Page 51 of Diamond in the Rough

“Where do I go?”

“Leave the city, stay in a hotel for a few days—”

“I don’t want to be sent away again.”

Maddox gritted his teeth. “It’s only for a few days.”

“You said you wouldn’t cut me out.”

“I’m not, I swear. I’ve kept you in the loop, but I won’t be able to stand it in here if I think you’re in danger.”

Jake sighed like a grumpy child. “Okay.”

“Get a taxi to drive you out of the city, pull into a Travelodge along the motorway, if it looks like you’re being followed, keep going. Did Carl give you the package?”

“Yeah.”

There was hesitancy in Jake’s voice, and Maddox’s heart clenched. “To protect yourself if needed.”

“I don’t think I can use it.”

“If it’s between them and you…”

Jake sighed. “I’ll mess it up. I’ll miss.”

“I know you won’t. Stay safe.”

“You too. Maddox…I—I miss you.”

“I miss you too.”

Maddox ended the call and pressed the phone onto his chest, over his heart.

“So that was him?” Ernie said.

“I thought you were sleeping.”

“I was hoping to hear some dirty content.”

“If you weren’t ancient and verging on death, I’d knock you out for that.”

“What’s his name?”

Maddox snorted. “Like I’d tell you.”

“Do you love him?”

“What the hell do you know about love?” Maddox sneered.

An uncomfortable silence grew between them, and Maddox pinched the top of his nose. “I’m sorry—”

“No, you’re right. I don’t know anything about it. That’s why I asked. Do you love him?”

Maddox pressed his lips together and didn’t answer.

Ernie laughed lightly. “I’ll take that as a yes, then.”

“It’s a word, four letters. it doesn’t mean anything.”

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