Page 91 of Unpredictable
“One of her contacts works at one of the bigger resorts, and they believe they spotted him.” She finally met my gaze, her eyes searching mine.
And there it was, the explosion I’d been waiting for.Boom.
“Hmm.” I rubbed a hand over my chin, even though all I wanted to do was punch something.
“Oh my god.” Her eyes flew to my hand as she gingerly reached out for it. “What happened to your thumb?”
I shook my head, unconcerned. The pain in my thumb was nothing compared to the fucking ache in my chest. A fierce sense of protectiveness surged through my blood—protectiveness and possessiveness. She was mine. Not his.
I took a steadying breath, knowing I needed to tread carefully. I didn’t want to immediately shut her down, but I also didn’t want to give her false hope. The fact that Ryan would still be alive after all this time seemed incredibly unlikely.
“It’s fine.”
“That—” Her eyes were wide as she examined it. And I had to admit, it was pretty swollen. “That is not fine.”
It was so tempting to focus on her concern for me and forget the matter at hand, but I sensed there was more. More to the whole “Ryan” sighting, if it even was him.
“Why do they think it’s him? Is he going by the same name?” I needed more information.
“No.” She shook her head.
“Have they seen his credit card or ID?”
“Well. No.” She hesitated. “But he matches Ryan’s description and build to a T.”
“Do you know how many guys could fit that description?” I clenched my fists, hissing when my thumb pulsed.Shit.
“It’s him. I know it.” Her eyes were wild, and I could tell she was two seconds away from bursting into tears. “Harper had a picture.”
I rubbed my temples, doing my best to stay calm. If I could keep my cool on the field, I could navigate these waters with Juliana.
“I guess I just…” I pursed my lips. “I’d be surprised if it’s actually him. And I’d hate for you to get your hopes up.” Though I could tell it was too late for that.
“I have to know. Either way, I have to know. And—” She drew in a shuddering breath, and I braced myself for her next words, knowing I wouldn’t like them. “I leave for Thailand in the morning.”
I should’ve expected as much, but I still felt blindsided. Her words were like a slap to the face. And though I’d tried to stay level-headed about this, I couldn’t anymore. My response exploded out of me.
“What the hell are you thinking?” I roared. I began pacing, my feet pounding the tile. “Is this what it’s going to be like every time you get a scrap of news? You race across the world?”
“No!” She leaned against the counter, as if it would support her. “This is the first time we’ve had any sort of lead in nearly three years.”
“Exactly. It’s been three years. Three fucking years. God, will you ever move on? Will you ever commit to me?”
She jerked her head back and then bared her teeth. “Move on?” She shook her head, her body coiled tight with tension, ready to explode. “How dare you.”
She spun and headed for the stairs, and I raced to catch up. “Where do you think you’re going? We’re not done discussing this.”
Her hand was poised on the banister. “I think it would be best to wait until you’re in a calmer frame of mind.”
I grabbed her arm, turning her roughly toward me. Her eyes were wide, anger flaring within.
“You’re the one who isn’t seeing things clearly. Because I—” I stabbed my chest with my finger “—I’mhere.Ilove you.”
“I know.” She softened, placing her hand on my cheek. “And I love you too.” Her words gave me hope and smoothed the jagged edge of my anger.
“Then don’t go,” I pleaded, leaning into her touch. I was prepared to get on my knees and beg if I had to.
She hesitated too long, and I knew I had my answer.
