Page 93 of Tapped

If Chase knew how to roll his eyes, I bet he would. He’ll start doing that sooner than I realize.

“Goodnight, sleep tight.”

“Don’t let the bed bugs bite,” he finishes.

We blow kisses one more time before I finally hit the red button for the night.

I fall to my side on the sofa. I sat down to call the moment we got home. Micah has been attentive all day. He made sure we left early enough so I’d have time to talk to Chase. He kissed me on the head and said he’d give me privacy.

Though I’m not sure why. He didn’t do that this morning, even though it didn’t bother me.

He went upstairs when I got on the phone. I haven’t been this alone all day.

It feels weird. A new security guard is sitting out front for the night shift. I’d feel bad about them being here, but my father pays well. At least I know they’re being compensated. When this is over, I’ll make sure to send them a bonus. This isn’t what they signed up for.

I drag myself from the sofa and head for the stairs. I need a shower before bed. I have no idea what’s in store for me the rest of the night, but a shower seems like a good idea.

“Micah?” I call as I make my way through the house to the stairs. “I’m off the phone. You don’t have to hide out anymore—”

That’s when it happens.

It’s not loud but it is distinct.

Glass. A pop and a shatter from behind my closed plantation shutters.

“Micah!”

Another pop.

An instant stinging sensation burns on my left hip.

Footsteps sound as they clomp down my wood stairs. “Are you hungry or are you ready for bed—”

I look down.

Blood seeps through my chambray shorts.

Another pop, followed by three more. A vase on the back of the house shatters. The noise sets off the alarm.

Sirens ring.

Micah calls for me. “Evie!”

I scream.

Micah comes barreling at me from around the corner as I stare at my own blood on my fingers.

Confusion courses through me, even though my brain understands what has happened. Micah gets to me before I force myself to move or drop to the floor.

“Fuck,” he growls as he wraps his arms around me and lifts.

My feet are clean off the floor.

One hand goes to my head and another to my waist. Pain shoots through my hip as we move.

He goes straight to the kitchen and hits the lights before he goes to the island. Darkness surrounds us, but the shots keep coming through the front windows of my home. I feel his gun pinched to my back as he holds me tight.

“The guard,” I cry.

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