Page 35 of Unravelling The Hitman: A BWWM Romance

A Lifetime movie in the making.

But what were my options? I could sneak out with Humphries, steal Deacon’s boat and pray to God that we didn’t get lost at sea while trying to sail it.

Or I could trust my gut and the quiet whisper that told me Deacon wouldn’t hurt me.

‘For the right price, anything can be bought.’

Shaken, I leaned my head back against the chair. That statement was a glimpse into Deacon’s mind, and I didn’t like what I was seeing. Some things couldn’t—no, shouldn’t be bought.

What other values did he hold that I’d disagree on?

You’re overthinking things.

Right. Deacon wasn’t a potential boyfriend. After tonight, I’d never see him again. I straightened and raked my fingers through my hair to clear my head of the funk.

“I’m going to the bathroom,” I announced, grabbing my duffel and jumping to my feet.

Humphries clamored after me. “I’ll come with you.”

“To the bathroom?”

“It’s not safe. We should stick together.”

“Humphries,” I pressed my hand on his shoulder and pushed him back down, “I’ll be fine.”

“Lock the door.”

“I will.” I moved tentatively down the hall and spotted the bathroom on the other end. My feet padded softly against the wooden floors as I slipped inside and locked the door behind me.

Setting my bag on the counter near the sink, I poured water into my hands and washed my face. The cold liquid shocked my skin and I felt a little more like myself and less like the airhead that Deacon had met in his office today.

Glad for a moment of quiet, I found my cell phone and leaned against the sink while turning it on. As soon as it came to life, notifications flooded in like crazy.

I cringed when I saw all the texts from Paulina.

LINA: Where the heck are you?

LINA: Are you alive?

LINA: Answer me, Angel, or I swear I’ll tear you limb from limb when I see you.

LINA: That was just a joke. Please answer. We’re really worried.

So much had happened today that the teachers’ retreat felt like a distant memory. I didn’t know everyone had been freaking out that much.

Sucking in a deep breath, I texted Paulina back.

ME: I’m fine. With Humphries. We’re staying the night.

The message was delivered.

I quickly rang up my mom before Paulina read it and called me back. Hopefully, no one had told my mom about this. If my friends and colleagues were this worried, I couldn’t imagine how she’d react.

The line rang.

A click sounded.

“Hello?”

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