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The man blew out a breath. “Okay, okay. I’ll be in touch.”

Through the glass, I watched Frankie fiddle with a small radio. I couldn’t hear the music out here, but as she worked, she swayed her hips.

My jaw tightened.

I’d keep her safe. Whoever these assholes were, they’d picked the wrong scientist and the wrong project to target.

I’d protect her.

And no longer just because she was Jack’s sister.

That bit worried me the most. I didn’t need a woman. Love was too risky and messy, and not something I wanted to go near. I had my family, and that was all I needed.

I’d grown up without love, and I sure as hell didn’t need it now.

16

FRANKIE

Oh, God.

My heart sank as I stepped into my rental house.

My once cute little home was a mess.

Furniture was tipped over, and things were scattered and broken. The boxes I hadn’t gotten to yet were unpacked now…all over the floor. My gut was heavy as I picked up a glass figurine. It had once been a cute monkey. It had been a gift from Jack. He called me monkey, and I pretended to hate it, but I secretly loved it.

I set the broken monkey on the shelf. I picked up other things, fighting back sadness and anger.

“You okay?”

I glanced at Reath. “No. I hadn’t finished unpacking, but this place was already becoming my little sanctuary. Now it’s been invaded and desecrated.” I spun and put my hands on my hips. “I want another go at that asshole.”

“I have a team coming to clean up.”

I arched a brow. “You have a lot of men who jump when you order.”

“I own a security company. It’s my job.”

I wandered through the room a bit more, unable to focus on any one thing. I spotted something glinting on the floor, and with a gasp, I snatched it up.

It wasn’t broken. I clasped the pin to my chest.

“What’s that?” Reath asked.

I held up the small enamel pin. It was a winking monkey in a lab coat.

He raised an eyebrow.

“It’s from Jack. He calls me monkey. I usually wear it on my lab coat.” I slipped it into my pocket. “It’s my lucky pin.”

“I’m glad it’s not damaged. Now, go and pack a bag. Clothes, makeup, whatever stuff you need.”

With a nod, I headed for the bedroom. It was even worse than in the living room. I pressed my palms to my cheeks and took a few deep breaths. The mess continued and the mattress was askew on my bed. All my clothes had been manhandled, and I hated it.

I found a bag and grabbed some clothes from my closet. Nothing was hanging neatly anymore. I folded things and stuck them in the bag.

I really wanted to hit someone. My hands were shaking.

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