Page 95 of Break Me
“You don’t look fine. You look worn out. You need to take some time off.”
“Are you suggesting I can’t do my job, Mark?” Yes, I was bristling.
He slid further into the room, barely able to stand given the size. “Don’t do that. I know we’ve been shitheads to you and we’re sorry for that.”
“Yeah, you were. I never wanted any of this and it’s just getting worse. I don’t mean to take it out on you or the guys.”
“You’re just a worried mama. I get it. How’s Emily?”
Smiling from just hearing her name, I allowed my eyes to drift to the only picture I had in my little office. “She’s doing just fine. A little trooper. She had the hospital staff eating out of her hands.”
“She’s like her mother.” He grinned.
“Ha. Nice try and no, you can’t have next weekend off.”
He snapped his fingers in an exaggerated manner. “Well, shoot. So you know, I’m sorry about everything, but stay strong. You deserve to live your life and all of us meant what we said, Captain. You’re a wonderful role model. And a great mother. For the record, Sean would want you to be happy. You and Emily.”
“Oh, shit. Maybe I’m not such a good mother,” I said, jerking up from the chair. “I’m picking up Emily from school today. Her first day! Ugh.” After what had occurred, I was terrified she’d be accosted by the same horrible man. Especially since I’d broken his nose. And I wasn’t sorry about it in the least.
I turned off my computer and stood, rushing toward him.
“For the record,” he said as he moved into the corridor. “You have a damn good punching arm.”
“Very funny.”
“Who’s joking?”
I flew toward my locker, grabbing my phone and purse, rushing from the firehouse. I’d already decided I was going to treat my baby girl with a little stop at her favorite ice cream store. That’s what my mother used to do on the first day back to school. She deserved it after everything she’d been through.
Jogging to the car, I grabbed my keys although I scanned the parking lot, fearful the asshole would return with a bigger film crew. Why was I such news? Why would anyone care so much about who I dated? After jumping in the car, I pulled out my phone.
Evidently, the news broadcast hadn’t aired yet. Maybe that would buy me a few hours. There were still a few texts and emails, but I’d deal with those later.
As I started the engine, I flipped through the texts just in case there was one from Alexsey. Oh, my God. This wasn’t the first time I wondered if he would try to contact me. I had to be nuts after the way I’d acted.
I glanced into the rearview mirror and headed out. If the traffic was bad, I’d be late. Ugh.
Maybe I needed to just break the ice and call Alexsey. And say what?
I’m sorry I was such a bitch.
That would work.
Oh, this was such a nightmare and the worst part? I missed him. Full stop. I missed him. His touch and the heat of his breath. The way he looked at me. His passionate kisses and just about everything else.
I glanced into the mirror. While the person following me was trying to maintain his distance, I could see him clearly. Maybe when and if I did talk to Alexsey I’d tell him his men sucked at tailing people. That would go over well.
The traffic was heavier than normal, crawling along one of the major roads. There had to be something going on. This wasn’t the usual time of day for the traffic to be so heavy.
Another five minutes passed and I’d gone maybe a half mile. A few seconds later and I realized why.
There was a traffic accident just up ahead.
Fuck. Fuck.
At least the exit was only a mile down the road.
Patience. Just have patience.
