Page 12 of Orlando
“Hi.”
* * * *
HI.That was the best that the man standing in front of Liam, the man who’d saved his life and who claimed they were mates, could come up with.Hi.
A giggle bubbled out of Liam’s lips.He slammed a hand against his mouth, knowing that if he didn’t, he’d sound hysterical.He didn’t want to send Orlando running, especially since he wasn’t entirely convinced that Cynthia had changed her mind about killing him.He swallowed and tried to think of something intelligent to say, but he wasn’t sure he could come up with anything.
“Are you okay?”Orlando asked.
Liam didn’t know how to answer that.Physically, he was fine, but emotionally?“Someone just tried to kill me, and I have no idea why.The man who saved my life turned out to be my mate.It’s Monday morning, and the week has just started, and I’m about to be late for work.”
Orlando cocked his head.“I’m not sure that answers my question.”
This time, the giggle did escape Liam’s lips.“I’m sorry,” he hurried to say.“It’s just a lot.Iamlate for work, though, so I should go.”
He wanted to stay with Orlando and ask him about a hundred questions, but he also needed space, and he definitely needed to keep his job.
Orlando caught Liam’s wrist before he could leave.Liam froze, wondering what was about to happen.He didn’t think Orlando wanted to hurt him, but it was clear he knew Cynthia better than anyone should know a professional killer.She’d even mentioned Orlando knowing what she had to do, which was suspicious, to say the least.
Did it mean that Orlando was a professional killer, too?Who the fuck were these people?
“I don’t think you can go to work,” Orlando said in a gentle voice, as if he was afraid that Liam would break.
He wasn’t wrong.Liam did feel like he was about to break.“What do you mean?”
“Cynthia backed off for now, but she’s right.She was given an order, and it’s her job to follow it.It’s too dangerous for you to be on your own.”
“I won’t be on my own.I’ll be at work.”
“It’s not enough.You need to be protected, and I can’t let someone who doesn’t know anything about the situation do that.It has to be me.”
Liam wanted to think that made sense, but did it?He wasn’t sure anything made sense anymore.“What do you expect me to do?I need to keep my job.I won’t be able to pay rent or buy food if I don’t.”
“Is there any way you can take time off work?”
Liam snorted.“You’ve never worked construction, have you?”
“I can’t say that I have.There has to be a way, though.I don’t want you to lose your job, but losing your life would be worse.”
Liam needed to sit down.He stumbled away from Orlando, ignoring him when he called for him to stop.He reached the closest bench and dropped onto it, relieved because his knees felt like jelly.
His day had been normal when he’d gotten up this morning.He’d fed Parsley, had eaten breakfast, and had left the apartment early so he could water his plants.When had all of it gone to shit?
“I understand you’re in shock,” Orlando said gently when he reached Liam.“But this is important.Your life is in danger.”
Orlando was right.If this was a choice between losing his job and losing his life, Liam didn’tactuallyhave a choice, did he?“I’ll call my boss.”
Orlando slowly nodded.“Are they a shifter by any chance?”
Liam frowned.“He is.You’re not going to tell him about Cynthia, are you?”
“I don’t think you should tell anyone about Cynthia, but if your boss is a shifter, he’ll understand why you need time off.Just tell him you met your mate.”
Liam blinked.He hadn’t thought of that, but he doubted anyone would blame him, considering the situation.“You think that’ll be enough?”
“I hope so.”
It wasn’t like Liam had any other option.He took out his phone and dialed his boss’ number.Thankfully, he was on friendly terms with Michael.He wasn’t sure Michael would be happy about Liam taking time off, but he’d understand.He’d been bonded to his mate for several decades, and they were still very much in love.
