Page 71 of Deadline for Love

“Sometimes I can’t follow your thoughts, Bella.”

His voice vibrated as he spoke.

“What?”

“I feel like you have so many questions rolling around in that beautiful head of yours.”

I raised my head and stared deep into his eyes, which looked at me questioningly.

“If I were to ask you my questions, would you answer them honestly? You told me you’re not good at discussing sensitive topics.”

He raised his brows, closed his eyes briefly, then opened them again. “Didn’t I tell you I’d try for you?”

I sighed softly. My thoughts were circling around, and I didn’t know what to say, but eventually, I gathered my courage. “I’m really interested in you, Nathan, but if there’s anything I haven’t asked you, it’s because it felt like I was crossing the line you set.” I paused again to reinforce my composure. “But I’m also scared. I’m afraid of what your answers will be”

Nathan and I fell silent after my statement. I could tell by the look on his face that he couldn’t deny it. Which made my heart clench and crush me.

“If we catch the killer, I hope everything will get sorted out.” My voice was hoarse as Nathan lifted his hand and gently caressed my cheek. He gave me a bittersweet kiss and then cradled me in his arms.

“Yeah, then everything will be fine.”

Chapter 27

We woke up simultaneously in the morning, still snuggled in each other’s arms. With a sleepy gaze, he gave me a smile as sweet as sugar. I loved waking up in his arms; he enriched my life, and I was so grateful to have him. But after the conversation from the previous night, I hadn’t told him about the letter Janette received. I didn’t want him to try and play hero.

After breakfast, we went our separate ways... And that was a good thing. I wanted to get a clear head and hoped that the new message from Janette would help me assist the police and catch the killer. I contacted Mr. Morgan and told him I would send a copy of the letter this afternoon. Then, I took care of my daily work until lunch. Since Nia wasn’t around, I couldn’t ask her to accompany me. I wondered why she hadn’t texted me, but I didn’t put too much thought into it. I still wanted to get to Janette’s to pick up the poem.

When I parked in front of my building, I noticed an unannounced guest had also pulled up next to me—she was staring at me with her eyebrows raised.

“I hope you seriously didn’t think I’d just give in. You can kiss that goodbye, Bella.” Amara stood before me just as I exited my car and glared straight down at me. The midday sun was beating down on our heads, giving our eyes a shadow as we continued staring each other down. The warm wind blew around us, and it seemed like we had gotten into a duel like in an old Western movie. The only things missing were the weapons.

“Where is Nia? Didn’t you say she would be going with you?” She was the first to break the silence, but our staring contest was not over. “Were you going to put yourself in danger?”

I just shook my head in bewilderment. “Amara, why are you here?”

“I told you I would accompany you!”

“And I said no!”

“It’s a free country, and I can do whatever I want. And I want to support my best friend. You’ve supported me whenever I’ve been unwell, and now I want to be with you too.” Her amber eyes looked at me seriously. “And don’t bother telling me we’ll just go back! I’ll find out when you’re supposed to go again, and I’ll just keep showing up. You can’t get rid of me.”

I rolled my eyes in annoyance and clenched my hand into a fist. “Amara, I don’t want anything to happen to you. I don’t want you to get upset. I want you to rest and care for yourself and your well-being.”

“I'll be fine when I know you’re safe.”

“I can call you and tell you what happens?” I recoiled.

“I want to see for myself and make sure,” she hissed—I couldn’t win.

“All right, since you’re here, just stay next to me the whole time. I have pepper spray—of course, I hope I don’t have to use it, but still.”

“Yay! Very good.” She raked into my arm and snuggled up to me, and I couldn’t help but sigh.

“Don’t you want me with you?” she blurted after my reaction.

“No! You need to rest!”

She raised her head and furrowed her brow. “Well, you said that nothing would happen and that I shouldn’t worry. And now, all of a sudden, when I go with you, there’s something to worry about?”

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