Page 18 of Hunted Innocence

But I haven’t driven in months.

When my gaze flicks down to the gas gauge, I realize it’s been topped off, something I’m fairly sure I didn’t do myself.

An ease washes over me instantly.

My lips twitch into a smirk because I know who did it. It had to have been Grayson. I’m not sure how I know, just that I do, especially as I adjust my seat and mirrors. It feels comforting that he was here in my car, filled up my tank—he’s taking care of me.

Shifting the car intoReverse, I back up before turning my wheel and heading out of the parking garage. It may have been months since I’ve driven to the office, but my body has the route memorized.

It’s muscle memory because when I pull into the parking lot, in my usual spot, I have the same feeling as if I did all of this without being present. Like that isn’t one of the most dangerous things I could do.

As if I completely blacked out.

Gripping the steering wheel, I stare at the building and wonder how the hell I’m going to make it from my car to the front door without completely freaking out.

Sucking in a breath, I try to force myself out of the car, but I don’t move. It’s as if every single muscle in my body is completely frozen in place. I know that Grayson is inside and that I’m safe even right here where I sit, but I can’t move.

There is a knock on my window that causes my spine to straighten. Slowly, I turn my head, not sure what I’m going to see when I lift my eyes to the figure standing at my car door.

A scream escapes from my throat at the sight of a man standing in front of me. Except this isn’t a threat.

It’s Theron.

My direct boss.

He’s wearing sunglasses. His lips are pressed into a thin line. His arms are crossed over his chest, and his chin is dipped down. I can’t help but feel a wave of disappointment emanating from him.

Rolling down the window, I look up at him, though I don’t say anything immediately. He releases his hands, curling his fingers around my door as he leans down slightly.

“You coming inside, Nadine?” he asks.

My whole body freezes.

The intimidation vibes this man gives off cause my entire body to feel funny. I don’t know why, because I’m not attracted to him. I’m scared to death of him. I know I shouldn’t be.

I’ve known him for five years, and I know without a doubt that he would do absolutely nothing to hurt me.

But that doesn’t mean he doesn’t scare the shit out of me.

“I’m coming inside,” I whisper.

Theron’s lips twitch into a smirk. “Would love some coffee, and I’m sure Grayson would, too,” he says, his voice deep andhusky. “Nobody else makes it as good as you do. But if you tell Lucille that, I’ll deny it.”

Immediately, I lift my hands to my cheeks. I feel the heat radiating off them, and I know they’re turning bright red. Inhaling a deep breath, I hold it for a moment, then nod once before I roll my window back up.

“I’m sure Lucille’s is wonderful,” I say.

He snorts before he lets out a chuckle. “Sure, Nadine. My wife is a lot of things, but she is not a barista.”

Theron opens my car door for me, and as much as I don’t want to get out and walk across the parking lot, I gather my purse, then throw my legs over the side, placing my feet on the ground before I unfold and straighten.

The moment I step away from my car, he closes the door behind me, then turns to face the building, and starts to walk straight ahead. I follow behind him, trying to keep up with his long gait. When he stops at the door, I watch as he opens it and then steps to the side to allow me entrance.

Walking through, I stop just inside the building as I watch Theron. He closes the door, and both of us wait for the lock to click into place. Silently, we walk down the hallway together and toward the private elevator.

Once we’re in front of the doors, I reach out to touch the button and feel his fingers curl around my wrist. Slowly, I turn my head, tipping it back to look up and into his eyes.

“Theron?” I ask in a whisper.

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