Page 77 of State of Retribution

“How many people work for you?”

“Eighteen.”

“Wow.That’s impressive.”

“I guess.I could use twice as many, but thankfully, they’re all great and get the job done.”

“You must be missing a lot being out of work.”

“Nothing they can’t handle, and I’m talking to them.Don’t worry about that.I haven’t taken time off in years.”

“Why not?”

“Nothing better to do than work.”

Her brows did that adorable furrowing thing that he was becoming addicted to.“Well, that’s not good.Your life is out of balance.”

“Seriously out of balance.”

“You should do yoga.It helps to ground and center you.”

He turned up his nose.

She laughed.“Don’t knock it until you try it.”

“If you say so.”

“I say so.I’ll take you as soon as I feel better.”

“I may give it a shot if it means I get to hang out with you.”

The small smile gave him was a reminder of the connection they’d formed before she went missing.

His phone vibrated with a text from Erica.“Erica is on the way from the airport with your parents.Are you feeling up to seeing them?”

“I… I guess so.I should comb my hair.”

“Let me help you up.”

As she gripped the hands he offered, she grimaced from the pain after being still for so long.“Ugh, everything hurts.”

He wanted to do harm to the person or people who’d done this to her.He wanted them to experience every ounce of pain and discomfort that she was feeling.“Take it slow, sweetheart.There’s no rush.”

“I hate being so feeble.”

“You’re not feeble.You’re injured.Big difference.Your body is working hard to heal, and you’ll feel like your old self again very soon.”

“I don’t know who my old self was.”

“You’ll figure that out in due time.Don’t stress about it now.Just focus on resting and healing.”

“I’m scared of seeing my parents.I don’t know why.”

“Do you want me to tell them not to come?”

“No, I don’t think so.I should probably see them.But I’m scared.”

“I’ll be right there with you, and Erica will be, too.Nothing will harm you on my watch.I promise you that.”

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