Page 73 of Duty and Desire

What worried me most was Nick’s phone.Number unavailable.

How does a number suddenly become unavailable?

“Okay, it’s done.” Kai seemed as anxious as I was. “Have you been to his place?”

I blinked. “I don’t know where he lives. I never went there, and he never gave me the address.” I stilled. “Aulani said she might be able to find that out, though.”

“Then that’s something else I can help you with.” Kai tapped the phone’s screen, then held it to his lips. “Hey. You got a minute?”

Aulani’s voice came from the speaker. “What’s wrong?”

“I’ve got Gio here. We’re trying to locate Nick. He’s missing. Gio said you might know how to get his address.” The urgency in Kai’s voice spoke of his own concern.

“Leave it with me. Tell Gio I’ll be over when I know something.”

He thanked her, then finished the call. Kai expelled a breath. “Go home. You can’t do anything here.”

A memory surfaced.

“The day I met you… You hinted there was more to Nick than I might imagine.” I stared at him. “What do you know that you’re not telling me?” My heartbeat raced. I knew I was clutching at straws, but I had to find an answer.

Kai gaped at me. “I don’t know a thing, okay? I say that to a lot of customers. That’s how I try to draw couples together. Works every time.” He sighed. “Go home, Gio. For all you know, Nick might be there, waiting for you.”

That was an even longer shot, but right then I’d do anything.

I thanked him, went to the buggy, and sped along the road, my mouth dry, my chest tight.

Please be there. Please.

There was no sign of Nick’s bike at the bungalow, and he didn’t appear on the veranda when I opened the gate. I glanced at my watch.

Eight forty-five.

I went inside and sat at the dining table, my gaze locked on my phone, willing it to ring, for there to be news of any kind. My fingers were cold, and there was a lead weight on my chest. I couldn’t stop shaking. Swallowing was a chore. I got up and poured myself a glass of water, but each sip only served to suck all the moisture from my mouth.

At nine-fifteen, I heard the gate open, and I jumped to my feet, my pulse racing. “Nick?”

My heart sank when Aulani stood there, and it plummeted even further when I saw her face.

She winced. “It’s bad news.”

Ice inched its way through my veins. “Is he hurt?”

At least tell me he’s still alive.

“He wasn’t there, but that isn’t the bad news.” Aulani took a deep breath. “I’m friends with Malie. I found out she cleans for Nick. I called her, and she gave me his address. She met me there, with the key.” She bit her lip. “It’s empty.”

“What do you mean?” I croaked. “How can it be empty?”

“It’s like he was never there.”

This made no freakin’ sense.

My phone burst into life, and I jumped. It was Kai.

“Have you heard something?” I demanded.

“You need to get back here. Now.”

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