Page 60 of Diamonds & Deception

“Not now, Nora. We’ll talk, but not now. You experienced incredible trauma today. Let’s focus on getting you emotionally stable before we...”

He rubs his hand on the back of his neck then hands me the two other bags.

“Clothes, toiletries. I had to guess your sizes. If there’s anything specific you’d like or a different size, let me know.”

“You didn’t need to do this. These are fine for now.” I pull at the big sweatshirt that hangs to mid-thigh. “I’ll pack up the rest of my things tomorrow.”

Again, Drake opens his mouth to respond and then closes it. I have a feeling I won’t be allowed in Lenora’s apartment for a few days. Hence the shopping trip.

I don’t want to hang out with Drake, but I don’t want to go back to my room without Daisy. I sit at the edge of the couch and wait. When I hear the door open and her little paws click-clack on the hardwood floor, I stand.

“Thank you for taking her out,” I say to Nolan.

He gives me a curt nod without looking at me, then leaves.

“Thank you for everything, Drake. I’m going to try to get some sleep.” I tap my leg and Daisy follows me down the hall.

Sleep doesn’t come, but at least I feel safe in Drake’s apartment. Safe from who or what, I don’t know. Those are questions I’ll need answers to in the morning.

CHAPTER TWELVE

Idon’t sleep welland am thankful for Daisy’s company. The time on the bedside clock reads six twenty-two, and Daisy licks my face and presses her paws into my bladder.

“Gah. Easy, girl. I’m guessing you need to pee as well.” I roll out of bed and take care of business, brush my teeth, and wrap my hair in a messy bun.

I slept in Drake’s boxers and T-shirt and will need to wear more than that to take her for a walk. I rummage through the bag and find jeans, leggings, T-shirts, sweatshirts, socks, two bras, and underwear.

Part of me is embarrassed to have someone else do the shopping for me. Mostly, I’m grateful. The other bag has an assortment of makeup. I don’t wear much unless going out. Mascara and lip balm are my standard go-to.

I dress in leggings and a sweatshirt and lace up my sneakers. “Come on, girl.” Daisy trots ahead of me, and I see her tail wag before she cuts to the left to go into the kitchen.

Drake is at the stove with his back to me. He’s wearing joggers that hug his ass to perfection and a shirt that molds to his torso. I’m not sure if he’s coming or going to a workout. I can’t see what he’s making, but it smells delicious. Hazelnut coffee, vanilla, and brown sugar permeate the air.

“Oh, hey Daisy girl.” He sets the spatula down and rubs Daisy behind the ears. “Ready to go out?”

“I’m going to bring her around the block and down to the park.”

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