Page 59 of I'm Not in Love (I Promise)

“No way. It’s not safe for either of you,” I say. Jasper chimes in his agreement beside me.

“What’s going on? Why wouldn’t it be safe at Brennan’s?” Falin asks.

Blake answers before any of us have the chance to. “There’s these people, bad people, who might be after me. They left a stack of photos outside my door the other day.”

Falin’s tone grows solemn. “Why the hell would people be after you?”

Blake meets my gaze and I nod. “They’re targeting her because of us. This group must have figured out that Blake and Iwere growing close, so they’re trying to intimidate us, but don’t worry, nothing will happen to either of you.”

“Do I want to ask why they’re after you guys?” Falin doesn’t beat around the bush. I like that in a person.

Leon nods my way and Jasper says, “Tell them.”

“I can’t tell you everything, not here, but long story short… Jasper’s sister, Bailey, was taken about a year ago. She was out with some friends and left for the night but never made it home. Once the police did everything they could, which was absolutely nothing, we left school and now we spend our days trying to find her.” I pull my hand through my hair and release a breath. It’s been a while since I’ve talked about Bailey, not unless I was pulling information from someone strapped to a chair with my gun to their temple.

Blake squeezes my hand and murmurs an apology. This is news to her as well. I let her in on aspects of what we do, but not the full story.

“Let me guess… Your methods aren’t exactly on the up and up?” Falin asks.

“It’s nothing you need to worry about,” Leon answers. “We have everything under control and we’re closer to finding her than we’ve ever been.”

Falin locks eyes with Blake, conveying messages silently. “I’m sorry for your loss. I can’t imagine how difficult it must be. If Blake’s good with it, I don’t mind staying at your place.”

The tension in my chest lessens and I rub circles with my thumb over Blake’s thigh. “What do you think?”

“If we can steal your room then I’m good,” she says with a smile. “And you guys gotta give us some space to breathe. I have a long weekend off from classes and my best friend is here. This might be the only chance I get to enjoy myself until the holiday break. Even then I’ll be studying.”

The server drops our plates in front of us one by one and we thank her before digging in. Falin takes a sip of soda between bites and says, “That’s why I’m here. All work and no play makes Blakey a dull girl.”

“The Shining. I love that one,” I say.

“I preferA Nightmare on Elm Street,” Blake adds, winking at me.

I smirk at her. “Keep it up. One of these days, you’re going to regret saying that.”

“Why do I feel like we’re talking about more than movies?” Jasper says, darting his eyes between us.

“No reason,” Blake says as she tucks a strand of hair behind her ear. She’s too damn cute and she knows it.

Falin watches our exchange with a grin. “This weekend is going to be so much fun.”

My arm isslung around Blake’s shoulder as we head out to our cars. The hardest part of my days are being apart from her, but I know she wants to settle in with Falin, and we have some shit to do.

“We have to check on a few things. Go right to the apartment and lock up when you get there.” Wrapping my palm around the back of her neck, I bring her in for a kiss. “Be good and if you see anything at all or even get a weird feeling, call me.”

I walk them to Blake’s car and open up my app that detects GPS trackers, releasing a breath when I find her car clear, with the exception of my own device. I’ve been checking it multiple times a day. Can’t be too careful. Once I buckle her in safely and watch them pull away, I turn to the guys.

“One of you can drive. I’m too fucking anxious.” My sweaty palms would slide off the steering wheel.

“Fuck, you never let us drive your car. You wanna talk about it?” Jasper asks. I toss him the keys and he hops in the driver’s side. Leon climbs in the backseat and I sit passenger.

“Blake will be okay,” Leon says. “I have cameras all over the place. I’ll get alerts if a leaf falls within their boundaries.” He pats my shoulder but I shrug him off.

“I’m fine. Let’s just go and get this over with.” Leon shakes his head and leans back in his seat. I know I sound like a dick. Like finding Bailey isn’t important to me anymore. And fuck, maybe that’s partly true. It’s been over a year of this and I’m worn the fuck out. Blake’s brought me back to life and there’s no way in hell I’ll lose her. Not for Bailey, or anyone. If that makes me a shitty friend then I don’t care.

The rest of the car ride to Blake’s house is silent, each of us stewing on our own thoughts. We hop out and start a perimeter check, although everything looks clear from the driveway. I pay extra attention to Blake’s bedroom window, testing it to make sure it’s still secure.

“Is Ray meeting us here?” I ask Leon. He texted us earlier saying he has an update.

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