Page 233 of Night's Fall

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“You doing all right?”Gayleasked.

I looked at her to see this was aimed at me.

With our company,Icouldn’t tell her no,Iwasn’t.Mymate was being a dick again and everything was farged up.

I’d have to wait until later.

“I just didn’t get very much sleep,”Isaid for now.

Gayle gave me an understanding look. “Idon’t think any of us did.”

“I don’t suppose so,”Imumbled.

Monique looked at her watch unit and said, “Mytransport is here.Gottago.”

Wait.

What?

I tensed. “You’releaving?”

“They’ve set up offices for the rest of us because we can work from here,”Gayleanswered for her.

“ButCatandIcan’t,”Moniqueadded.

I’d thoughtCatlawas probably having a lie-in or availing herself of the ability to pull a cord and have someone bring her breakfast.

That was veryCat.

NowItook in the table with no small amount of concern.

At the expression on my face,Moniquecontinued, “They’regiving me protection,Laura.I’llbe okay.”

We had protection yesterday, and we were not okay.

“Are you sure?”Iasked.

“I have clients who depend on me, hon,” she answered. “Andbills to pay.”

She did.

Not to mention, asAlekseireminded me earlier, it wasn’t all about me and whatIwanted.

“Of course,”Imumbled.

“Aleksei wouldn’t let anything hurt me,” she assured. “AndI’llcome right back to thePalaceafter my last client.”

I nodded, even ifIdidn’t like it.

ButIgot it.

It wasn’t long ago thatIwould have done the same.Itwas just that now,Iwas no longer in her position.Throughmy mate,Iwas filthy rich.Ihad four homes in one city alone.Icould walk away from my vid and my career, never look back and never want for anything.

But it wasn’t my credit line to tap into, it wasAleksei’s, and thePalace’s, soIcouldn’t tell herI’dcover her losses so she could stay safe in thePalace.

And it was because of me that she might not be safe.

“IsCatin the city?”Iasked.

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