Page 88 of Durango

“Not sure how much worse it can get. Unless you can get over her.”

“I wish it were that easy.”

We part ways, and I take a cab to Axel’s. When I arrive, it’s just about dinner time. They started early, and there are three pizzas on the counter.

I spot Willow with her back to me and rush over to her. She turns just as I reach her and jumps into my arms.

“Durango, I was so scared for you.”

“I’m fine. I was worried about you. That asshole got into my house.”

“I’m so sorry. I’ll pay for the damage to the door. I didn’t mean to bring him to your place.”

“Willow, don’t worry about it. I’m just happy you are all right.”

Axel bumps my good arm. “Here, eat.” He hands me a plate with a slice of pepperoni pizza on it.

I take it as I release Willow. “Thanks.”

“How are you feeling?” he asks me.

“Better. Your text said Tyler got into a car.”

“Yeah, he got into the back seat, and it drove off,” Axel says.

I’m surprised. “He’s working with someone?”

“Not sure. Reed got a photo of the license plate, and we are waiting to hear back from Trip.”

Willow stiffens beside me at the mention of Tyler.

I lean down. “Hey, we’ll stop this guy,” I tell her. I’m not sure how yet, but I won’t rest until he’s behind bars or dead. He’s tormented Willow for too long.

After we eat, I want some time alone with Willow. “Hey, Axel. Is there anywhere I can talk to Willow privately?”

I’ve been to his house before. It has three bedrooms, but the last time I was here, he was using them for storage.

“Yeah. Upstairs, the second door on the left. It’s a guest bedroom.”

Oh, maybe it isn’t storage anymore. “Great. Thanks.”

I take her hand and lead her up the steps. We pass one room that has boxes and a blow-up mattress on the floor. Is this where Axel sleeps? We continue to the second door, and there is a queen bed and a nightstand. It appears to be a fully functional guest room. Or is this his room?

“Just a second,” I say.

I walk down the hall, past the bathroom, to the final door, and peek in. It’s the largest room with a king-size bed and matching furniture set. Okay, that must be his room.

I return to the guest room, and Willow is sitting on the mattress. I close the door and join her.

“He’s redecorated since I was last here.” I barely get the words out before she throws her arms around my neck and presses her lips to mine. I pull away before we go too far. “I’ve been worried about you,” I say.

“I’ve been worried about you, too,” she says back. “You’ve been through a lot, both dealing with me and with you being kidnapped. And your assignment.” She gently touches my temple. “Did Tyler do this to you?”

“No. I scratched myself when I jumped through the wall to the street. I mean, I didn’t jump through a wall.” I take a deep breath. “As for dealing with a lot, it’s kind of how it is for me with the work I do. And this had nothing to do with Tyler.”

She frowns and drops her arms to her lap. “You’re in that much danger all the time?”

“Not all the time but often.”

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