Page 38 of Octane

“Goodbye Jackson,” I look at him with an apology studded gaze.

It’s all I can get out before I hurry down the aisle of cars, not stopping until I reach mine. As I click the unlock button on my key fob, a chill runs over my skin, and I get an eerie feeling like someone is watching me. I turn my head toward the elevator, thinking it’s Jackson, but he’s gone. I look around between the cars, but I don’t see anyone there. Telling myself it’s because of the guilt I feel for nearly kissing Jackson, I open the door and get in my car.

Pulling my visor down, I check my makeup. I made sure not to cake it on today, so I don’t look like acheap whore. Luckily, despite all the tears I’ve shed, it’s still in fairly good shape. I lick my fingers and run them under my eyes to clean up the bit of mascara that puddled beneath them.

Taking one last look, I make a promise to myself that I’ll break away from the hold Daniel has on me before things get any uglier.

I have to. It could be a matter of life or death.

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

SAWYER

When I arrive home, I’m relieved to see Daniel’s car parked in its space next to mine. I was so worried that he’d followed me, but I hadn’t seen him or his car in Jackson’s garage.

Unless...

Jackson’s garage is only partially underground. The rest, you can see from the street. Could he have caused the uneasy feeling I got? Parking my car, I hop out and quickly place my hand on the hood of Daniel’s Bentley. My heart is pounding with anxiety until I feel the chill covering his DURA-FLEX hood.

I breathe a sigh of relief knowing that if he were to have followed me, his running engine would have made it feel warm to the touch. Again, convinced my unease came from my guilt, I walk to the elevator. Once it arrives, I hit the button for the twenty-third floor.

When I unlock the door to our condo, it’s quiet and dark inside.

“Daniel?” I call out after turning on the light.

Where is he? I put my coat and shoes away before walking back to our bedroom to see if he’s gone to sleep early. It’s unlikely, and when I turn on the bedroom light, it’s confirmed. He’s not here.

As I wonder where he might be, I hear the front door of our condo open. I walk into the hallway in time to see a very sweaty Daniel walk through the door. He’s wearing a sweat suit and has his earbuds in.

Slowly, I walk from the bedroom into the kitchen, observing him carefully as he takes his shoes off and puts them away. When he turns and sees me, he takes his earbuds out.

I offer him a slight smile before grabbing the bowl of grapes from the refrigerator.

“How was the meeting?”

His interest makes me nervous.

“It was fine,” I shrug.

I don’t want to feed him any lies unless I need to. I lean against the counter, focused on the bowl of grapes in my hand.

“I was wondering where you were,” I try changing the subject.

“I went for a jog.”

“Cool,” I answer with a tiny grin.

Running isn’t out of the ordinary for Daniel. He works hard to maintain the physique he has.

“Who was there?”

“Hmm?” I ask.

“At the meeting. Who was there?”

Great. Here come the lies.

“Everyone. It was mandatory for all team members.”

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