Page 45 of The Lair

“Icare, Allie, because I lost both of my parents to the same kind of shit they do in that area.”

My heart plummets to my feet.

I open my mouth once, twice, to say something, but only his name comes out. And it’s so faint, I don’t even think he’s heard it.

He’s not looking at me. Those eyes that have captured my attention far too many times are now glued somewhere behind me. The space between us seems to stretch with every passing second.

He ends up breaking the silence. “I didn’t mean to raise my voice at you or be an ass. I’m sorry.”

“It’s okay,” I concede.

“No, it’s not. I shouldn’t have treated you like that.”

“We’re both agitated. Let’s… let’s just forget it.”

He doesn’t say anything to that. Instead, he asks, his voice gentler, “Why are you living there?”

“Well, first of all, I didn’t know it was a sketchy area. I never saw or heard anything. Not even on the news.” It’s the truth. There’s a weird atmosphere to my building’s surroundings, sure, since it’s pretty much deserted with no local shops or tourist attractions, but I’ve never felt in danger until last night. “And there are barely any apartments for rent here, but Charlie is going to ask someone he knows. I may be able to move out soon.”

He gives me a slow nod. “Okay. I’ll ask around too.”

Once the tension of our fight leaves me, I ask him something I maybe shouldn’t. But it’s been eating at me since it happened, and I can’t take it anymore. Plus, there’s something about Travis that makes me feel safe and listened to. If I asked him for help, I know he’d say yes.

“Do you think it’s possible for someone to open a car window from the outside without breaking the glass or damaging the rest of the car?”

He blinks. Then blinks again.

“Why do you want to know?” he asks, slowly.

I try not to wince. “Last night, I found one of my car windows open. But nothing was stolen or vandalized, so maybe I accidentally left it like that. I don’t know.”

“Someone broke into your car.”

It’s not a question.

“Maybe not.”

But I’m not sure.

“You should’ve called me right away,” he grunts. “Allie, this is some serious shit.”

“No, it’s… it’s just in my head. I must have left it down and don’t remember. I promise I’m fine. I don’t feel in danger.”

Most of the time. The possibility of my apartment being broken into haunts me. Not because I have anything of value they could steal, but because I was finally starting to feel safe in my environment. If someone ruins that…

They won’t. I’m safe. I’m fine.

“Not feeling in danger and not being in danger are two very different things,” Travis says, that worried notch between his brows still in place.

He has no idea how well I know that.

“I’m walking you to your car every night from now on. Not up for discussion,” he declares, and I find myself not wanting to fight him on it.

After a few moments of silence, I know the conversation is over. I also know I have to move out, and I will. But for now, the only thing I can do is go back to the front and earn the paycheck that will allow me to find somewhere else to live.

Maneuvering around his huge body, I reach the door of the changing room. Before I leave, I glance at my boss over my shoulder. “I’m really sorry about your parents, Travis.”

I wasn’t expecting a response, and I don’t get one. He gets nothing else from me, either, before I go back to work.

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