Total pages in book: 49
Estimated words: 47606 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 238(@200wpm)___ 190(@250wpm)___ 159(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 47606 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 238(@200wpm)___ 190(@250wpm)___ 159(@300wpm)
“A lot of those pieces got me through some hard times,” I told him. “When things are happening to your body, you can disassociate, and it helps to have something to focus on, especially something beautiful. Not that I would ever want to see any of them ever again for as long as I live.”
“Well, I understand why you and the others went a bit scorched earth on this place.”
“And in such a short time,” I commented, because really, it was impressive.
Interesting to see the decimation of the kitchen, and then, in Gen’s office, the amount of paperwork, the open safe, and the safe behind it, the gold bars on display. The number of kilos of cocaine in the gun safe was also impressive. The rooms with locks on the outside were hard to see again, and the media room downstairs, where he could watch everything, as well as the over-the-top sex dungeon that I had missed being defaced.
“I’m sure it looks better destroyed than it did before,” Colton granted.
Yes, it did. Without question. So strange to think of myself living there, and worse, choosing that life. I had been so desperate to be loved and cherished that I accepted how I was treated, wagging my tail even as I was being tortured.
“Is that Antonov?” I heard Colton ask, and when I checked the tablet, realizing I’d been lost in my memories for a moment, there he was, the man who used to haunt my dreams, not allowing me to sleep, being walked out of his home in handcuffs by FBI agents. It was an amazing picture.
“Thank you so much,” I said, standing and offering Calhoun my hand. “I really appreciate your letting me have those images in my head instead of old ones.”
He stood up and took my hand. “You’re very welcome.”
“What’s going to happen with protection for Pax?” Colton asked.
“I’ve notified the Chicago PD, and they’ll have a patrol car in front of your place after five for the next month, and all day every weekend.”
“That makes sense. During the day I’m at work. I’m safe there.”
“Not his place, though,” Colton informed Calhoun. “At my place in Bucktown, that’s where he’ll be. His apartment is in an unsecured building near a not-so-great area. The cops would be too busy with other emergencies to watch out for him.”
“Then let’s do this. I’ll send some agents with you, you pack him up, and then they’ll escort you both to your place so we’ll know precisely where that is, as well as the layout.”
“That sounds great, thank you.”
As Calhoun walked to his desk to use his phone, I rounded on Colton. “Hello, do I have a say in any of this?”
The flick on my forehead was both painful and unexpected. Putting my hand over where it hurt, I tried to rub the sting away even as I glared at Colton. “Ow,” I grumbled.
“This is not up for debate, so I need you not to argue for once in your life.”
“I never argue with you unless you’re wrong.”
He flicked my ear that time.
“That really hurts!” I muttered instead of yelling, not wanting to make a scene in front of SAC Calhoun since he’d been so nice to us. I rubbed my ear, though.
“Gimme a break,” he warned me.
I took a step sideways, and he, of course, grabbed my bicep and yanked me right back. I rolled my eyes and stood there trying to wait patiently for Calhoun, before he called over to Colton to give him his address for CPD. Funny that right then I was reminded of a conversation with one of his friends from two years ago.
While he was at a party, I had brought him some papers that had to be signed and scanned in so they could be filed before our midnight deadline with family court. Since it was the middle of summer, everything was outside on the enormous deck, so the hostess, his friend’s wife, had led me into the kitchen, where I could use the table to get everything ready for him.
“Excuse me,” a woman said, taking a seat beside me, smiling. “May I speak to you for a moment?”
“Certainly.”
She put her hand on her chest. “I’m Gwen Evans, and you’re Paxton, aren’t you? I’ve spoken to you on the phone.”
“Oh yes, very nice to put a face to the voice.”
Taking a breath, she said, “I have a quick question, and I have no one else to ask, but it might be a bit awkward.”
Great. “Sure.”
“Have you ever had an issue with Colton ever hurting you, and if so, did you mention it to him?”
I could not have stopped my scowl if I tried. My hackles went up, my whole body instantly bristling.
“Oh, I’m sorry,” she said. “Never—”
“Oh, Gwen,” the hostess said, chuckling as she took a seat at the end of the table, having brought me a bottle of water. “What did you say to Colton’s darling assistant?”