Page 154 of Push

It seemed like too much effort. Something wasn’t adding up—like Ian blocking security footage and the dodgy clinic books. I shoved down my uncertainty, took a deep breath, and turned a stony expression back to my crafty friend.

“Are you going to follow me around for the rest of the day?” I asked.

“Sì.”

“Tomorrow?”

“Every day. Until I’m told not to.”

“Sounds boring as shit.”

And just like the good ol’ days…

I sighed, my gaze lifting to the shadows of buildings looming above me, wishing I was anywhere else. How had I found myself back here but without any of the perks of being a prosecutor? All the same weight to carry on my shoulders to keep Toby from worrying, and now Noah was in the mix, too. But for what? Zero fighting for justice. No accolades. The only work to look forward to was more of Liam’s boring contracts and corporate nonsense.

Fan-freaking-tastic.

“It’s not such a bad job,” Romeo said. “The view is quite…” He lowered his sunglasses. “Pleasant.”

Did women fall for his crap? “Keep your eyes off my ass, Romeo.” The smug bastard only smiled. “Amuse yourself following me around if you must. I’m stopping here for an hour or two.” I jerked my head at the glass doors of the office building in front of us. “I’d prefer youremployerdoesn’t know whaterrands I’m running. So, you can make us both happy and stay outside… Or… I’m going to start screaming blue murder so those cops”—I tipped my coffee in the direction of the police patrolling across the street—“come over here and arrest you. Understand?”

“Sì.”Romeo chuckled. My threat hadn’t scared him in the slightest. “I’ll be waiting here for you while you finish your…errands.”

I stormed inside the building, keeping an eye on Romeo as I headed to the elevator. I punched the button for level eleven. I glanced over my shoulder. He lowered his sunglasses, flashing me what I’m sure he thought was a panty-dropping smile through the window, but he stayed outside.

I rode the elevator to level eleven, got out, smiled awkwardly at the lady sitting at the reception of theInjex Laser Clinic, and hit the button for level six—where I wasactuallygoing.

Paula Beckman, Psychologist.

When I arrived, I hovered by the glass door. Nerves sprung out of me like a broken clock dropped out a window. I smoothed my hair, tugged down my skirt, and gulped too many sips of my coffee. How could I be so nervous? I’d been brave as shit downstairs. I’d threatened a mafioso—twice—and not even blinked. But stick me outside a psychologist’s office with a fancy pink rug and green velvet, and suddenly, I was a basket case.

My hand trembled on the door handle, but somehow, I managed to turn it and stumble inside.

A woman with brown curls wearing a dress resembling a sack of confetti sifted through files on the reception desk. She looked up with a warm smile, but my insides chilled.

This is happening.

“Gwen?” she asked.

Frozen, terror icing my veins, I stood like a statue.

“Sorry, my secretary starts late on Tuesdays. I’m Paula. Come on through.” She gestured across the room to a door. “Thanksfor coming at short notice. You’ve canceled a few appointments, so I wanted to be available if you found some time.”

Silently, I shuffled over, all my confidence flittering away, wobbling in my heels. “Uh, thanks…”

I followed Paula inside, and my gaze crept around the room—lots of wood, an oversized Persian rug, and different chairs and a couch on the back wall.

Is this some kind of test?

Was Paula going to figure out something about me based on where I sat? Pull a power move?

“Where do I…?” I pointed at the chairs.

She smiled. “Take a seat anywhere you want.” She poured two glasses of water. “A lot of people like the couch. The view’s nice. All the way to the bridge.”

Sure. Like anyone cared about seeing an iconic landmark when they were being grilled about their faults. I slunk across the room and perched on the very edge of the couch, heels together, hands folded primly in my lap. I’d take Paula’s word about the view. I didn’t look out the window. I kept my eye on the door.

“You don’t look comfy.” Paula smiled down at me as she leaned over to place a glass of water on the table. “How do you feel about being here today?”

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