Page 17 of The Heart You've Borrowed

“Both I guess. When Jett comes I want to be prepared.” She sighs.

“He isn’t going to hurt you ever again Charlie.”

“You don’t know that, and you don’t know him anymore Lio. He isn’t the same man that you were best friends with. He’s different now and I wouldn’t put it past him to kill me next time.” She pulls her legs to her chest.

“I want you to know that I will do whatever I have to to protect you. I won’t let him lay another hand on you. But yes I can teach you some stuff. We can go tomorrow after work if you want, there’s a gym I go to down the road. Brad is a cool guy and can teach you anything you want to know.”

“Thanks. I know you will do whatever you can to protect me but you can’t be with me twenty-four-seven. If he does come he would have it planned, wait until I’m alone, and then strike. I know him, I know how he thinks and how he plans things. It scares me that I haven’t heard anything from him since we left. I’m hoping it’s because he is giving up but a part of me knows it’s foolish to think like that.” She leans her head back and lets out a breath.

“I know, and I hate that you have to live in that fear. I wish he would just get the hint and move on and leave you the fuck alone. But you’re right, I don’t know him anymore. I don’t know what he’s thinking or what he might be planning to do. I can install cameras around the shop too if you want. Jackson doesn’t know the full story but he knows enough. I showed him a photo of Jett so if he ever comes asking about you Jackson knows how to handle it.” I placed my hand on her knee, squeezing it.

“Thank you.” She whispers, not opening her eyes.

“I better head out. You had a long day so I’ll leave you to it. I’ll see you in the morning, silly girl.” I leaned over and kissed her temple.

“See you in the morning Lio.” She turned to smile at me.

I make my way down to my office and sit at my desk. I hate that she has to live like this, scared of what could happen. But she is right. We don’t know what Jett has planned. We don’t know if he will be able to track her down or if he will try to bring her back. I don’t know what he is capable of anymore. He is a different man from what I knew. He is dangerous and I will die protecting Charlie. He won’t win this time.

Chapter Thirteen

Charlie

The week flies by and by Friday afternoon I am exhausted. I text Lio to let him know I’m skipping the gym tonight. All I want to do is take a hot bubble bath and eat my weight in junk food while binge watching TV. He texts back immediately that it’s cool and I lock up my office. I head to the truck to make a quick stop at the liquor store for a bottle of wine.

For the last two days, I can’t help but feel like someone is watching me. I can’t explain it but I know someone is watching me. I rarely leave the apartment or shop but whenever I do I get this weird sense. I think my gut is trying to tell me to be careful. Luckily the liquor store is down the street and I get there in just a few minutes. I run in and grab my favorite wine and pay the cashier. When I leave I see a strange man by the truck. I look around the parking lot and don’t see any other cars there. Did he walk here? Why is he next to my truck? I grab the keys out of my purse and fist them between my fingers just in case.

“Is this your truck ma’am?” He smiles at me.

“Maybe.” I eye him cautiously.

“Do you have a card? I’ve been looking for a new company to place my business with.” He smiles again. I don’t trust him, something is off about him. I dig in my purse for one of Lio’s cards.

“Here is my boss’s card. All the info is on there.” I flash him a fake smile.

“Thank you, ma’am.” He tips his chin at me and starts to walk away. He doesn’t go to a car, instead, he walks around the corner. Weird. I jump into the truck and call Lio.

“Hey.” He answers the phone.

“Hey.” I breathe a sigh of relief.

“You good?”

“No, well yeah I guess. I don’t know. Something weird just happened.”

“What’s going on Charlie?”

“This man was standing by the truck when I left the liquor store. He asked for a business card. I don’t know why it felt weird but it did.” I shake my head, hearing how silly I sound.

“What was weird about him?” He asks.

“He didn’t drive here, there were no other cars in the parking lot. I was inside for maybe four minutes and when I came out he was looking into the truck and asked for a card right away when I got close. He was dressed nice, like a suit and tie nice and yet he didn’t drive there? Was he just walking by and saw the truck? I don’t know, but something felt off Lio.”

“I believe you. Just get back to the shop and I’ll get the cameras installed this weekend. Stay on the phone with me until you get back okay?” He sighed.

“I will.” I took a deep breath and put the truck in drive. It only takes me a few minutes to get back and once I park I rush inside. I take a quick glance around the parking lot and I don’t see anyone so I don’t think the man followed me. Once inside I hang up with Lio telling him that I am going to take a bath and that I will call him later. I get my bath ready and grab the bottle of wine. I pour myself a glass and bring it into the bathroom. I slowly sink my body into the hot water. This was exactly what I needed after what just happened. I put in my headphones and hit play on my playlist.

The one thing I love about music is that it can take you from your crappy life and transport you somewhere else. I lay in the bath for a good twenty minutes before I told myself only five more minutes until I should get out.

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