Page 58 of Just Is Not Enough

“Leave him alone, Luke. I’ll figure it out.” Jackson’s demand falls flat as we walk away.

“I drove my car, but I don’t want to leave it here. Can I trust you to go straight home if I follow you?” Kaden’s question is valid.

“He’s not going to stop.” I meet Kaden’s eyes.

“Jackson is going to take care of it. Let’s just wait for him to do what he can do.”

I stare into those pretty blue eyes that captured my attention the moment we saw each other. I can’t purposely lie to him. I give the only answer I can with full transparency. “If he comes near you again, I won’t let you stop me.”

The look on his face tells me he knows it’s the truth. “Go straight home, Luke. I’m following you.”

Kissing him before we leave, our lips linger a little longer to savor the feeling. I don’t know what Jackson has planned but it better happen fast. I don’t trust Tyler to listen to any warnings at this point.

Attempting to get supply orders placed at the restaurant turns out to be harder than usual. My thoughts repeatedly come back to Tyler. I’ve text or called Kaden a dozen times since we both left for work after this morning’s incident. The last few responses have reduced to one-word answers. I won’t apologize for worrying about him whether he thinks its extreme or not. After all those messages Tyler sent to Kaden threatening both of us, he got what he deserved.

“Buddy, I can feel the anger radiating off you. Chill out until Jackson has a chance to do something about him. Kelsey knows to be on alert at the office. He’s safe there.” Gabe’s words do nothing to change my unease about leaving Kaden unguarded.

Checking my watch, I see its getting late in the afternoon, “I’m going to head out soon to meet him before he leaves the office.”

My best friend nods as he throws an arm over my shoulders for a side-hug. “Do what you need to do. Call me if you need backup, for anything.”

I’m putting my paperwork away when the pinging of messages puts me back on alert.

Hey Bug. I’m heading home early. My last appointment cancelled.

I’m in the car already. Almost home, so stop worrying. I love you. See you soon.

I swear he’s determined to kill me.

I’ll be there in less than 30 minutes.

I gather my belongings and say goodnight to Gabe and the staff. I call Kaden when I get on the road but there’s no answer. Accelerating, I’m not paying much attention to the cars around me, blinded by anxiety. Repeated calls go unanswered.

Halfway there the speakers ring with an incoming call, “Kaden?”

“No, it’s me. Where are you?” Jackson’s tone sends my mind into a whirlwind of emotions.

“I’m on my way to Kaden’s. Tell me what’s happening, Jackson.”

“I’m on my way there, too. Kaden’s in trouble, Luke. How far are you?”

Jackson’s words fade out, the pounding heartbeats and whooshing blood flow overwhelming my senses.

Chapter Thirty-Two

I Mistakenly Threw Caution to the Wind

Kaden

Ahandcoversmymouth,and I’m thrusted forward into my apartment as I unlock the door. I struggle but can’t get out of his grasp.

“Surprise. You should really pay more attention to your surroundings, Kaden. Your guard dogs can’t be here 24/7.” Tyler’s warning is mixed with anger and amusement all at once.

“Did you think I would give up so easily? Your boyfriend doesn’t scare me.”

He walks us towards the living room, keeping his hand over my mouth, his other arm on my chest holding me against him. I throw my elbow back into his stomach as hard as I can in this position. It throws him off balance enough for me to break his grip.

He stands in the path to the front door with a smirk, blocking any chance to escape.

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