“Away where?”
His eyebrows rose. “Trying to track down Kansas.”
That deflated her somewhat. “Oh. Did you find him?”
He tilted his head to one side, staring at her. “I can’t figure out whether you’re hoping that I did find him or that I didn’t.”
“You think I like knowing he’s out there? I don’t. But I doubt that he’ll come after me. He’s probably taken the money and high-tailed it off to Mexico and I won’t hear from him again.”
“You think so,” he mused.
She hoped so, anyway.
“So you didn’t find him?”
“Not yet. But I will. He can’t hide from me forever.” His eyes moved over her face. “Webb said you’re not being very cooperative.”
“Oh, I’m sorry. Have all your other prisoners been cooperative?”
“You’re here for your protection.”
She just shook her head. “You can dress it up however you like. But if I can’t leave and I’m here against my will, then I’m a prisoner.”
“You’d rather leave and be in danger?”
“Yes.”
“Not happening. You’re safe here.”
“You know, most people are happy to see the back of me,” she told him.
He narrowed his gaze, crossing his arms over his chest. “Why?”
Why?
Because she wasn’t a fun, easy person to be around. She had so much baggage weighing her down that sometimes it was hard to breathe.
Who wanted to be around someone like her?
“Enough talk of being a prisoner,” Zander said dismissively. “Webb said you wouldn’t let him check you over.”
Because that was one thing she could say no to, unless they forced her. But she didn’t think they would. At least, Webb wouldn’t. She felt bad every time she rejected his attempts to help her.
Maybe you should use him as an ally.
She sighed. Truth was, while Bartolli was out there, this likely was the safest place for her. Only trouble was, she couldn’t help her sister while she was locked up in here.
And she wasn’t safe.
“I’m fine.”
He eyed her.
“My ribs feel better. I can open my eye. The bruises will heal. There’s no need for him to fuss.”
She’d never had anyone fuss over her like Webb. It filled her with longing. Not in a sexual kind of way. She wasn’t attracted to him like that. But he seemed to actually care about her.
Don’t be fooled, Keira.