Page 70 of Sacrifice (Corrupt Empire 2)

“I have to take this. Just let me know when he decides to put you to better use.”

John gave me a nod. I got out of the car and answered the phone.

“Princess, you on your way home?”

“Someone is following us,” she said, her voice sounding panicked.

“What?”

“Davis thinks someone is following us. I don’t know what to do. I’m scared.”

I started walking towards my car. I needed to get to her as soon as possible.

“What does the car look like?”

“It’s a Range Rover, tinted windows from what we can make out.”

She rattled off the number plate for me. It could be anyone. I didn’t have time to search for the plate. I walked faster, needing to get back to my car and on the road.

“You can’t go back to yours and you certainly can’t go to mine.”

Where could she go? I wasn’t about to send her off to one of her family members where I couldn’t get to her. It hit me. There was somewhere, but it also meant an extremely awkward situation for the three of us. I didn’t see another option.

“Tell Davis to take you to James’. Call him and tell him to wait outside the building for you, okay, princess?”

“Are you sure that’s a good idea?”

“It’s the only idea I have right now. I’ll meet you there.”

She was silent for a long moment.

“Okay. Please be quick. I don’t feel safe without you.”

Her words were like a fucking dropkick to the heart. Not being there to protect her, keep her safe, that was the absolute fucking worst. The fear in her voice. The need. All of it ruined me. I hated this fucking situation we were in. Despised us being apart. It had been so much easier when I knew she was safe in my flat and no one knew where she was. Except keeping her there wasn’t fair on Avery.

“I know, princess. I’m getting in the car now, okay? I love you. Call James.”

“I love you too.”

She hung up. I reached the car, ripping open the door and getting in. I revved the engine as I pulled out. I had no idea how far she was from James’ but I had to get there as soon as I possibly could.

Why the fuck would someone be following her? I knew there were some crazies out there, but this took the fucking piss. I didn’t think it was the Shaws because Tristan and Frazier wouldn’t be that stupid. Could it be the paparazzi?

I almost growled. This whole thing set me on edge. All I could think about was getting to her. Holding her. Keeping her safe. That was my fucking responsibility. I had to do everything in my power to make sure my girl wasn’t in harm’s way.

I drove like the fucking devil despite the traffic. I screeched into a car park nearby and set off at a jog, checking my phone. She hadn’t messaged me. It concerned me. I didn’t have time for this. I got into his street and eyed the road. There didn’t seem to be anyone stopped near his building or any suspicious looking cars or people about.

I reached the building and pressed the number for James’ flat. A moment later, the door buzzed. I ripped it open and slammed it shut behind me just in case someone tried to get in. I didn’t wait for the lift. I jogged up the stairs and was knocking on his door two minutes later.

The door cracked open, James eyed me warily before closing it and taking it off the latch.

“Where is she?” I asked, barging into his flat.

I hadn’t been here before, but I didn’t care about that.

“Aiden?” Avery’s voice filtered through from a room next to the hallway.

I strode towards the sound and found her in the living room. Her doe eyes filled with tears. She rushed over to me, burying herself in my chest. I stroked her hair and kissed the top of her head.

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