Page 31 of Bound To Me

I could feel her eyes on me now. “Jesus Christ. And this fucker is out of jail now?”

I didn’t even realize I had told her about that.

“Yes. He’s probably here now.” I shrugged. “I don’t know why.”

We finally reached the front of my building, and Zee let out a loud sigh. “Are you sure you don’t wanna crash at my place?” she offered.

I laughed for some reason. “No, I mean, I’ll be fine.”

That’s when I saw Elliott walk out of my building with a look of surprise and concern.

“Where have you been? I’ve been calling you, Jacqueline,” he said as he quickly wrapped his arms around me.

“I assume you’re Elliott?” Zee asked him.

“Yes. You are?” he asked curiously.

“I’m Zee. I’m glad you’re here. She’s spooked about that fucker Michael,” she explained.

I groaned in Elliott’s chest; now I was definitely going to have to explain what happened.

He looked down at me. “What happened, baby?”

“See ya guys,” I heard Zee say as she walked off.

Elliott looked back at her as he walked us into the lobby. “Thank you for getting her here safely.”

I immediately broke down in tears. “Michael called me. He said he wanted to see me and that he knew I was in LA. I have no fucking idea how he got my number,” I sobbed.

Elliott looked around and at the front desk receptionist.

“Let’s get your things. You’re staying with me.” He took my hand and guided me up the stairs.

“Allof my things?” I asked as I carefully followed him, holding the wall.

“Yes. You’ll be safe with me, Jacqueline.”

God, I love the way he says my name.I almost forgot about everything else going on as I listened to his deep, calming voice.

“I already paid until the end of the week though,” I argued.

I knew that if I began to stay with him, I would never want to leave.

He looked back at me with a small smile. “I’ll pay you back for it.”

I groaned again and we stopped in the hallway leading to the room.

“Elliott, I can’t. I don’t even…I can’t,” I stammered, struggling to find the right words. My fear was overwhelming, not just about staying with him but also about Michael.

“Jacqueline,” he whispered, looking down at me and taking my hands. “He called me too. That’s why I came looking for you.”

My heart began to race wildly again. “What?” My voice trembled. “What did he say?”

Elliott sighed deeply. “It doesn’t matter. He was just trying to mess with me.”

I began to cry, but then I thought of a deal. “Pleasetell me, Elliott. And then I’ll come stay with you.”

He scanned my face, concern clear in his eyes. “He asked me why I still wanted you when you were his.”

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