Page 70 of It Destroys Me

“Thanks for doing that, Axel.”

“It’s no problem.”

“I mean it. You’re the reason she’s still here.”

Axel didn’t say anything. “Then it’s a good thing we treat our relationship like an adulterous affair.”

“It seems that way.”

“I don’t know how anyone would figure out she was here, not after taking the tunnels. If Bolton did somehow suspect me, I doubt he does anymore.”

“I’ll take her to work today so he knows she’s with me again.”

“You think she should be going to work right now?”

“I’ll have her go today for appearances, but then that’ll be it until this is done.”

He gave a sigh. “Can’t wait for this shit to be over.”

“Me too.” I walked to the coffee machine and started my espresso.

“How’s the shoulder?”

“It’s fine. Don’t even notice it.”

“Okay, tough guy.”

I’d just taken a drink of my coffee when Astrid walked into the room, wearing one of my shirts as a blanket. “I’ll talk to you later, man.”

“Tell Astrid I said hi.” He hung up.

I put the phone on the counter before I walked over to her.

She smiled as she stepped into me, giving me a tight hug like I was her favorite teddy bear.

I squeezed her back and brushed a kiss to her hairline. “Want some coffee?”

“Sure.” She moved for my coffee cup. “I’ll take this one.” She gave me a playful smile before she leaned against the counter and took a drink.

I smiled before I turned back to the coffeemaker and made another espresso.

She watched me, drinking her coffee. “How’s Axel?”

“Good,” I said. “After breakfast, get ready. I’m taking you to the gallery.”

“The gallery?” she asked blankly. “I’m not going to work today.”

“I’m coming with you.”

“You aren’t going anywhere with those injuries?—”

“I want Bolton to see us together, so he knows you aren’t anywhere else—like with Axel.”

Once she understood, she let the argument die. “Okay.”

“When this is done, we can have our fun, sweetheart.” I’d slept through the night, but I would have slept harder if I knew my enemies were in the dirt. Until he was dead and I could look at his corpse with my own eyes, I would always look over my shoulder.

“What’s your next plan?”