickly dress and lay her clothes out on the edge of the bed before packing our clothes from yesterday.

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