Page 53 of The Hideout

“I’ll see you in a couple of hours. I’ll probably be back by the time you’ve put some clothes on.”

“Maybe I won’t put any clothes on.” Paige lifted a shoulder, a slight smirk present on her lips. “See how I feel.”

Juliet pressed her body to Paige’s, the sheet wrapped around her the only thing stopping Juliet from slipping a hand between Paige’s thighs. “Oh, I’d look forward to that.”

“I’ll see you soon. Text me when you get to the bar.”

Juliet’s brows drew together. “Why?”

“So I know you got there safely.”

Oh, God. This was serious. Nobody ever insisted Juliet contact them when she arrived anywhere. Paige was truly adorable. “I’ll call you.” She leaned in and kissed Paige, lingering for a moment as their noses brushed. “If you need anything, I’m only on the end of the phone.”

“Go. I’ll be fine.” Paige stole a final kiss, resting against the wall as Juliet strode towards the door. “See you soon.”

“You will.”

Juliet left her apartment, rushing towards the lift before the door could close. She checked her watch. It was right on time for Mrs Faustino—who lived at the other end of the corridor—to arrive home. She didn’t make it a habit to keep an eye on everyone who lived here, but she did like to know who was coming and going on her floor. Juliet couldn’t be too careful.

Exhaling a breath as the lift took her down to the ground floor, she gathered herself, knowing that this wasn’t going to be plain sailing with Paige. While James was around, nothing would be easy.

The lift doors opened, Juliet cleared her throat, and then she made her way towards the electronic door at the entrance to the building. As she pushed it open, a man came rushing towards her. “Hold the door, please.”

Juliet looked up, recognising him immediately. She forced the heavy hydraulic door closed as quickly as she could, remaining in front of it. “Sorry. No can do.”

“What?” James’ eyes bulged, his large frame almost towering over Juliet. But she wasn’t intimidated. She’d worked with some of the worst of society. James was a pussy cat in comparison. “Why not? I’m only visiting a friend!”

“In that case, you’ll have no issue entering the correct way. By buzzing your way in.”

“I bet you’re fun at parties!” He scoffed, taking a step back. Then he removed his phone and frowned at the screen. He scrolled, eventually smiling. “I’m looking for 319.”

“319 is…empty.” How the hell did James know Paige’s apartment number?

James shook his head. “Nope. My friend is staying there. Paige.”

Friend. Huh. Considering Paige was his wife, James didn’t want Juliet to know that. That only further proved he had something to hide. “Paige,” she said. “Blonde hair? Around 30?”

“Y-yeah. That’s the one.”

“She left this morning.” Juliet remained composed as James’ features changed. He wasn’t happy; that much was clear by the way the vein in his forehead started to throb. “I only spoke to her briefly, but I bumped into her when she was moving out. Something about Scotland?”

“Scotland?”

Juliet nodded, shifting her handbag higher up her shoulder. “That’s what she told me. But I don’t know her so she really could be anywhere. All I can tell you is that she’s no longer here.”

James scratched at his beard, anger no longer present, just defeat. He puffed out a breath. “Right, well, thank you.”

“No problem. Have a nice day.” Juliet remained in front of the door when James didn’t move. “Something else?”

“Oh, no. I…need to wait for a cab.”

Juliet gently placed a hand on his elbow, guiding him away from the door. “Well, you can do that outside of the secure gates. Gates you shouldn’t have been able to access in the first place.”

“What do you care where I wait?”

“I live here. Forgive me for wanting to keep the security tight. I didn’t pay a fortune for the place so strangers could stroll around the corridors.”

Juliet knew exactly what James was up to. He was waiting until Juliet was out of sight so he could try his luck at getting inside again. Well, not today. Not on her watch.

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