Total pages in book: 25
Estimated words: 24154 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 121(@200wpm)___ 97(@250wpm)___ 81(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 24154 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 121(@200wpm)___ 97(@250wpm)___ 81(@300wpm)
CHAPTER 10
EMILY
The prison is abuzz when I walk in the next morning. Normally, I’d stop and chat with a few people, but today I’m not in the mood. I walk past everyone, and once I get through security, I set my purse and tote bag down in my office and fall back into my chair.
I try to shake off my mood, but I can’t stop thinking about last night with Jack.
I haven’t seen him since he left. When I walked out of my house this morning, his two friends were sitting on the corner, and they followed me to work. I guess they’ve given up on trying to hide in plain sight.
I’m disappointed. Jack said he had to go last night, but I had hoped to see him again. Now I’m left wondering if he got what he wanted and he’s done with me.
Knock. Knock.
The sound on the open door has me sitting up, and I’m embarrassed that the warden has caught me daydreaming.
I stand up. “Sir. Good morning.”
He comes to stand fully in my office. “Hey, Emily. I just wanted to pop in and let you know that the group sessions and individual sessions are on hold today. I know you have some paperwork you could probably catch up on, but if you want to take that home with you, you can.”
My mouth falls open. I’m not sure what’s going on. “Uh, what happened? I don’t understand.”
The warden crosses his arms over his chest. “You should have come to me yesterday about the incident.”
My mouth drops. “The incident?”
He nods. “Yeah, safety is my number one priority here, and I’m sorry that you were not protected yesterday. I know Bradley does everything he can, but I’m getting more help.”
I open my mouth. “It wasn’t Bradley’s fault, he…”
The warden nods his head and interrupts me. “Yeah, I know. But after everything, we’re pausing therapy until we have more security in place.”
I can’t believe he’s making such a big deal out of this. Yesterday was not that serious. I hold my hands up. “Warden, seriously, yesterday was not a big deal.”
His eyes widen, and he clasps his hands together in front of him. “Richard Biggs is in the infirmary.”
“What?”
He nods. “Yeah, I thought you heard. Last night he was beaten so badly he’ll be in the infirmary for a few weeks.”
He’s about to walk out of my office. “Who… who did it?”
He gives me a knowing look, letting me know that he’s probably heard about Jack’s announcement and knows about his devotion toward me. “James Kelly. He has some kind of affiliation with the Exiled Guardians.”
I suck in a gasp. No. “Uhhhh—” I stutter.
The warden nods, “Yeah, but all the witnesses say it was self-defense.”
My hands fist at my sides. What was Jack thinking? If he had something to do with this, he’s going to get himself right back in here. I grab my tote bag. “Yeah, uh, if you don’t care, I think I would like to work from home.”
He nods his head, and I swear he looks worried. “Of course, of course, take as much time as you need. If you need a few days off, just let me know.”
He has definitely heard about Jack’s declaration of protection. For the most part the Exiled Guardians do good things, but they’re not somebody you want to mess with.
To my surprise, the warden walks me to my car and waves as I drive away. The Exiled Guardians prospects are nowhere to be seen, so they must have figured I was going to be here for the day. I drive straight home. I spend the morning and most of the afternoon staring at my computer screen, and it’s midday when I hear the motorcycle outside.
I run out barefoot, excited to see Jack, but I’m surprised when it’s not him but someone from his club. I stop next to the bike. “Where’s Jack?”
He grips the handlebars. “Sorry. We just heard you got off work early. He sent me right over.”
I grumble, “Where is he?”
He strokes his beard. “At Heat & Ink.”
I nod and turn on my heel. I’m halfway up the stairs. “Don’t get too comfy. I just gotta grab a few things and then I’m heading out.”
“Where are you going?”
“To see Jack,” I call over my shoulder.
I practically run into my bedroom and change into jeans and a T-shirt. I put my boots on, a little mascara, and not five minutes later, I’m out the door, racing down my steps. I wave to the biker as I get into my car.
It’s not until I’m almost to Heat & Ink that I start to second-guess myself. All these negative thoughts start running through my head. Jack wanted one thing, and he got it; now he’s over me. He told me what I wanted to hear to get into my pants. He didn’t come see me because he regrets what happened between us.