Page 64 of Forbidden Bond

Out of nowhere, the phone is snatched out of my hand. Topher starts to speak.

“Where are you?” he asks Jamie. When I open my mouth to tell him I would take care of it, he glares at me, a clear sign to shut up. I’m not sure what Jameson’s reply is, but Topher nods. “We’ll be there in twenty minutes.”

He hangs up and barely glances at me before moving to his bedroom. I follow.

“Where are you going to get that kind of money so quickly?” I question.

He doesn’t reply. I watch as he heads into his closet. A few seconds later, he’s carrying a small safe. He inputs the passcode and I gasp when it opens. There’s a lot of cash in there but that’s not what surprises me.

Topher has guns. Three of them.

His jaw is clenched tight as he pulls out some of the cash. Then, as an afterthought, he grabs a gun as well. Another gasp escapes me. I don’t think I’m breathing; my body feels hot and cold as I watch him move across the room, grabbing a bag to put the cash in.

“Katherine, wait here, okay?” he tells me.

That brings me back to reality. “What? No! I’m coming with you.”

His eyes narrow. “I know exactly where Jameson is and I’m familiar with the people who have him. They’re dangerous, okay? I need you to wait here for me while I go save your friend.”

“He’s my friend! And he called me asking for help. I’m going,” I say stubbornly.

Topher looks like he’s two seconds away from tying me to the bed.

“Please, I can’t stay here. I’ll be worried sick. Just let me come with you.”

He takes note of the desperation in my eyes and nods once.

“Fine. Let’s go.”

CHAPTER 20

Topher

I send a text to Carlo on the way informing him about the situation and asking for help. My hand clenches and unclenches around the steering wheel as I drive with Katherine silent beside me, her complexion pale and her eyes wide and fearful. We arrive in front of the building fifteen minutes later. She unhooks her seatbelt, her hand drifting toward the door like she’s actually going to follow me in. I give her a look.

“Stay here, Katie.”

“I can go with you. I don’t know how badly hurt Jameson is. You might need my help.”

I take a deep breath, trying and failing not to get angry. “You’re staying in the car.”

She gives me a stubborn look. “You can’t make me. If you leave me here, I’ll just follow you.”

“I’m trying to keep you safe!”

“And I’m trying to make sure nothing happens to either of you. I’ll be careful up there, I promise. I’ll get Jameson and I’ll get out.”

I close my eyes and take in another deep breath. “Their office is on the first floor, Katherine. Which means I need to take the elevator. Taking the stairs will take too long.”

She shrinks back for a beat before a determined expression crosses her face. “I’ll be fine.”

“Katherine,” I say, frustrated.

“We’re wasting time arguing here. Let’s just go.”

She steps out of the car. She’s right. Every second we spend out here is enough time for someone to put a bullet in Jameson’s head. I step out of the car and stand in front of her.

“You stay behind me at all times,” I tell her.

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