Page 27 of Billionaire Unreachable: Wyatt

He nodded. “They broke it just enough to unlock it and get the window up enough to enter. I can understand why they came in this way. It’s the best entry point since it’s dark and further away from the other apartments. It’s also ground level, an end unit, and pretty low to the ground. It wasn’t difficult for someone to get in and out this way without being seen. Your front door faces the street. That would be a lot more noticeable to anyone passing by, and suspicious to other renters coming home or leaving. Were any of the lights on inside the apartment?”

“Just a small kitchen light that I leave on so I can see once I get inside at night,” I answered. “Do you think they knew no one was here?”

Wyatt nodded. “I think so. Maybe that breaking glass wasn’t heard by other residents, but this place is small. You would have heard that glass breaking, and whoever broke in would know that you’d be able to hear it and call the police. It’s more likely the perpetrator knew that you were gone.”

“How would they know that?” I asked, my heart pounding hard at the thought of a stranger or strangers coming in and out my bedroom window late at night. What if Ihadbeen here? “My car is in my parking spot.”

“They could have been watching the apartment and saw you leave or it’s possible they’ve been watching you,” Wyatt said tightly. “And we need to talk about this habit you have of strolling around the downtown alone in the middle of the night, but we’ll discuss that later.”

I sighed as Wyatt picked up my suitcase. “I wasn’t alone for the entire trip. I ran into one of my neighbors after I left The Friendly Kitchen, and we walked home together. How is it that you know so much about criminal behavior?”

“I’m not an expert on criminal behavior, but I know a lot about finding the best access to enter a building. Military experience. Trust me, Shelby, we are going to figure out who did this.”

I could tell by the dismissive tone of his voice that he wasn’t going to elaborate on that military experience right now.

I knew very little about Wyatt’s military career, but Tori had told me that he’d gone into the Army right after college.

“Obviously, I do trust you,” I informed him as I followed him toward the front door, grabbing my purse and my keys on the way out. “I’m going home with you in the middle of the night.”

He turned, and our gazes met and held until I felt breathless.

I couldn’t tell exactly what he was thinking, but those gorgeous eyes were far warmer than usual as he said solemnly, “I won’t let anything bad happen to you, Shelby.”

I nodded slowly, believing exactly what he said.

I had no idea how I knew that Wyatt’s words were like a vow, and that he’d never break his word, but I felt the sincerity in that promise.

For some unknown reason, he gave a damn what happened to me.

I could sense it.

He might act like he was cold, calculating, and grumpy sometimes, but the way that he’d held me in my moment of panic was telling.

He wasn’t a jerk. Not when someone really needed him.

Granted, he was solemn and serious, but he hadn’t said a single sarcastic word to me, and he hadn’t brushed off my fear.

“Thank you,” I said, my voice little more than a whisper.

He didn’t respond. He just jerked his head toward the door, indicating that he wanted me to exit.

He remained silent as I locked the door, but I could feel his comforting presence right behind me.

When I finished locking up and turned around, he took my hand, his eyes scanning the area as we walked to the curb.

I wasn’t surprised when he opened the door of a big, black truck. I’d seen him a few times coming in and out of his driveway when I was leaving.

I wasn’t sure what I’d expected a California billionaire to drive, but it wasn’t this type of vehicle.

Then again, with his height and bulk, would he really fit comfortably into a small, high-performance sports car?

I smiled for the first time in hours as Xena greeted me with an excited whine.

“Hello, sweet girl,” I crooned as I slid into the front seat and pulled Xena carefully onto my lap.

I rubbed the canine’s belly as Wyatt tossed my suitcase in the back and then got into the driver’s seat.

“You brought her with you?” I asked curiously.

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