Part 18 (1/2)
I sat on the edge of the bed, headache growing, but still unsure how I felt. It should make me angry, him hitting her, but I didnt feel anything for her. I didnt want to feel anything for her. ”Did Nadia- your mom-see her after that? She didnt work at the club I thought.”
Gage shook his head. ”No she never worked there. My father never let her. She saw her a couple times after that though, with Nikolai. But nothing that helps solve who Jared is.” He sat on the bed next to me, hand gripping my thigh. ”But I left a message for Nikolai in prison. He might know more. Im on his visitor list, I could go Sat.u.r.day and ask. I have other business to discuss with him anyways.”
”Back to Baltimore to see him?” That made my heart drop, even though all the demons there were dead or locked up.
”No.” He held me in place with his gentle gaze. ”No, his prison is outside the city. Ill fly down and be back within the same day.”
”Im going with you then.” I didnt want him going alone. I didnt want to be left alone.
”You cant go to visit Nikolai. Youre not on the list.”
”Thats all right. Ill just fly down with you. That way you can tell me what he said right away.” I could tell Gage saw through my excuse, my nerves were thinly veiled.
He nodded, palm cupping my cheek. ”Okay. Come with me, and keep me company. Id like that.” He pressed his lips to mine, pulling back with a slight smile. ”Now thats settled. Lets make dinner.”
I stood with him, his agreement taking some of the weight, but my stomach still spun.
My phone rang as I walked into the math building. I had expected it and pressed the phone to my ear, actually surprised I made it this far without the call.
”Regan-”
”I know you want that guy following me everywhere, but hes strange and doesnt even speak English. You said hed be my driver, not escort. I dont want that.”
”Sal is a good guy. Hes there to keep you safe,” there was a hint of laughter in his voice.
”Hes rude and doesnt recognize social norms. He plowed through a bunch of people in the union, its embarra.s.sing. I dont want him around.”
He sighed. ”Fine. But he stays nearby, and you use him as your driver.”
”Sure.” That was easy, easier than I expected. Gage had been in a good mood all week. ”Are you going to the gym today?”
”I cant. Actually thats the real reason I called. I already knew you wouldnt like him around you all day, but I wanted to see what youd allow.”
b.a.s.t.a.r.d. ”What was the reason you called then?” I cut off his laughter.
”Well, Ive got a meeting tonight. I wont be home till late.”
”All right.” I spoke slow, trying to read his tone.
”Its important. About the new club, Ill fill you in later, in person.”
He wanted to say more, I could tell, but couldnt. He had been careful about phones since his run in with FBI at the gym.
”Thats fine, well talk later.” I tried to sound rea.s.suring, but his pause was spiking my nerves.
”Well, theres something else I need you to think about.”
Leo was waiting at the door to our cla.s.s and Kendall was coming down the start of the hall. I ducked into an empty cla.s.sroom to try and finish this call without being interrupted. The windows along the far wall let in bright light, enough to fill the small room.
”What?”
”You know that trip we were taking this Sat.u.r.day?”
”Yeah.” The Maryland trip that had been haunting my thoughts for days.
”Well, he called today, and I told him a little about what I wanted to know.”
The pause could have been a second, but it was heavy.
”He says he wont talk about that unless you come too. He wants to talk to you.”
”Oh.” My mind blanked.
”Youd have to be on his list, they have to process that paperwork so we wouldnt be able to go till next Sat.u.r.day.”
”All right. Ill do it. Youll be there, right?”
”Of course. Ill be right there, but you dont have to do this. You dont have to answer yet. Think about it.” There was some sound in the background, someone trying to get his attention. ”Think about it. I have to go. I love you.”
”I love you.” I hung up, staring around the empty cla.s.sroom. I wanted to know who my father was. I had to go. Gage would be there. I had to go. He was in prison. The visit would be safe, surrounded with guards.
I had to go.
Decision made, I turned around just as someone slipped into the room, closing the door behind him.
I stepped back, thinking my mind was playing tricks on me. The man was dressed casual, jeans and leather coat over a dark t-s.h.i.+rt, his hair was swooped back. He looked at me like the past couple of years never happened. Like we were familiar with each other still.
”Anthony?”
20: Never That Good.
”REGAN.” HE WAS QUICK TO CLOSE THE s.p.a.ce between us and wrapped an arm around me.
His touch snapped me out of my stunned state. I jumped back, out of his reach. ”What are you doing?”
”It was only a hug.” He held up his hands in innocence.
I b.u.mped into a table behind me; the cla.s.s was cluttered with them. I placed my palm on the desk, stopping my retreat, forcing myself to face him. ”What are you doing here?”
”Its been a long time.” He spoke soft, a strange smile on his face as his eyes scanned over me. ”I wanted to contact you sooner.”
He took a step towards me, and I took a step to the side, keeping the distance between us.