“For what?” I ask, feeling slightly defensive all of a sudden. “It takes one moment for what, Chris?”
He exhales in frustration. “I just want to make sure you’re safe.”
“I know that.”
“Then stop acting as though I’m the enemy,” he snaps.
I bristle at the accusation in his voice. This feels dangerously similar to our relationship after I told him I was engaged to Dane. The reason for our rift in the first place.
“I’m not.”
“Okay, then stop acting like I’m crazy for being worried. You’re willingly walking into this monster’s house.”
“And you know where I am,” I point out. “If I go missing, you can go to the cops.”
“I don’t want justice for you after you’re dead. I want to prevent you from dying in the first place,” he retorts.
I hear the phone beep as I’m speaking to Chris, and I realize I’m getting another call. I check to see who it is, and I feel a smidgen of relief when I see Freya’s name.
“Why do we think I’m dying today?” I can’t keep myself from asking.
“Seriously?”
“I have to go, Chris.”
“Just remember what we talked about last night. You need to figure out what happened with his wife. Maybe if you find out the truth, it’ll be easier for you to walk away.”
My gut sinks at the thought. It’s obvious Chris wholeheartedly believes that Anton murdered his wife in cold blood. He’s just waiting for me to figure it out for myself.
“Someone else is calling. I have to go.”
“Jess—”
“I’ll call you tonight when I’m back home.”
I end the call while he’s still talking and answer Freya. “Jessa?” she says.
“Hi, Freya,” I say as the black gates of Anton’s mansion come into view.
“How’s it going?”
“Fine. I’m heading into work.”
“Riiight… ‘work’,” she drawls.
“What is that tone?”
“Nothing,” she says. I can’t tell if she’s teasing me or if she’s as worried as Chris is. “Just wanted to make sure everything’s okay with you after last night.”
“Everything’s fine. Chris isn’t happy, but he… well, he isn’t happy,” I say, realizing there’s no way I can sugarcoat his reaction. Not that I need to.
“I’ll bet.”
“He does not have feelings for me, Freya.”
“No, you’re right. I think he’s just straight up in love with you,” she replies. “He’s way past the feelings stage. And I, for one, think you should go for it.”
“You don’t even like Chris.”