Total pages in book: 84
Estimated words: 78745 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 394(@200wpm)___ 315(@250wpm)___ 262(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 78745 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 394(@200wpm)___ 315(@250wpm)___ 262(@300wpm)
I laugh, a genuine, light laugh that feels good after so many days of tension. “I miss it too. And you. Though maybe I don’t miss the cleaning cages part as much.”
“Yeah, yeah,” she teases. “So, any idea when you’ll be back? Please say soon. I can’t handle Marcie breathing down my neck 24/7. I need my partner in crime.”
My chest tightens at the thought of returning to work while Jason is still out there, lurking. “I’m not sure. Orion—my bodyguard—wants me to hold off until we have more leads on Jason. But believe me, I want to get back to normal.”
Heidi falls silent for a moment, then drops her voice. “Speaking of Jason… he was at work yesterday.”
A chill slides down my spine, the phone growing clammy in my hand. “What?” I whisper, my heart pounding. “Why was he there?”
“He showed up near the aviary, asking about you. Tried to sweet-talk the new guy, Heath, into giving him info. Heath said he didn’t know you, that he was new, but, you know, Jason’s pushy.”
My stomach churns. “Was Marcie around? Did anyone call security?”
Heidi sighs. “We were about to, but he slipped out before we could. Marcie heard about it, though, and she’s on high alert. Honestly, the whole place is tense. It’s weird seeing him, all… I don’t know, calm, but clearly out for something.”
I rub my forehead, fighting off the swirl of dread and anger. “He’s desperate,” I say finally. “To find me, to… who knows what. But it’s not going to work. I’m safe where I am, and Orion has my back.”
“Orion, huh?” Heidi drawls, an obvious grin creeping into her tone. “So… that’s the mysterious man protecting you?”
I feel my cheeks heat up. “He’s not mysterious,” I protest, which is a lie—he totally is. “He’s just doing his job.”
“Mmhmm,” she hums, knowingly. “Briar, I can practically hear the blush in your voice. C’mon, is he at least hot?”
My blush deepens. “He’s… yeah. He’s good-looking. And kind. More muscles than I’ve ever seen before. Strong. Professional.” My voice cracks on the last word, because we’ve already blurred that line. But I’m not quite ready to lay all my cards out for Heidi.
She cackles. “Oh, you so like him. It’s obvious.”
“I never said I liked him!” I exclaim, but I can’t keep the flustered note from leaking out. Jeb squawks behind me, as if voicing his opinion on the matter.
“Babe, you didn’t have to,” Heidi says, smug. “I know that tone. I’m your best friend, remember?”
I let out a defeated sigh, half-laughing. “Fine, maybe there’s something there. But it’s complicated. He’s literally my bodyguard, and I’m literally being stalked by my psycho ex. Not exactly the ideal scenario for romance.”
Heidi clicks her tongue. “True, but life’s messy sometimes. Just… keep your eyes open, okay? You deserve a little happiness. Don’t let Jason’s crap sabotage that.”
Her words strike a chord in me. I glance around the living room—Orion’s living room—where a stack of my clothes lies folded on a chair, Jeb’s makeshift perch stands in a corner, and my phone charger drapes over the sofa. I realize I’ve been here for days now, and it’s starting to feel more like home than I ever expected. Orion’s presence has a way of making me feel… safe in a deeper sense than just physically protected.
“Thanks, Heidi,” I manage, my voice softer. “For everything. I’ll keep you posted.”
“You better,” she warns, then rattles off details about her own life: she’s got a date with Perry tomorrow night, and she’s giddy like a schoolgirl, but also nervous. We share a moment of normalcy, gossiping about men and outfits. She tells me she’s going to wear that sparkly top she got last month, and I squeal in excitement for her.
Finally, we say our goodbyes, promising to update each other soon. When I hang up, I catch Jeb staring at me. He cocks his head and lets out a squawk that sounds suspiciously like laughter.
“Don’t judge me,” I mutter, setting my phone down. But I can’t wipe the small smile off my face. Despite the fear, despite Jason’s lurking, there’s a glimmer of hope. And maybe it has something to do with a certain alpha protector who’s turned my life upside down in the best possible way.
We’re halfway through dinner—simple chicken, vegetables, and rice—but it tastes better than any gourmet meal thanks to Orion’s company. He sits across from me, eyes warm and focused, his fork clinking softly against the plate. It’s peaceful, and for the first time in what feels like forever, I can almost pretend the world isn’t spinning out of control.
But that illusion shatters the moment I mention Heidi’s call. I set my fork down and fold my arms on the table. “Heidi saw Jason at work yesterday,” I say, voice low and steady. My chest tightens just speaking the words out loud.