Total pages in book: 66
Estimated words: 62362 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 312(@200wpm)___ 249(@250wpm)___ 208(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 62362 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 312(@200wpm)___ 249(@250wpm)___ 208(@300wpm)
She smiled. “I’m fine. And if the police need anything from me, a statement or something, I’m more than ready to help.” She frowned at Theo, then shook her head. “Come on.” Grabbing Knox’s hand, she started for the door.
He paused and looked down at his half sibling. As angry as Knox had been at Theo, he didn’t recognize the pathetic man cuffed on the floor and couldn’t conjure up the fury he’d felt earlier. “You could have had it all, you know. Now I just hope you get the help you need. From inside a jail cell.”
Squeezing Jade’s hand tight, they walked around Theo and out the front door.
* * *
Knox insisted on sitting in the back of Zach’s truck cab with Jade, while Asher grumbled about feeling like a damned chauffeur. Jade laughed and snuggled into Knox’s arms, giving him peace for the first time since he’d discovered she was missing.
Fifteen minutes after they’d left the cabin, the police had called Asher’s phone, wanting to speak to Jade. They were annoyed she’d left the scene before they had time to get her statement. Asher told them her lawyer would be in touch, and she’d talk to them then before disconnecting the call.
Once back in the city, Asher had dropped Knox and Jade at her apartment. Knox ordered in food while she showered. Then they sat and ate deli sandwiches in silence. The ring sat in his pocket, taunting him. But he didn’t think this was the right time. Not after everything Jade had been through today. He didn’t want to take advantage of her vulnerability now.
She was quiet and he gave her the space she needed.
She picked up her remnants of her meal, stood, and tossed them in the trash. “Knox?” She turned toward him.
“Hmm?”
“You’re very quiet. Are you upset about Theo’s arrest? Worried about Holly? What is it?”
Her worry for him touched his heart, especially since he thought the silence had been her doing. “I was just wondering what was going on in your mind.” He stood and tossed out his garbage, as well. “I spoke to Holly while you were in the shower. She’s okay. Miles is taking good care of her.”
“That’s good. And Celia? I still can’t believe she was involved. Is she in trouble?” Jade asked.
“I hope not. All she did was try to get me back in her life. As soon as Theo’s plan went crazy, she spoke up.” He might not want to be married to Celia—and would definitely never trust her again—but he couldn’t deny she had done the right thing.
Jade nodded.
“Holly said that Celia left my office once she knew we’d found you. I assume that’s the last we’ll hear from her.”
“I can’t say that’s a disappointment, but I am grateful for her help.” Jade yawned, covering her mouth. “Excuse me.”
He walked over and cupped her face in his hands. “You have to be exhausted.”
She nodded. “I am.”
“I should go and let you get some rest.”
She shook her head, causing him to release her face. “Don’t go. I have some things I want to talk to you about.” She clasped his hand. “Come on. Let’s relax.”
She led him into her bedroom and the heaviness in his chest eased. Though he didn’t know what was going through her mind, the fact that she wanted him here was enough. She stretched out on the bed, patting the mattress beside her. He walked around to the other side and settled in.
She turned to face him and he did the same.
“Did I tell you I made Theo stop so I could throw up on the side of the road?” she asked.
He laughed. “You sound awfully pleased with yourself.”
“I am. At least I made him suffer some.”
“You gave him a good kick, too.”
Her eyes sparkled with mirth. “He deserved it.” She sat up and curled her legs beneath him, facing him.
He pushed himself up against the headboard, ready to hear whatever she had to say. He studied her face. Though pale, even without makeup, she was beautiful.
“So I had a lot of time to think as we drove up to the cabin.” She rubbed her arms with her hands. “I knew I couldn’t run because Theo had a gun and he’d made it clear he’d shoot. He had a knife, too. But as long as I was calm, I wasn’t too worried that he would hurt me. So I stopped panicking and started thinking about you.”
“I’m sorry you got caught in whatever the hell this thing is between me and Theo.” He tucked her hair behind her ear. “I was worried when I didn’t hear from you and then terrified when Celia told me what he planned.”
“It’s not your fault.” Jade gave him a small smile, one he appreciated. “Now to the important things.”
“I’m listening.”
She nodded and drew a deep breath, her fingers plucking at the comforter on the bed. “When you and I met up again, I had more walls built around my heart than a castle. But each time we were together, those walls came down, one by one, starting with that first kiss.”