Page 37 of Shackled By the Mafia Boss

I shake my head, trying to push away the overwhelming thoughts crowding my mind. “No, I'll be fine. Thanks for the coffee, though.”

He nods, not entirely convinced, but respecting my boundaries. “Alright, but if you need to talk or anything, I'm here.”

“Thanks, Taylor,” I reply, grateful for his understanding as I take a sip of the coffee, hoping its warmth will dispel the lingering unease within me.

Taylor leans back in his chair, his eyes fixed on me as if trying to decipher the hidden worries etched on my face. I feel a pang of guilt, knowing I'm keeping secrets from him.

Taylor is the closest person to a friend I have besides Kim. I’m positive he won’t judge me too harshly if he finds out my relationship with Marcus, but this isn’t just about me and Marcus.

Whoever sent that text has probably been following me around and watching me for a while. If it has anything to do with the case I’m handling, then it’s too dangerous to get anyone who isn’t Marcus, involved.

As much as I value our friendship, some things are better left unsaid, especially when they involve cold-blooded killers and blood-chilling messages.

“So, any plans for the weekend?” Taylor asks, trying to steer the conversation away from the obvious tension in the air.

I take a moment to collect myself before responding, wanting to divert his attention from probing too deeply into my personal affairs. “Not really, probably just catch up on sleep and binge-watch a show.”

He chuckles softly, the sound easing the tension between us. “Sounds like a plan. Sometimes, a little downtime is all we need.”

I nod in agreement and force a smile. “I’m not much of a tv person, but it helps me relax sometimes. What are you doing?”

He scratches the back of his head. “I’m going on a date with a girl I met on a dating app.”

“Are you kidding?”

“I’m not. I’m kind of nervous to be honest.”

I smile my first sincere smile since I walked into the office this morning. “I’m happy for you.”

Taylor hasn’t dated anyone since his girlfriend broke up with him two years ago. Like me, he’s committed to his job. I’m truly glad he is finally able to move on from her and the pain their relationship caused him. “I hope your date leads to something more.”

He grins, his cheeks turning dark red. “I hope so, too.” He drinks his coffee. “How about you?”

My brows shoot up. “How about me?”

“You’ve never been in a relationship once since you joined the police force. What’s wrong?”

My pulse races and my stomach flutters. “Um—” Dammit, I can’t afford to stutter. “Let’s just say relationships isn’t my thing. I’d rather be a free bird.”

“You haven’t partied or had a one-night stands either.”

My lungs constrict. I don’t like this. “How would you know?”

“I know you better than anyone else in this office.”

He does know me better than anyone else.

Crap!

The text from this morning is making me sensitive. Maybe way more sensitive than I should to be.

Calm down, Jane. Relax.

I draw in a deep breath, reminding myself none of what is happening is Taylor’s fault. “Haven’t found the time for pleasure. But I’ll try to have some fun in future.”

Taylor glances at his watch, noting the time. “I’ve got a meeting with the Chief. Take care, alright?”

“Yeah, you too. Good luck on your date,” I respond, watching as he throws his empty coffee cup into the wastebin beside my desk and heads out of the office, leaving me alone with my swirling thoughts.

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