Page 130 of Vengeful Guard

“I don’t know, Paige.”

“Just come, please.” Her voice trembles. “I’ll make sure no one does anything stupid.”

My job’s to protect Paige, regardless if I’m being paid for it or not. My need to protect her has exponentially grown since I fell for her.

“Sorry, man.” I jump to my feet, throwing cash down on the table to pay for the drinks. “Gotta bail.”

Cillian frowns up at me. “What’s wrong?”

“Paige needs me.”

I know what my heart wants—Paige. And anything she needs, I’ll do, so I rush outside, getting into my car and starting it up. “I’m coming for you, sweetheart.”

As soon as I get to the house, I text Paige: I’m here.

No response. No movement at the front door or inside.

Weird.

I get out of the car and knock on the door. After the way I left, I have no idea what is waiting for me on the other side even if Paige is in there waiting for me.

Jimmy opens the door. “Hey, man. Long time no see.”

“Hey, have you seen Paige? She told me to meet her here?”

He shakes his head. “That’s quite the little hellion right there.”

I frown at him. “What are you talking about?”

“You said she called you here?”

I nod. “What’s wrong.”

“I guess she grew tired of waiting, because she pulled a disappearing act like five minutes ago.”

My fists clench on my sides, my throat wanting to close. “She did what?”

“Yeah. I have no idea how she did it, but she was able to leave the premises without anyone being the wisest.”

Feck, feck, feck.

“Do you have anyone on her? Is she safe?”

“Last I heard, they had caught up to her car and were following her to the hospital. That’s all I know, man.”

I take my phone out of my pocket.

I’m going to kill her. Why couldn’t she wait five more minutes?

I dial her number, and it rings. And rings. And rings. Voicemail.

Feck.

I dial again. Same result.

I dial five times.

No answer.

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