“You’ll pay?”
“I did a lot of tough jobs these past two years. What did I make the money for if not to use it now, when it matters?”
“My parents have money,” she says softly, her fingers curling on my jaw. “But thank you. That means more to me than you can know. I mean, no one in my life has ever protected me, and my family doesn’t even deserve your protection.”
My hands settle on her waist. “Tell me you’ll leave with me tonight after the dinner, Pri.”
“And go where?” she asks. “New York?”
“Yes. New York.”
“Won’t everyone look for you there, considering that’s Walker’s home base?”
“Sometimes under their noses is the best place to be,” I say. “And we have many resources in the city. If it gets too hot, we’ll leave the country. So, I ask again—”
“Not tonight,” she says. “I know my mother. I need to give her time to digest what I say to her.”
“Pri, damn it—”
“At least overnight,” she says. “Just give her until morning, Adrian. And then no matter what she says, or does, I’ll go with you. I’m not an idiot. I was in a cave last night. I know we're in trouble.”
Relief washes over me with her agreement and at the same moment, Blake speaks in my earpiece. “You’re clear.”
I hit the button to speak. “We’re on our way, Blake,” I say, and then disconnect. “Time to go.” I catch her hand and kiss her knuckles. “I cannot wait to get you out of this city. Come on.” I turn away from her, ready to guide her out of here when I have a realization. I think of what she said to me and how I responded.
I stop and turn back to her, molding her close again, tangling my fingers in her hair. “I love you, too,” I say softly. “Don’t forget that, Pri.”
“I think I’m the one who needs to say that to you,” she says, and I don’t argue. I’m not sure love, new love especially, will be enough to get us to the other side of this. I’m also not going to pretend I don’t hope it will, not anymore.
I kiss her hard and fast, and then I set us in motion, leading her out of this stairwell and, I hope soon, far away from this city.Chapter Thirty-SixPRI
Once we’re outside the building, we’re quickly inside the SUV with someone I don’t even know behind the wheel. “Mason,” the driver offers, lifting a hand. “Flew in a few hours ago with a team of Walker men.”
Meanwhile, Adrian is texting with someone and I just collapse on the seat, relieved to be in safe company. Relieved that Walker clearly brought in extra help.
Relief ends as we turn into another parking garage and I sit up, eyeing the tunnel we’re winding a path around.
“Why are we here?” I ask, glancing at Adrian.
Adrian points out Blake standing next to a black sedan, and my shoulders slump with yet more relief. It’s a hot minute before we’re parked next to him. “Let’s meet before your dinner,” Adrian says, opening the door. He reaches over to me and touches my bracelet. “Best to turn that back on.”
Blake joins us at the front of the vehicle next to the wall, where we stand out of view of pretty much anyone. “They’re legit agents,” Blake says. “Williams was friends with Pitt. Neither Williams nor Davis were authorized to question anyone on this case. They’ll be investigated, but Williams’ superior officer feels like he’s just worried about Pitt.”
I shake my head. “No. He was obsessed with Adrian. I’m not buying it.”
“Me either,” Blake assures me. “We have new men on the ground taking up residence at the prior safe house. We’re in control, but Adrian’s quest to get you both out of town is one I support. Tonight, after this dinner, is my preference.”
“Tomorrow, please,” I say. “My mother will not want to leave. I’ll make my case, and make it firmly, but she needs time to process what I tell her.”
Blake glances at Adrian who gives a nod. His lips press together. “I’ll have the plane ready in case we need it tonight.”
I hug myself with the ominous answer. “What do you know that I don’t know?”
“I know exactly what you know,” Blake replies. “Which is exactly why you should want to be on that plane tonight.” He shifts the topic. “Adam and Savage are at the restaurant.” With that, he walks away and clicks the locks to his vehicle.
Adrian steps in front of me, hands on my shoulders. “Mason will act as your hired driver. He’ll be close. That means I need to ride with Blake.”
“Please tell me that means you’ll stay away tonight?”
“I won’t be in the restaurant unless you need me.”
“I won’t need you. I have all your Walker allies. Stay away. It’s just a dinner with my mother.”