Page 18 of This Much Is True
I huff. “Yes. I can’t deal with him right now. He’s going to be pissed and try to get me back with Tom because Tom got him in on that golf course deal in San Diego.”
“Got ya. I’ll tell him you’re safe, and that’s all he’s getting for now. Sound good?”
“Perfect.”
“I hope you don’t mind, but I checked in with your security team when news broke this afternoon,” she says. “It’s not my place, and if I overstepped, I apologize. I wanted to know you were safe.”
I smile. “That’s fine. Thank you for caring.”
“Of course. I will let you know that Landry Security is keeping two men in town just in case you need them. They asked me to tell you that if we talked. Apparently, they know where you are and are giving you space, but they’re close by.”
I can’t stop the sniffle. The bridge of my nose burns nearly as hot as my chest. Knowing that these people care about me, even if they are on my payroll, means a whole heck of a lot—especially right now.
“We have your back, Laina. The Mason Music team is battling for you right now. Coy heard the news and called me right away to make sure we were doing everything we can to protect you. Everyone but Boone,” she says, her voice rising. “Get out of my candy jar. I mean it.”
I snort, imagining Boone Mason driving Anjelica crazy per usual.
The Mason Music staff is nothing short of amazing. They feel closer than business associates to me much of the time. Even the CEO, Coy Mason, and his brother, Boone, reach out personally from time to time. Choosing to work with Anjelica was the best decision I’ve made in my career.
“Thank you, Anjelica. I appreciate you so much.”
“That’s what I’m here for. Now go and try to get some rest.”
At the mention of sleep, a yawn slips past my lips. I stretch over my head and enjoy the pull through my back.
“Don’t forget to call me,” she says. “I have to go. Talk soon.”
“Goodbye.”
I end the call and place the receiver on the bedside table. My dress is still on the floor, and the washcloth is still in the shower.But this bed is so soft.
I lie back, intending to close my eyes for a few minutes. The next thing I know, I’m drifting off into a peaceful slumber.
Chapter Six
Laina
A voice inside my head tells me to wake up. It grows louder, working its way into my dream until I finally crack open my eyes.
Where the heck am I?
Pale yellow walls. A navy comforter covering my legs. A television too big to be practical mounted on the wall across from the bed.
Luke’s.
My cheek is stuck to the pillowcase by my slobber as I try to sit up. The day’s events come rolling through my mind, ruining the beautiful moments of post-slumber bliss. A twinge of a headache licks behind my temple.
What time is it?
The sky outside the window is orange and purple. Luke’s house is completely still. A clock on the bedside table reads mid-evening. I’ve been asleep forthree hours.
I spring to my feet and step over my dress, working to regather my hair into the rubber band. The strands are smashed against the side of my head from where I slept on them. Withouta mirror, I can tell that the top is a rat’s nest of epic proportions. I should make a pit stop in the bathroom and get myself put together, but my feet march through the hallway and down the half flight of stairs to find Luke.
“There you are,” he says, leaning against a kitchen cabinet. “I thought you might sleep all night.”
I yawn, my shoulders drooping. “I didn’t realize how tired I was.”
His gaze draws the length of my body. His lips twitch as his gaze finds mine once again. “I see you found your way through my closet.”
