Page 87 of Love & Betrayal

“I need to talk to Sutton, then we’re leaving,” I said, hoping she wouldn’t argue with me.

“What?”

“I’ll ask Sutton for a few extra shirts and shorts for you. So, whatever belongings you have, get them together.” I kissed her knuckles, then left her alone.

I hurried down the hall, my thoughts whirling like an F5 tornado.

Entering the kitchen, I saw Jaxon eating dinner at the small table. “Sutton.” I took my friend’s hand and dragged her to the back of the room, where I noticed the pantry. I flung the door open, poked my head in, and realized we would fit. I pulled her in, then secured the entrance.

Sutton looked at me like I’d lost my fucking mind. I had.

I gently gripped her shoulders. “Please, I’m begging you. Did Giselle talk to you about leaving me?”

Sutton’s worried gaze met mine. “Zayne, I love you, but you’re acting like we’re in high school and not grown-ass adults.”

“I know, but she’s behaving weird and if … if she’s going to leave me, I need to prepare myself.” I released Sutton and scrubbed my hands over my face. “I love her, Sutton. I’m in deep, and all I want to do is take her to my home and keep her safe.”

“Then do it, Zayne. For the record, all she asked was if it was worth being with Pierce knowing that he had a dangerous job. I’m paraphrasing, but that was the gist. I told her yeah, but that I also worked with you guys, so my situation was a bit different. She didn’t say anything else.”

“Okay.” I folded my arms over my chest, feeling like an absolute idiot for talking to one of my best friends in the fucking pantry about the girl I loved with all my heart.

“But I don’t think Giselle is acting differently because of you. I can’t swear to that, but there are some other factors contributing to her stress. Go get her, take her to your place for a few days, and let her figure some things out.”

I massaged the back of my neck. “She needs more clothes.”

“I have plenty of shirts and shorts. I’ll get some for her.” Sutton planted her hands on her hips. “I recognize this is difficult for you, but if Giselle sticks around, she needs to realize that she can trust both of us and that means I can’t betray her confidence any more than I could yours.”

I blew out a breath. “I know. It’s just got me fucked up.”

“Then go talk to her and stop wasting time with me in the pantry.” Sutton shook her head, grinning.

“Thanks.” I leaned down and gave her a peck on the cheek. “By the way, Pierce hates being away from you while you’re pregnant.”

Sutton rubbed her belly. “Me, too. But it’s only for a few more days until we can meet up.”

Over the next fifteen minutes, Giselle gathered some toiletries and clothes from Sutton. My duffle bag was already in the car’s trunk with everything I needed. Jaxon had agreed to ride in the van with Sutton and the girls to their new safehouse, then bring Sutton back to Spokane after the girls reconnected with their families or met their foster parents.

Giselle hugged Sutton goodbye and followed me to the Mercedes, where I opened the door for her and she climbed into the front passenger seat. I nearly chuckled, thinking about the first time she had ridden with me and had hopped into the backseat instead.

As soon as I climbed into the driver’s side, I started the engine and turned on our playlist. “Lost Without You” by Ruby Ibarra and Nick Isham played softly. I took her hand and kissed her palm before I shifted into drive, and we headed out.

“Is this your car?” Giselle asked.

“No. Mine is in the shop back home. All of the devices have been removed, though. No more worrying about it.”No more worrying about Donovan and Ander, either.

“Where are we going?” She traced little circles on her thigh with her fingertip.

“My place.” That got her attention.

“You’re taking me to your house?” Her voice held a hint of excitement.

“Yeah. We’re about an hour away, so it’s not too far.” I glanced at the clock on the dashboard. “We should be there by midnight.”

“Iris” by the Goo Goo Dolls played as she leaned back in her seat and stared out the window. Whatever was going on with her was big, but hopefully, the good news about Donovan would help put her at ease. I’d asked Sutton not to say anything until I came back and could explain everything at once. Otherwise, it could have left Giselle with even more questions, and that would be frustrating as hell for her. If possible, I wanted to protect her from any additional turmoil.

“I have some things to tell you, Giselle. I just didn’t want an audience when I did.”

“Tell me what?”

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