Page 16 of Broken

“That’s probably best. And if you need any help, let me know. It seems like you are having better luck than I am. Sounds like good news. Thanks for the update.”

“Yeah, man. I’ll talk to you soon.”

Who would have thought I would be working with an FBI agent? Apparently, he had no interest in my dealings or what I did for a living. His main focus was saving people that were being held against their will. And Kara really wanted him to find Olivia. She had a bond with her. Maybe it was a bond only the two of them would understand. And I understood that feeling. Or I tried to.

Kara didn’t know how much I missed her when I wasn’t with her. And the time we shared the other night.

It was amazing to have her to myself.

To hold her.

To kiss her.

God, I loved her. I could admit that now. I was sure I sounded like I was whipped. But I didn’t care.

When I wasn’t with her, I constantly thought about her. What was she doing? Did she think of me in those lonely moments or during a busy day? Would she ever want more than what we have now? Would it be enough for me? Too many questions left unanswered. But I had time. If anything, time was on my side.

***

KARA

Nervousness swirled inside me as I approached the school building. Was I dressed appropriately? Did I have everything I needed to fill out the paperwork? Would the teacher I worked with like me?

I took a deep breath and stepped inside the building and easily found the main office. “Hi. I’m supposed to ask for Bonnie. It’s my first day.”

“Of course. I’m Kylie, the school’s secretary.”

“Nice to meet you. I’m Kara.”

I followed as she led the way to an office space. “Bonnie, I have Kara here.”

“Thank you, Kylie.” Bonnie looked up and smiled. She motioned to the chair opposite of her. “Have a seat.”

I sat. Kylie seemed like she would be cool. And she seemed to be around my age. She had a cute black bob, and deep brown eyes. Bonnie, on the other hand, seemed like a matter-of-fact kind of lady. And she seemed like she was about ten years older than me.

“We’ll get started on your paperwork, your pay, and all the tedious stuff.”

“I appreciate the opportunity to work here.”

“It’s just part time for now. But it can turn into a full-time position by the start of the next school year.”

I was coming in around the holidays, which was halfway into the school year.

“Your pay will be eleven dollars an hour. And you’ll get a raise in six months. You’ll work Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.”

I nodded. “Sounds good.” It really did seem like a dream job for now. Something manageable.

Chapter Eleven

KARA

I had the day off, and I was aboutto see Damon. This time, he was coming over on his lunch break and we were going to take a walk around the park I lived close to. It was a change. Something different. Of course, Matteo would be close by. Because no matter how you sliced it, as long as Damon was the man he was, he needed protection. And being in association with him, that made me a target. I was just now realizing this. It was something I would have to accept if we were to be together in the long run.

My hair was up in a ponytail, and I had my pink jogging pants on with a white sweatshirt. “You ready?” he asked, greeting me with a kiss on the cheek.

“Yes, sir,” I grabbed my keys and my phone.

We headed over to the park. Damon reached for my hand and I happily obliged. “Pretty soon, it’ll be too cold for a walk.”

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