I wait for her to crawl onto the bed before I sit down next to her. She first snuggles against my side before I pull my phone out.
Even though I open my email account, I can’t focus on any of the words. Giving up, I set the device down on the bedside table, and look down at Jamie’s face.
Lifting my hand to her head, I softly pull my fingers through her hair, careful to avoid the area where her stitches are healing.
I have no words to describe what I felt when we found her, and I saw her all bloody and gasping for air on the ground.
I thought the night I got the call that Jennifer had died was the worst night of my life, but I was wrong.
I continue to softly caress Jamie’s hair and try to think back to when things changed between us but can’t. It feels like I’ve always cared about her. I now also understand what Mason must’ve gone through with Kingsley.
Almost losing Jamie to such a senseless violent act, I realized one thing. If the worst had happened, I would’ve died out in those woods with her.Chapter 30No matter where you go, you’re mine.JamieSince Julian went back to the office two days ago, I’ve been spending all my time catching up on the work I’ve missed. A couple of times, I had to call Lake for help, and I feel lucky that I have him to lean on, or I’d have to drop this semester.
Hayden and Max have been working in Julian’s study on the file Preston managed to get for them.
Glancing around the living room while I stretch my neck, which is healing nicely, I wonder whether I’ll be able to go back to Trinity Academy after almost being killed there.
Julian hasn’t told me anything about what the reaction is at the academy or with the press, but I’m sure news has gotten out by now.
Just added pressure for Julian to deal with.
My phone begins to buzz next to me, and I smile when I see Julian’s name flashing on the screen. He’s been so protective of me, which is only making me fall harder for him.
“Hey,” I answer. “Missing me already?”
“Yeah, I wanted to check on you before I go into a meeting. What are you doing?” he asks.
“I just finished a paper.” I lean back against the couch, feeling relaxed now that I get to hear his voice again, even though I just saw him five hours ago.
“Would you like to go out for dinner tonight?”
A smile spreads over my face at the thought of getting out for a while. “I’d like that.”
“Great. I’ll make reservations for seven.”
“I’ll miss you until then,” I whisper, feeling the warmth from falling in love with Julian spread through my body.
“Miss you too,” he replies.
I cut the call and open my laptop, so I can start with the next paper.
I’m researching a topic when my phone vibrates again. Not recognizing the number, I let it go to voicemail.
Just as I get back into reading an article, my phone beeps. Frowning, I pick it up and first finish reading the paragraph before I unlock my phone. Seeing that it’s a message, I click on it and then stare at a photo of Julian. He’s wearing the same grey suit from this morning and standing at a desk while reading a document.
Confused, I look at the number that sent me the photo.
Strange, I don’t recognize the sender.
My phone begins to ring again and seeing it’s the same number that sent me the photo, I answer, “Hello?”
“Hello.” There’s a moment's pause. “I’ve missed you. Have you missed me?”
“Excuse me?” I frown and pulling the phone away from my ear, I look at the number again before I ask, “Who’s this?”
“Ahh… you’re hurting my feelings, little girl.”
Realization dawns on me, and it blazes through me like a wildfire.
No.
I move to get up so I can call Hayden and Max, but then he says, “If you tell anyone, your boyfriend dies.”
I instantly freeze, my body tense as I wait to hear what he wants.
“Come to CRC Holdings.”
“And then?” I ask as my heart begins to beat faster.
“Then, we can spend some time together.” His voice sounds so normal, it’s hard to process that I’m talking to a killer. “Come to me, and I won’t kill your boyfriend. If you call the police, he dies. If you bring anyone along with you, he dies. Tick tock, little girl. His time is running out.”
The line cuts out, and instantly my phone beeps again with another photo of Julian talking to a woman.
Fear bubbles up in my chest, making it feel like I’m being suffocated.
Photos pop up on my phone, one after the other.
Knowing I have to hurry, I grab a piece of paper and write a note for Hayden and Max.