Page 89 of Bad Blood

“Everybody on our floor knows what’s going on,” I say, trying to dispel his anger. Why’s it directed at me? Does this have to do with the murders or something else?

“Fuck!” He grabs fistfuls of hair, pulling it in every direction. “Remember—keep your mouth shut.”

I nod, hoping to end this conversation by being agreeable and to get him to calm down.

“Glad we’re clear.” He leans against the wall and wraps his arms across his chest, his breaths coming out ragged and clipped.

I drop my eyes to the floor, trying to stop my lips and chin from trembling.

“No one needs to know about my personal shit. No. One. I already have the malpractice to deal with. I don’t need more questions about my personal life.” He points at me. “Don’t say anything.”

Strangled air forces itself out of my lungs as the elevator doors drift open on the fourth floor. Kline steps off, mumbling to himself as he disappears.

I freeze in wait as they slither to a close. I convince myself to drop it even though it’s not my best idea.

Breathe in. Hold it. Breathe out.

I don’t know what to do with what just happened.

But I don’t scare that easily.

25

Enemy at the Gates

Dax

Thursday, June 1 st

1:32 p.m.

It still doesn’t feel right to leave Liam for the weekend, but it’s only a couple of days, and I’m sure the time away from each other is in our best interest. To say I’ve been getting on his nerves would be an understatement.

I scoot to the side of the elevator as the doors open and more passengers get on. Two more stops before the cafeteria and Liam’s ice. The doors glide together as a female voice shouts, “Hold the elevator!”

I jam my thumb into the button, and the doors retract. A petite brunette in a white top and tight navy skirt steps onto the elevator, and my heart plunges to the pit of my stomach. But it’s too late to take back the deed.

Her dark hair falls around her shoulders, half up in a messy knot, the other half trailing down her back. She’s out of breath, and her arms are full of files and paperwork.

I’m too shocked to move.

I duck behind the group of people, hoping Dani didn’t notice me. I swear my bad decisions follow me everywhere. Shit. I don’t need this today.

She groans and mumbles about elevators and hospitals and something else I can’t make out.

I can’t breathe.

“Dax?” Her voice pulls me out of my thoughts. The Texan accent sends chills up my spine. I close my eyes and pray my eyes and ears are playing tricks on me.

A hand on my shoulder says otherwise.

Maybe if I pretend I don’t hear her, she’ll pretend I don’t exist. I need air and an area code’s distance away from her. I squeeze my eyes closed and pinch the bridge of my nose. Why me?

“What a coincidence.” Dani leans into me as the elevator lurches to a stop on the next floor, and some people slip out. I stumble into her as the exchange of passengers takes place, sending her files and all their contents across the floor.

“Well, dang it.” She bends to gather her things and stands. Her fingers sweep across my arm, and I rip my hand away. There’s a twinge in my chest, a disturbing jolt I recognize as panic.

What the hell? She knows the rules.

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