Page 58 of Graves

I can’t deny that I’m more than curious to know exactlywhat happened that made Zayden so upset, to push him to leave Blake’s side willingly. Then again, maybe it would be best to live in the dark on this one for now.

When I get home, I’m just stepping in through the door when I see Zayden standing over Blake. She’s asleep on the couch in a pair of sleep shorts and a tank top. He’s just watching her silently, a small bag packed at his feet as he leans down to her, pressing a soft kiss against her forehead and whispering something that I don’t quite catch before he grabs his bag.

He turns around to face me, giving me a stiff head nod.

“Get in, get out,” I say as I clap his shoulder.

“In and out,” he agrees before casting one more look at Blake over his shoulder as he sneaks past me and out the door.

I shut the door behind him and stay in place for several seconds before I cross the room to Blake, scooping her up into my arms and carrying her to my bed. I set her down on her side of the bed before stripping down to my boxers. Sliding in behind her, I wrap my arms around her waist, one of my hands resting on her chest. I rest my chin over the top of her head, falling asleep to the steady beat of her heart.

Chapter Twenty-Seven

BLAKE

When I woke up the next morning, Dominic told me that Zayden had to leave for work. I didn’t know how I felt about that news. Mainly because I had mixed feelings that hit me simultaneously. Relief because, after the whole thing on the couch, I wasn’t sure how I was going to face him, happiness to have the psycho stalker far away from me for at least a little while, and then obviously the most confusing, disappointment.

I was disappointed the second the words left Dom’s lips, and I can’t tell you why. The relief and happiness hit a halfof a second after like a chaser, but unfortunately, this chaser didn’t remove the entire taste of that first shot.

I’m painting my nails because I’ve already watched everything worth watching on TV, did all the laundry, and cleaned the kitchen because there is nothing else to do trapped in this fucking apartment when a buzzing sounds from a side table in the living room. I frown at the noise before I follow after it, surprised to find a phone resting on the table with a sticky note on the front of it.

Use this wisely, angel.

I’m watching you.

- Zayden.

A rush of something flutters through me for a moment before I rightfully push it back where it belongs. I unlock the phone to find hundreds of unanswered phone calls and texts, ranging from my coworkers to my boss, ex-boss, I guess, to Gabby and Christian.

There is also one more text above the rest. It’s a single letter, but obviously I know who it is.

Z: I miss you, angel.

I debate whether or not to respond. I mean, I probably shouldn’t. But he didn’t have to give me a phone back, so I guess I should at least thank him, right?

Me: What made you decide to give me a phone?

His response comes almost instantly, like he was waiting for me to respond.

Z: How else am I supposed to handle being away from you for so long?

I smile, just barely, despite my better efforts as I respond.

Me: How long will you be gone for?

Z: Three days at most.

Again, warring feelings conflict me, but I don’t have it in me to name them right now.

Me: Where are you again?

Z: Working.

I roll my eyes at him.

Me: What do you even do for work? Dom has the security company and the mechanicshop. What do you do?

His response takes a few minutes to come before he responds.

---