Page 51 of His Sacrifice

“Neither do I,” I admitted, staring at the phone as if willing it to give us more information. “But we’ve got our orders.”

Murphy nodded, his face set in a grim expression. “Let’s hope whatever they’re doing, they come back alive and not in a casket.”

Chapter Twenty-Four

Jada

“Coffee?”

“It’s almost five o’clock,” I laughed. “I need to consume my caffeine before two o’clock, or I’ll never sleep.”

Creed shrugged. “Scone?”

I laughed and nodded. “Now you’re talking. Get me two so I can have one for breakfast. Tomorrow is my day off, and my only plans are to lay in bed.”

Creed nodded and pulled me into his arms. “Think I can join you?” he whispered.

“I was kind of counting on it. I’ve become kind of partial to the penthouse view.”

He pressed a hot kiss to my lips. It was long and passionate, his lips firm yet soft against mine, igniting a spark that spread through my entire body. His hand cradled the back of my head, pulling me closer, deepening the kiss until I felt light-headed. When he finally pulled back, his eyes were filled with need and desire.

“How about we head to the historical section?” he suggested, his voice husky.

The bell above the door dinged, and I stepped out of his arms. “Foiled by the bell,” I snickered.

“Raincheck?” he whispered.

I nodded. “Always.”

Creed walked out, and I couldn’t help but watch him, admiring his good looks. His strong, confident stride, his broad shoulders filled out his white button-down shirt, and his pants fit just right. I sighed, a content smile playing on my lips as he disappeared from view.

A group of teenagers walked into the store, their energy filling the space. They split off, some heading to the young adult section and others to the fantasy section. I tried to keep an eye on both groups, making myself available in case they had any questions.

One of the girls approached me, holding up a copy of ‘It Ends With Us.’ “Excuse me, do you have any other books by Colleen Hoover?”

“Sure do,” I said with a smile. “Follow me.”

I led her to the large display, showing her the rest of Hoover’s works. She picked out a few more, her excitement evident.

“Anything else I can help you with?” I asked.

“No, that’s it. Thanks!”

I returned to the counter, keeping an eye on the other teenagers. A few minutes later, they gathered around, their arms full of books. I checked them out, scanning each book and bagging them up.

“Is this all for today?” I asked, smiling at their enthusiastic nods.

“Yeah, we love this place,” one of the boys said. “Thanks for having all the good stuff.”

“Anytime,” I replied, handing them their bags. “Enjoy your reading!”

They left, chatting excitedly about their new purchases. The store felt quiet again, the buzz of their energy lingering in the air.

My phone beeped, pulling me from my thoughts. I picked it up, and my stomach dropped to my feet. A message from an unknown number flashed on the screen.

You made a mistake, Jada. Now it’s time to pay.

The phone fell from my hand, hitting the floor with a sharp clatter. My heart pounded in my chest, each beat echoing in my ears as terror gripped me. A scream escaped my lips before I could stop it, the sound piercing through the stillness of the bookstore.

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