Page 87 of Royal
“Detective Riley,” I answered in a deep tone, knowing how hot he thought it was.
“Grayson, he’s after me. He’s actually fucking after me. What do I do?” He spoke in a panicked voice, his words rushing together.
My head spun. “Wait. Calm down, Royal, and breathe. What’s going on?”
Phoenix looked over at me, concern in his eyes.
“I found a white flower in my mailbox, Gray.” Royal’s voice cracked on my name, and that crack echoed in my fucking chest. “And Janice said she saw someone in my house this morning. He was in my fucking house!”
“Where are you right now?” I tried to keep calm, but I knew my own panic was rising. “Baby, talk to me. Where are you?”
“At home,” he answered before softly whimpering. “I checked the rooms, and no one’s here that I could see. I just locked myself in the bathroom. I’m scared, Gray.”
“You’ll be okay,” I told him, telling myself, too. “The bathroom is good. Only one way in or out. Keep the door locked. I’m on my way. Stay on the phone with me until I get there.”
I looked at Phoenix, and he nodded, knowing what I was asking him. He changed direction and started driving toward Royal’s neighborhood on the other side of town after I gave him the address.
“God, I feel pathetic,” Royal said. “I should’ve gotten into my car and drove somewhere. But I saw the flower and panicked. I’m like one of those stupid-ass people in a horror movie who hide in their house instead of running out the front door.”
“You’ll be okay,” I repeated. “We’ll be there in a few minutes.”
Aunt Abby’s goddamn vision popped into my head, and I squeezed my eyes closed. She said she’d seen Royal lying on a metal table with blood all over him, and she wasn’t sure if he’d been breathing or not. Even though I didn’t fully believe in all that mystical shit, it still made me anxious. Especially now.
Phoenix turned on the sirens in the SUV and sped toward Royal’s so we’d get there sooner.
Royal didn’t say anything over the phone, but I heard him breathing and occasionally cough. Just two more minutes and I’d be there. When we finally arrived, the SUV barely even stopped before I jumped out and ran toward the front door.
“I’m here,” I said.
“I’ll come unlock the door.”
If he took too long, I was going to kick the motherfucking thing in. I needed to see him, needed to know he was okay. A fucking door wasn’t going to stop me, either.
Phoenix came to stand beside me right as there was a click on the other side of the door and it swung open.
I stepped into the house and pulled Royal into my arms. As his scent hit me, a mix of mint and coffee, my whole body relaxed. His heart beat against mine, thumping faster than normal. I was just relieved I could feel his heart beat at all. I kissed the side of his head and held him tighter.
Damn the man who ever tried to take him away from me.
Phoenix closed the front door and locked it before surveying the living room.
I looked at him over Royal’s head and gave a curt nod, which he returned. Then, I pulled back and cupped Royal’s face in my hands, making sure he wasn’t hurt. His light-blue eyes were red around the edges, and he was much too pale, but he was safe.
“Oh.” Royal froze when he saw Phoenix. “You must be Agent Stone. Gray has told me a lot about you.”
My face heated as I recalled exactlywhatI’d said about the FBI agent.
“Unfortunate circumstance for us to meet,” Phoenix said, sticking out a hand, “but it’s nice to finally meet you.”
Royal shook the agent’s hand before wrapping his arms back around me.
“Pack a bag,” I told him, rubbing up and down his spine. “You’re not staying here.”
“Where am I going to stay?”
“I’m sure this asshole knows where I live, too.” I shook my head. “That’s out of the question. We’ll get a hotel room for a few nights.” I looked at Phoenix. “Do you think that’s a good idea?”
He nodded. “I’ll make sure you get the room next to mine. Extra protection couldn’t hurt.”
