Page 87 of Hot for Hostage

“Thank you,” I whispered as he sent off a text. This definitely wasn’t one of my finest moments. “I’m sorry. I swear I’m not usually so emotional, but the stress of this whole hostage thing must be getting to me. The life of crime takes a toll, as I’m sure you know.”

Vince looked up from his phone and stared at me for a long beat.

“Uh, yeah. Don’t worry about it,” he said slowly, stepping back into the hallway. “There’s a store down the road. Shane is heading there now. Why don’t you just try to relax until Davian finishes with Seb? Take a bath or something. I’ll make sure a bowl of mint chocolate chip is here by the time you finish.”

Surprisingly, his pitiful attempt at sounding comforting made me feel a little better.

“That’s very kind of you. Thanks.” I dropped my hand from the door, embarrassed by my near meltdown. “I take back most of the mean things I thought about you while you were dragging me here.”

Not all of them, but the especially nasty ones like how I wished he’d lose all his taste buds so he could never enjoy good buttercream icing again. I wouldn’t usually wish that on my worst enemy.

“Don’t mention it.” He inched back like he wanted to be anywhere but here. I didn’t blame him. “Just hang out here until Davian shows up.”

I popped my head out the doorway after him. There was one more thing I needed to say.

“Vince?” I called softly to his back. He pulled to a stop, looking back at me, and I wet my lips. “I really am sorry I took your gun.”

He snorted, and his lips flirted with the beginnings of a smile.

“Water under the bridge.” He paused. “I’m sorry it didn’t work out with Reed.”

He said it like things already hadn’t worked out, which gave me pause. Was it over before we even had a chance to start?

Maybe I was fooling myself.

But Vince was the last person who’d be sorry about it, and I rolled my eyes even as a reluctant smile tugged at my lips. “No you’re not.”

His wide shoulders rose in a shrug. “Guilty. But you’re sweet, and sweet is a weakness in this life. Davian doesn’t need weaknesses.”

My smile faded. Antonio had said the same thing. “You’re such a jerk.”

“Did you expect me to be anything else?” He arched a brow. “I’ve got to check on something, but want me to bring the dog back inside?”

The question pulled at my heartstrings, and I had to fight down the urge to shout yes. Even though I wanted Bear’s cuddles more than anything, it’d be selfish of me.

“No thank you.” I dropped my gaze to the spotless hardwood floor. No matter how much I craved comfort, Bear was better off having fun with his new squirrel friend. “I don’t want him to see me like this.”

“…Right,” Vince said before taking off down the stairs like he couldn’t leave fast enough.

I sighed and slipped back into Davian’s room. The moment the door clicked shut, I wanted to yank it back open. I’d never been very good at sitting around and waiting. It made my skin itchy.

And now, I felt… lost.

One thing I knew for certain was my welcome at Davian’s compound wasn’t feeling so warm anymore.

I wanted to be back at Happy Tails Haven with the dogs, who didn’t care how strong I was.

Back with my friends, who would never call me a distraction.

I wanted to gohome.

A soft buzzing sounded from the dresser, and I padded over to where my phone was charging. It vibrated with an incoming call, and the weight pushing down on my chest eased at the familiar name that flashed across the screen.

Gladys.

phone-a-friend

. . .

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