Page 143 of Desperate Actions

Heat creeps up my neck, my pulse kicking up.

He heard something.

I know he did. I swallow hard.

And I wait.

Chapter 32-Sammy

I’m mad.

Really fucking mad.

The anger sits deep in my bones, simmering beneath my skin like a slow-burning fire.

I glare at my phone, jaw clenched so tight my teeth ache.

Aella refused my calls.

Ignored me.

And when she finally responded?

She dismissed me with a goddamn text.

It shouldn’t bother me as much as it does.

But it does.

Because I know she’s pissed. I know she’s hurt.

And I know it’s my fault.

I could’ve handled this better. Should’ve told her more. Should’ve explained something, even if it wasn’t the whole truth.

But I didn’t.

Because I can’t—not yet.

I need to be sure before I drag her into the middle of something she has no business being involved in. It’s my duty to protect her, and I fucking will. With my life, if needs be.

Still, the knowledge that I’ve upset her doesn’t sit right.

She’s at home right now, probably pacing the floors of the house I built for her, arms crossed, lip caught between her teeth, fuming because she doesn’t understand what the fuck is happening.

And the worst part?

I want to fix it.

I want to get in the car, drive home, take her in my arms, and tell her every fucking thing.

But I can’t.

Not yet.

Not until I know what we’re dealing with.

So instead of doing the one thing I really want to do, I pull my shit together, shove my frustration down deep, and focus on the mission at hand.

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