Page 23 of Such A Bad Girl

“I just don’t know what you want me to do. I’m sure it’s nothing.” He ran a hand through his long dark hair. He looked sexy as fuck. But his words and attitude did nothing but turn me off. For the millionth time, I pushed away my intense attraction to Theo, reminding myself what a jerk he could be.

“But, seriously,” he went on. “You really shouldn’t be out in public without your security team. West would be so pissed if he knew. It’s not safe.”

“The temple is a private place. I’m not worried. But, come on, Theo - is that all that you’re worried about? West finding out I’m alone?” I gave him a knowing look. “There’s a lot more West could find out about.”

“No, that’s not all I’m worried about. I’m worried about your safety. I’m not worried about the texts. There are a lot of crazy people out there, and when you’re you, you have to be diligent about your fucking safety.”

“How can you not be worried about the texts?” I hissed.

“What are they asking for? Nothing, right? They’re just baiting you.”

“Us, Theo. They’re baiting us. You were there, too,” I reminded him. “You’re sure you didn’t tell anyone?”

“Of course not! I already told you that. I would never lie to you about that. Who the fuck would I tell? Jesus Christ, how stupid do you think I am?”

I could tell he was telling the truth. Plus, I really did trust him.

He might drive me wildly crazy, but I trusted that man with my life.

That’s why this didn’t make any sense. The texts, his indifference, all of it.

He shook his head, running a hand through his hair again, leaving it a damp and tousled mess and looking even sexier than it had before.

“Do you think I should reply?”

“Seriously?”

I nodded, firmly. One last easy question and then I could kick him out of my car and breathe freely again.

“And say what?”

“I don’t know. That’s why I called you out here. To help me think.” My eyes darted down to his lush lips again, remembering the feel of them on my skin. It felt like a dream, so fleeting.

“Okay, Ev. My opinion is that you should do absolutely nothing. At least, not right now. If they send another message, we can reconsider. Just keep me posted. And try not to stress too much. Relax.”

I sighed, slowly nodding. “I have gotten other messages but nothing that referred to Austin like this. But I won’t reply.”

“Okay, good,” he said, his stern expression replaced with a quick flash of concern. “And please, be fucking safe. I can’t believe you haven’t been spotted yet. You know how the public swarms you.”

“Fine, I’ll put my wig and glasses on before I get back on the road.”

“Thank you,” he said, his voice soft and low in the quiet car.

His gaze lingered on my face for a moment and I knew we were both thinking the same thing. We tried so hard not to be alone together. And this tension flaring between us was why.

Without uttering another word, he opened the door and slid out of the car. The heavy thud of the closing door echoed through my chest like an unanswered call. Flushed with the simultaneous sensation of breath filling my lungs, and loneliness filling my heart, his absence lingered in the air.

I don’t know why I thought I’d find comfort in Theo. I should have known better. All he’d ever done was push me away.

It was all bullshit.

It was clear I was on my own here with the texts.

With a heavy sigh, I texted my bodyguard to let him know I was on my way to the studio. Then I put my car into gear and drove off, trying to convince myself that my decision to not reply to the threatening text was mine and mine alone.

And not because Theo was telling me what to do.

I hated being told what to do.

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