Page 37 of A First Sight

Carson made a sound like he was satisfied and turned to Maggie. “How do you feel about staying with him for a week?”

I felt her eyes on me but carefully kept my attention on Carson, not wanting to sway her in one direction or the other. And, honestly, I wasn’t entirely sure what I wanted her to say. I was torn between wanting her with me and terrified to have her that close for an indefinite time.

“I’m…it’s fine. I’m okay with it.”

Not exactly a ringing endorsement, but I’d take it.

Carson looked back at me. “I’m holding you personally responsible for her safety.”

Another man with my resources and confidence might have blown off the comment or treated it as a joke. I, however, knew that Carson meant every word and that he had the resources to back it up.

“I understand,” I said. “I’ll take care of her.”

“Standing right here.” Maggie sounded more tired than annoyed.

“Standing, but looking like you’re about to fall over,” Carson countered. He crossed the distance between them and wrapped his arms around her. “Will you please let other people help you?”

I saw her body stiffen and then relax as she nodded. My relief surprised me. I didn’t realize I was so invested in whether she would accept help. I wanted it to come from me, but if she allowed anyone at all to support her, I’d be happy.

Then a thought hit me, and I had a moment of panic. “I’ll warm up the car.”

I left before either of the McCraes could say anything, taking out my phone as I went. As soon as I settled into the driver’s seat and started the car, I placed a call to the front desk of my building. My request was odd and entirely unconventional, but Maggie stumbling into a picture of Belle in my living room wouldnotbe the best way to make her feel safe.

Fortunately, the guard on duty was Yul, a man I had known for over ten years, and he didn’t ask questions about my reasons, simply stating he would take care of my request immediately. By the time I ended the call, the car was warm, and I could go back inside to tell Maggie we could go whenever she was ready.

THIRTY

MAGGIE

I jerked upright,my heart in my throat, adrenaline racing through my body like I was about to explode.

I couldn’t see.

Everything around me was black, a darkness so thick I felt it choking me, closing in, suffocating me. I couldn’t breathe.

The bed underneath me was different, the sheets softer. I didn’t hear the faint rattle from the heating vents or snoring next to me. I smelled freshly laundered linen, not the overpowering lavender-scented fabric softener Dale had insisted I use.

Dale.

Shit.

I turned convulsively, clutching the sheets to me as if they could protect me. My entire body shook, but my mind caught up with being awake, bringing forward the knowledge I needed.

Dale wasn’t here.

I wasn’t in my bed, in my room, in my home.

I was in the penthouse of a very luxurious building, staying in the guestroom of Drake Mac Gilleain.

I leaned over, fumbling for the light on the bedside table. It took me a moment to find the switch. I blinked as my eyes adjusted, but the brief visual confirmation I wasn’t in my house was calming.

I took a relaxing breath and noticed the key next to the lamp on the nightstand. As silly as it may sound, the sight of it was comforting, and I felt my pulse slow and muscles relax more.

When we first arrived in the building, Drake introduced me to the security guards on duty, and once in his apartment, he took me to a guest room and handed me the key. The only key, he’d assured me.

Carson’s approval of him told me I could trust my instincts about Drake. I didn’t know the man well—or at all, really—but I felt safer with him than I ever had with Dale.

My chest tightened, and I climbed out of bed. I needed air. Space. A glance at my phone said it was nearly midnight, but Drake had said to make myself at home, so I unlocked the door and stepped into the dimly lit hallway leading into the library.

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